I stand at the edge of a jagged ravine known as Ironfang Trench. Twisted spires of metal rise from the earth, bent and fractured shapes that reflect faint light in irregular patterns. The ground beneath my boots is rough and uneven, strewn with shards of rusted iron and tangled roots. This is nothing like the marsh or the grove. There's no hint of green growth or smoldering ash. Instead, I face corroded surfaces and narrow chasms, each step a careful test of balance.
My Undead Soldier stands at my side, sword raised. I'm Level 11 now, and I've gathered two Spirit Keys—Emberfang and Marsh. One final key awaits, hidden in this harsh trench. Once I claim it, I can open that sealed shrine and claim a relic worthy of a Battle Summoner. If I can assemble these pieces, I might become strong enough to summon multiple units at once, to command a small force of undead against any foe.
A prompt flickers as I step forward:
Encounter: Iron Stalkers (x2), Rusted Boar (x1). Engage? Yes/No
I whisper, "Yes." The Iron Stalkers are lean constructs of metal scraps, vaguely canine in shape. They rush in, claws scraping stone. Turn order: one Stalker first, then me, Soldier, second Stalker, and Boar last. The first Stalker leaps, its claws screeching against my armor, dropping HP from 180 to 165. I counter with a slash, shaving off bits of rusted plating. The Soldier cleaves straight down, crushing the Stalker into scrap. The second Stalker lunges at my Soldier, dealing minor damage (Soldier HP: 80/90). The Rusted Boar charges, tusks slamming into my side. HP: 145/180.
I strike again, killing the second Stalker with a heavy blow. The Soldier intercepts the Boar, piercing its flank. The beast squeals, trying to break free, but I finish it with a thrust.
Victory!
+70 EXP
Loot: Metal Shards (3), Bent Gear (1)
The loot here is all metal scraps and broken fittings, no organic trophies. I push deeper into the trench, careful not to slip into narrow cracks. Sharp edges protrude from the stone, threatening to gash my ankles if I misstep. A distant grinding sound echoes—a reminder that this place may hold more than just savage wildlife.
Another prompt:
Encounter: Scrap Raptors (x2), Iron Hawk (x1). Engage? Yes/No
I nod, "Yes." The Raptors skitter forward, elongated necks and jagged metal teeth snapping at the air. The Iron Hawk circles overhead, a metal avian shape beating creaky wings. Turn order: Raptor, me, Soldier, second Raptor, Hawk. The first Raptor slashes my arm. HP: 130/180. I retaliate, chipping away at its plating. The Soldier brings its blade down hard, shattering the Raptor's frame. The second Raptor tries to circle around me, but I pivot and slash, weakening it. The Hawk dives, striking my Soldier (70/90).
I finish the second Raptor quickly. The Soldier swings upward, catching the Hawk's wing and sending it crashing down. A final stab ends it.
Victory!
+80 EXP
Loot: Wing Fragment (1), Metal Talon (2)
This region's foes are tougher, but I'm stronger now. No healing vials remain, though. I must rely on leveling up or cautious play.
A distant glow catches my eye. Through a winding passage, I find a half-buried archway carved into rock and metal. A prompt appears:
Mini-Boss Encounter: Ironbound Guardian (1)
Yes/No?
A guardian. Perfect. The first key fragment must be here. I say "Yes." The Ironbound Guardian lurches forward—a bulky figure of overlapping plates and old mechanisms. Turn order: Guardian first, then me, Soldier last. The Guardian hurls a jagged shard at me. HP: 100/180. I slash at its center mass, managing moderate damage. The Soldier strikes from the side, prying loose a plate. The Guardian retaliates by slamming a heavy arm into my Soldier. Soldier HP: 60/90.
I press the attack, targeting exposed gears. My blade sparks against metal. The Soldier hammers at the Guardian's leg, forcing it to stumble. The Guardian tries another shard toss, but I dodge this time and land a finishing blow. Metal screeches as it collapses.
Victory!
