The silence that followed was deafening. James fell to his knees, gasping for breath as the adrenaline wore off.
[Eldarath Guardian Defeated]
[50 XP Gained]
[XP: 50/200]
A new notification appeared as James approached the fallen guardian, the broken core had disappeared and been replaced by an amulet.
[Amulet of Intellect (Rare+)]
[When worn provides +50 mana]
James stared at the amulet, a grin spreading across his face despite his exhaustion. This was it. This was the beginning of something far greater than he had imagined.
James's heart still pounded from his battle with the Eldarath Guardian, the thrill of victory mingling with the ache in his muscles. The shattered remnants of the construct lay scattered across the chamber floor, its once-glowing glyphs now dim and lifeless. The Amulet of Intellect hung around his neck, its faint energy seeping into him, making his thoughts sharper and clearer with each passing moment.
He took a moment to steady his breathing and checked his status panel.
Name: James
Race: Riftborn
Class: Reaper
Understanding of Death: 0.2%
Level: 2
XP:50/200
Health: 110/120
Mana: 78/100 + 50 = 128/150
Mana Regen: 0.3 M/S
Strength: 3
Vitality: 12
Dexterity: 3
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 3
Perception: 1
Stamina: 3
SP: 0
SMP: 10
Abilities: Analyze (Level 1) (Unique), Shadow tentacles (Level 1) (Unique) (Channel) (Shadow Affinity), Requiem of Souls (Level 1) (Unique) (Channel) (No Affinity), Grasp of the Fallen (Level 1) (Unique) (Active) (Necromantic Affinity), Death's Embrace (Level 1) (Unique) (Active) (Necromantic Affinity), Summon Scythe (Level 1) (Unique) (Active) (No Affinity)
Skills: Basic Scythe Wielding (Level 1) (Common), Pathfinding (Level 1) (Common)]
Spells: None
Resistances and Immunities: Canadian (Level 1) (Unique)
Quests: Find and Explore the Ruins of Eldarath, Objective: Complete the hidden dungeon within the ruins, (Unique Quest) (Tutorial Quest), Reward: 100 XP + Unique Artifact]
The boost to his mana pool from the amulet was substantial, but he couldn't shake the awareness that his health bar had taken a hit. He reached for his pouch and pulled out a piece of dried meat he'd scavenged from the forest. It wasn't much, but it would do for now.
[+10 HP]
As he chewed, he glanced around the chamber. The cavernous room was eerily quiet, save for the occasional drip of water echoing from unseen cracks. The air was damp and carried a faint metallic tang. Shadows stretched long across the stone floor, cast by the faint, flickering glow of the glyphs on the walls. They seemed to pulse faintly as if responding to his presence.
"This place is alive," James muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, but it also intrigued him. If the ruins themselves held power, what other secrets lay hidden within?
He adjusted the strap of his scythe across his back and stepped cautiously toward a narrow corridor leading deeper into the ruins. The path descended further, the steps uneven and slick with moss. He placed each foot carefully, the soft scrape of his boots the only sound accompanying him. The faint glow of the glyphs provided just enough light to see, but the shadows pressed close, threatening to swallow him whole.
The corridor opened into another chamber, smaller than the first. A broken statue of a warrior stood in the center, its features worn smooth by time. The statue's outstretched hand seemed to point toward a door on the far side of the room, its surface covered in intricate carvings. James approached the door, running his fingers over the patterns. They felt cool to the touch, and a faint vibration hummed beneath his fingertips.
[Analyzing…]
[Runic Door]
[Status: Sealed]
[Requirement: Solve the puzzle to proceed.]
A low rumble echoed through the room as the carvings began to shift, rearranging themselves into a series of symbols. James stepped back, watching as the glyphs settled into a grid-like pattern. Each symbol glowed faintly, and he noticed a faint similarity to the glyphs he'd seen earlier on the walls and the guardian.
