The chamber's darkness seemed to thicken, the air growing colder as the shadowy figure materialized before me. My heart pounded in my chest, every sense heightened as I gripped the Aetherblade tighter, ready to strike. But as the figure drew closer, the familiarity of its features stopped me cold.
It was almost like looking at a ghost—a spectral echo of my father. The resemblance was uncanny, yet there was something distinctly different, an otherworldly aura that clung to this apparition. The figure floated effortlessly, its form nearly transparent, like a projection from another realm.
"I've been waiting for you," the figure said, a smile playing on its lips. "You have finally arrived."
Confusion and shock warred within me. "Who are you?" I demanded, my voice echoing through the chamber. "You look like... but you can't be..."
The figure chuckled, as if amused by my bewilderment. "I am not a ghost," it said, almost reading my thoughts. "I am King Arnault Avaloria, the last king of Avaloria."
The name sent a jolt through me. King Arnault Avaloria— is he the one who had left the hidden map in the book that I found?
"The answer is yes," King Arnault said, without me saying those questions out loud. It looks like it can read my mind. I thought.
He continued, "The previous kings of Avaloria set up these ruins as a contingency for the fall of Avaloria."
"Why are you here?" I asked, my mind racing with questions.
King Arnault's smile widened. "I am merely a projection of my will, here to leave a message for our surviving kin. These ruins were left as a test, an opportunity for our descendants to grow and prove themselves," he explained. "The dragon you faced was but a baby when I left it here, a guardian meant to challenge and strengthen those who sought the treasures within."
I couldn't help but laugh inwardly at the absurdity. "A baby? That thing was a full-grown dragon!"
The king chuckled again. "Well, technically, if you left it 900 years ago, it would have grown. But the challenge remains the same—a test of strength and cunning."
I shook my head, still trying to wrap my mind around it all. "But how did you tame a dragon?"
King Arnault's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Did you not read the book I left behind at the first ruin? I believe the title was '101 Ways to Tame Your Dragon: A Practical Guide.'"
I frowned, recalling the book. "No, that guide was for a naga."
The king nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Ah, so you did find the book. That was one of my favorites. Have you happened to find 'Love Blooms Even in the Mana-Drained Swamp'? That was another favorite of mine."
I couldn't help but laugh at the king's eccentric tastes. "No, I haven't come across that one yet."
King Arnault smiled, his form beginning to fade. "I'm glad you made it here, Draven. Take everything and use it well. And oh, I almost forgot. There is a map that will point you to the next ruin, and there I left you an important message. Good luck."
With those final words, the king's figure vanished, leaving me alone in the chamber. I took a deep breath, trying to process everything that had just happened. Then, with a determined nod, I began to store the treasures around me into my Celestial Vault.
Gold, silver, jewels, and other non-magical artifacts disappeared into the infinite dimension. As I sorted through the enchanted artifacts, my eyes fell on a suit of black armor that seemed perfect for Galen. I read the ancient text on the tag attached to it:
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Black Armor: Obsidian Guard
Design and Abilities:
The Obsidian Guard is a formidable suit of black armor, designed with sleek lines and an imposing presence. The armor is forged from a rare, enchanted obsidian that not only provides exceptional physical protection but also offers unique abilities unrelated to shadows.
Abilities:
Elemental Resistance: The armor provides significant resistance against elemental attacks, such as fire, ice, and lightning. The obsidian material is imbued with protective runes that neutralize these elements.
Kinetic Absorption: The armor can absorb and store kinetic energy from physical impacts. This stored energy can then be released in a powerful shockwave to repel enemies or enhance the wearer's strikes.
Self-Repair: The armor has the ability to slowly repair itself when damaged, using the magical properties of the obsidian to mend cracks and breaks over time.
Enhanced Strength: The wearer gains a boost in physical strength, allowing them to lift heavy objects and deliver more powerful blows in combat.
Tactical Interface: The armor is equipped with a magical interface that provides real-time tactical information, such as enemy positions, terrain analysis, and potential threats, enhancing the wearer's situational awareness.
Design:
The Obsidian Guard was meticulously crafted by a renowned blacksmith who discovered a rare deposit of enchanted obsidian deep within a volcanic mountain. This unique material is known for its durability and magical properties. Each piece of the armor was carefully forged and imbued with powerful enchantments, ensuring that it would offer exceptional protection and unique abilities.
The design features sleek, angular plates that interlock seamlessly, providing both flexibility and coverage. Golden runes are etched into the obsidian, glowing faintly with the magical energy that powers the armor's abilities.
I continued my search and found another suit of armor that caught my eye. I read the tag:
Black Armor: Dreadnought Plate
Design and Abilities:
The Dreadnought Plate is an imposing suit of black armor, crafted to instill fear and command respect on the battlefield. Made from a rare alloy known as "Darksteel," the armor features a sleek, polished finish with intricate engravings that pulsate with crimson energy. This armor is designed to provide unparalleled protection and enhance the wearer's combat capabilities.
Abilities:
Energy Absorption: The armor can absorb energy from magical and physical attacks, converting it into a temporary boost in the wearer's strength and endurance.
Battle Fury: When activated, the armor grants the wearer heightened senses and reflexes, allowing them to move and react with superhuman speed and precision in combat.
Crimson Aura: The armor emits a crimson aura that can intimidate and demoralize enemies, reducing their effectiveness in battle.
Kinetic Pulse: The armor can generate powerful kinetic pulses, allowing the wearer to unleash forceful shockwaves to knock back or disarm enemies.
Thermal Regulation: The armor is equipped with an advanced thermal regulation system, protecting the wearer from extreme temperatures and allowing them to endure harsh environments.
Enhanced Durability: The Darksteel alloy provides exceptional durability, making the armor resistant to damage from both physical and magical sources.
Design:
The Dreadnought Plate was crafted by a legendary blacksmith who discovered the secrets of Darksteel, a rare and powerful material found deep within the heart of a dormant volcano. This unique alloy is known for its incredible strength and ability to channel and store energy.
Each piece of the armor was meticulously forged and engraved with intricate runes that enhance its abilities. The polished black surface is adorned with crimson lines that pulse with energy, giving the armor an otherworldly and intimidating appearance.
With the treasures secured and the armors inspected, I turned my attention to the map King Arnault had mentioned.
"Wait- what?"