+200 EXP
Loot: Iron Key Fragment (1), Oily Rag (1)
1/3 fragments for the Ironfang Key. The pattern holds. I climb over rusted debris and follow a narrow ledge. More battles ensue: Iron Stalkers, Scrap Raptors, twisted abominations clanging and shrieking in hollow echoes. They chip away at my HP, but leveling from the Guardian kill restores me somewhat. I reach Level 12, raising HP and MP again. Good timing.
Eventually, I find a second clearing: a shattered platform surrounded by jagged beams. Another prompt:
Mini-Boss Encounter: Ironbound Guardian (Variant) (1)
Yes/No?
Variant means stronger. I say "Yes." This Guardian wields a long polearm made from fused metal rods. It attacks first, sweeping the weapon in a wide arc. HP: 140/190. I strike back, aiming for joints. The Soldier assists, bashing off a loose plate. The Variant roars with a grinding sound, slamming its weapon into the ground to send shockwaves through my feet. HP: 120/190, Soldier 50/90. I keep swinging, piece by piece, until the Guardian staggers. The Soldier ends it with a downward chop.
Victory!
+250 EXP
Loot: Iron Key Fragment (1), Ripped Cabling (1)
2/3 fragments now. One more remains. I push onward, crossing a rusted bridge spanning a deep pit. Below, I hear scraping sounds, but I don't dare look down. Another fight or two, dispatching more Iron Stalkers and a lone Rusted Boar, brings me to a final chamber: a sunken arena carved into rock and metal. A prompt:
Mini-Boss Encounter: Ironbound Guardian (Elder) (1)
Yes/No?
The Elder again—just like in the marsh. I breathe deeply. My HP is decent, and I trust my Soldier's blade. "Yes."
The Elder Guardian rises from a pile of twisted bars. Taller, broader, its chest glowing with faint sparks. It attacks first, launching a barrage of metal splinters. HP: 150/200, Soldier 70/90. I slash at its knee, doing minor damage. The Soldier swings at an arm joint, scraping away layers of metal. The Elder stomps the ground, causing a shockwave that rattles my teeth. HP: 120/200, Soldier 40/90. The Soldier looks battered, but I can't dismiss and resummon mid-fight without wasting precious turns.
I attack faster, hoping to break something vital. Sparks fly as I hit a vulnerable spot. The Soldier tries to follow up, chipping more metal away. The Elder roars, swinging a thick arm into me. HP: 90/200. Another turn or two and I'll be in trouble.
I push harder, switching tactics. I target the Elder's face—an arrangement of interlocked plates. My blade strikes true, bending a plate inward. The Elder staggers, reeling. The Soldier seizes the moment, driving its sword up into the chest cavity. The Elder shudders, then collapses with a thunderous crash.
Victory!
+300 EXP
Loot: Iron Key Fragment (1), Strange Alloy (1)
The three fragments merge:
Ironfang Key formed.
I have all three keys: Emberfang, Marsh, and Ironfang. A prompt updates my main quest:
All Spirit Keys Acquired. Return to the Settlement and Proceed to the Sealed Shrine.
I breathe a sigh of relief. The Soldier stands by me, dented but not broken. I open the overmap and return to the settlement. The once-imposing tasks now behind me, I push through the gate and make straight for the clerk.
He seems startled when I place the three keys on the counter. "You actually got them all," he says quietly. "They say that shrine's doors have been closed for generations. Inside, you'll find what you came for—or you might find your end."
I shrug. "I'm ready."
He nods, pointing me to a new marker on the overmap: The Sealed Shrine. Perfect. I check my inventory, sell off useless metal scraps and other junk. I purchase better healing vials—three of them—and a reinforced piece of chest armor. The blacksmith fits it to me, raising my defense slightly.
Acquired: Reinforced Leather Chestplate (Common), slight increase in DEF.
I close my inventory screen, feeling stronger, better prepared. The Soldier stands ready. With three keys in hand, the sealed shrine awaits. I imagine doors grinding open at my approach, revealing whatever trial and relic lie within. Soon I might command more summons, become a force no one can ignore.
I step toward the overmap signboard, keys stowed safely. The settlement's murmurs fade behind me. I select the shrine's icon, and the world blurs. It's time to claim my relic.