"A puzzle," he muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Let's see what you've got."
He studied the grid carefully. The symbols seemed to represent elements—fire, water, earth, and air—alongside abstract shapes that might indicate some kind of sequence. He pressed one of the symbols, and the grid shifted, the surrounding glyphs changing color. A soft chime sounded, a signal that he'd made the correct choice.
Encouraged, he continued, selecting symbols based on their apparent patterns and connections. Each correct choice brought another chime, but a single mistake caused the grid to reset with an ominous hum. Sweat beaded on his brow as he worked, his mind racing to decipher the logic behind the arrangement.
Finally, with a triumphant flourish, he pressed the last symbol. The grid flared brightly, and the door groaned as it slid open, revealing another passageway. A notification appeared.
[Puzzle Solved: +10 XP]
[XP: 60/200]
James grinned, the small victory bolstering his confidence. He stepped through the doorway, the air growing colder as the passage narrowed. The walls were lined with more glyphs, their glow pulsating faintly as though guiding him forward. The passage twisted and turned, each step taking him deeper into the ruins.
The next room was massive, its ceiling lost in shadow. Stone pillars rose like sentinels, their surfaces carved with depictions of battles and rituals. In the center of the room stood a raised platform, and atop it rested a pedestal similar to the one he'd seen earlier. This one held a strange orb, its surface swirling with a mix of light and shadow.
James approached cautiously, his scythe at the ready. The orb's energy was palpable, sending a faint tingling sensation across his skin. As he reached out to touch it, a sudden roar echoed through the chamber. From the shadows emerged another guardian, this one smaller than the first but no less menacing. Its body was sleek, almost serpentine, and its glowing eyes locked onto James with predatory intent.
[Analyzing…]
Name: Eldarath Sentinel
Level: 4
Health: 200/200
Abilities:[Glyph Shot: Fires a concentrated blast of energy, costs no mana, as it can only be used by dungeon constructs, or other constructs with an outside mana source, (Level 1) (Rare) (Active) (Runic Affinity)], [Shadow Veil: Cloaks itself in darkness, becoming harder to hit costs no mana, as it can only be used by dungeon constructs, or other constructs with an outside mana source, (Level 1) (Rare) (Active) (Runic Affinity)]
James's grip tightened on his scythe. The sentinel moved with a fluid grace, circling him as it prepared to strike. He activated [Shadow Tentacles], summoning two dark tendrils that lashed out at the construct. The sentinel dodged with ease, its movements almost too fast to follow.
[-2 Mana] [-2 Mana] [-2 Mana] [-2 Mana] [-2 Mana]...
[Mana: 118/150]
The sentinel countered with a blast of energy, the attack narrowly missing James as he rolled to the side. The impact left a scorch mark on the stone floor, a reminder of the construct's power. James retaliated with a swing of his scythe, the blade glancing off the sentinel's sleek surface. The vibrations from the impact jolted up his arms, but he held firm.
"Alright," he muttered, adjusting his stance. "Let's try this."
He activated [Grasp of the Fallen], summoning the spectral wolf once more. The spirit lunged at the sentinel, snapping at its limbs and forcing it to divert its focus. Seizing the opportunity, James channeled necrotic energy into his scythe, the weapon glowing with dark power. He swung again, this time aiming for the glowing glyphs along the sentinel's spine.
[-5 Mana]
[Mana: 113/150]
The attack landed, a sharp crack echoing through the chamber as the sentinel staggered. Its movements became erratic, and James pressed the advantage. He activated [Death's Embrace], unleashing a wave of necrotic energy that enveloped the sentinel. The construct writhed under the assault, its glyphs flickering as its health dwindled.
[-10 Mana]
[Mana: 103/150]
With a final swing of his scythe, James struck the sentinel's core, shattering it in a burst of light. The construct crumbled, its remains scattering across the platform. A notification appeared.
[Eldarath Sentinel Defeated: +40 XP]
[XP: 100/200]
James exhaled, his body trembling from the exertion. He turned his attention back to the orb, its swirling energy seeming to beckon him. Carefully, he reached out and touched it. A surge of power coursed through him, and another notification appeared.
[You have acquired the Eldarath Essence Orb (Rare). When held, grants +10 Intelligence and +5 Mana Regen per second.]
James's eyes widened and dollar signs flashed through them as he examined the orb. The boost to his intelligence and mana regeneration was significant, a game-changer for abilities. He tucked the orb into his pouch and took a moment to catch his breath. The ruins were proving to be as dangerous as they were rewarding, and he'd only scratched the surface.
As he prepared to move on, a low hum filled the chamber. The glyphs on the walls flared brightly, illuminating another passage that had been hidden in the shadows. James's curiosity burned brighter than ever. Adjusting his grip on his scythe, he stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited him in the depths of Eldarath.
The new corridor stretched endlessly, narrowing as he moved deeper. With every step, the air grew denser, as if the ruins themselves were pressing against him. Strange, almost musical whispers brushed his ears, their alien tones resonating with the glyphs lining the walls. The faint light of the glyphs pulsed in a rhythm that matched his heartbeat, urging him forward.
After what felt like hours, he arrived at another chamber. This one was circular, with a high domed ceiling etched with constellations that glimmered faintly. At the center of the room stood a brazier, its flames burning a cold, unnatural blue. Surrounding it were four statues, each depicting a different figure: a warrior, a mage, a rogue, and a healer. Each statue held an object in its outstretched hands—a sword, a staff, a dagger, and a vial.
[Analyzing…]
[Challenge of the Archetypes]
[Status: Active]
[Objective: Choose an archetype to test your resolve]
James's gaze flicked between the statues. The carvings were unnervingly detailed, their stony eyes seeming to follow him as he moved closer. He studied each option carefully, weighing his choices. The warrior's sword gleamed with an aura of raw power, while the mage's staff pulsed with arcane energy. The rogue's dagger seemed to shimmer, blending into the shadows, and the healer's vial glowed with a soothing light.
"A test," he murmured, his hand hovering over the mage's staff. "Let's see what this does."
As his fingers brushed the staff, the brazier's flames flared, and the room darkened. A voice echoed through the chamber, deep and resonant.
"You have chosen wisdom. Prove that your mind is sharper than any blade."
The room shifted, the statues fading into the darkness. In their place appeared a maze of glowing lines etched into the floor, forming a complex grid. At the center of the maze stood a shimmering crystal, its light beckoning him forward. The voice spoke again.
"Reach the crystal, but beware—each step carries a cost."
James hesitated, studying the maze. Some lines glowed brighter than others, and faint symbols appeared at intersections. He stepped forward cautiously, choosing a path that seemed safe. The moment his foot touched the glowing line, a surge of energy coursed through him, draining his mana.
[-10 Mana]
[Mana: 93/150]
"Of course," he muttered, clenching his fists. He moved carefully, each step draining a portion of his mana but bringing him closer to the crystal. As he advanced, shadowy figures emerged from the edges of the maze, their forms indistinct but menacing. They moved toward him, their presence chilling the air.
James summoned [Shadow Tentacles], the dark tendrils lashing out to hold the figures at bay. The effort taxed his mana further, but he pressed on, determined to reach the crystal.
[-15 Mana]
[Mana: 78/150]
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he reached the center. His hand closed around the crystal, and a surge of energy flowed through him, restoring his mana and health. The maze dissolved, and the room returned to its original form. The voice spoke once more.
"You have passed the test of wisdom. May your journey be guided by knowledge."
[Challenge of the Archetypes Completed: +50 XP]
[XP: 150/200]
A new glyph appeared on the wall, glowing brightly and pointing toward another passage. James's confidence swelled as he stepped forward, ready to uncover the next secret hidden within the ruins of Eldarath.