Chapter 14: Into the Depths of the Hollow
The jagged terrain of the Wailing Hollow seemed to stretch endlessly before Liam. The once marshy forest had given way to a desolate expanse of blackened rock and skeletal trees. Each step forward felt heavier, as though the very air sought to drag him back. The whispers, which had been faint at first, now seemed to echo directly in his mind, their unintelligible murmurs like a thousand voices speaking over one another.
Liam paused to catch his breath, leaning against a boulder that jutted out of the uneven ground. He glanced at his health bar, still recovering from his battle with the Shadow Warden. His fingers brushed against the newly equipped Warden's Amulet, its faint energy providing a small but noticeable boost to his resilience.
"Looks like this place is only going to get harder," he muttered.
He pulled up his game panel, reviewing his stats and gear.
Player Stats:
• Level: 21
• Experience: 55% to Level 22
• Free Attribute Points: 40
• Skills:
• Shadowstrike (EX): Level 12
• Primordial Insight (EX): Level 10
• Blade Dance (A): Level 9
Equipment:
• Iron Longsword (C-Rank): Equipped
• Tattered Cloak (C-Rank): Equipped
• Warden's Amulet (Rare): Equipped
The stats were solid for someone venturing into an S-Rank quest alone, but Liam knew it wouldn't be enough. He needed better gear, stronger skills, and more precise planning. The sanctum he sought wasn't just a physical challenge—it was a test of endurance and strategy.
He allocated 30 of his free attribute points, spreading them evenly between strength and agility, leaving 10 in reserve for emergencies.
[Attribute Points Allocated!]
• Strength: +15
• Agility: +15
The immediate improvement was noticeable. His movements felt smoother, his grip on his sword steadier. He sheathed his weapon and pressed forward, the oppressive whispers growing louder with each step.
The Forgotten Ruins
An hour into his trek, Liam stumbled upon a peculiar sight—a cluster of ancient ruins rising from the rocky terrain. Crumbled pillars and shattered statues lay strewn about, their surfaces etched with faint runes that glowed a pale blue.
[System Notification: You have discovered a Hidden Area: Whispering Ruins.]
A chill ran down his spine as he approached. The air here felt different, heavier, and charged with latent energy. Liam activated Primordial Insight, his vision sharpening as the magical outlines of the ruins became visible.
The runes pulsed faintly, their glow intensifying as he drew closer. He stepped carefully, mindful of potential traps. His caution paid off when he noticed a faint shimmer near the base of a collapsed archway—a concealed magical barrier.
"Let's see what you're hiding," Liam muttered, crouching to inspect the barrier.
The faint outline of an ancient chest became visible beyond the shimmer. It was locked, and no ordinary means would open it. He scanned the area for clues, eventually spotting a pedestal nearby. On it lay a worn puzzle tablet, its surface engraved with a series of interconnected symbols.
Puzzle Encounter: Whispering Ruins' Seal
• Objective: Align the symbols to unlock the chest.
• Difficulty: A-Rank.
Liam studied the tablet, noting the intricate patterns. He'd encountered similar puzzles in his time playing Eternal Dominion, but this one seemed unusually complex. The symbols were connected by faint lines, and every adjustment caused the others to shift unpredictably.
Minutes turned into an hour as Liam worked on the puzzle. His patience was tested as each failed attempt reset the entire sequence. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind.
"Think it through," he said to himself. "The game doesn't make these impossible."
Finally, he noticed a pattern—the runes on the tablet matched those on the ruins around him. Using his Primordial Insight, he aligned the tablet's symbols with the runes in the environment.
[System Notification: Puzzle Solved!]
• The Whispering Ruins' Chest has been unlocked.
The barrier shimmered and faded, revealing the chest in its entirety. Liam approached cautiously and opened it.
[Loot Acquired:
• Midnight Shard (B-Rank)
• Ancient Rune Powder (Crafting Material)
• Silver Coins (x12)]
The Midnight Shard was a dagger, sleek and black as obsidian, with a faintly glowing edge. Though not his primary weapon type, it would serve as a valuable backup.
Ambush in the Shadows
Liam barely had time to examine his loot when the whispers intensified, rising into a shrill crescendo. The air grew colder, and the shadows around him began to writhe.
[System Notification: Warning! You are being ambushed.]
From the darkness emerged a group of spectral figures—Wailing Spirits, their translucent forms shifting and flickering. Their hollow eyes locked onto Liam, and a chilling wail echoed through the ruins.
Wailing Spirits
• Level: 19-21
• HP: 3,000 each
• Skills: Soul Drain, Spectral Slash, Ethereal Form
Liam wasted no time, activating Blade Dance to close the distance. His sword slashed through the first spirit, its shimmering form dissipating with a shriek. The remaining spirits circled him, their movements erratic and unpredictable.
One of them lunged, its claw-like hand glowing with dark energy. Liam sidestepped just in time, countering with Shadowstrike. The critical hit tore through the spirit, dealing massive damage.
The battle was chaotic, each spirit attacking from a different angle. Liam relied on his agility and Primordial Insight to stay ahead, dodging their attacks and striking with precision.
After a grueling few minutes, the last spirit let out a mournful cry before disintegrating into the air.
[Combat Summary:
• Monsters Defeated: 5 Wailing Spirits
• Experience Gained: 8,500
• Loot Acquired: Spectral Essence (x5), Bronze Coins (x18)]
Liam dropped to one knee, catching his breath. His health was low, but the fight had been worth it. The Spectral Essence was a rare crafting material, valuable in the marketplace or for creating high-tier items.
A Faint Light Ahead
After using a healing potion, Liam pressed on, leaving the ruins behind. The terrain grew even more treacherous, the jagged rocks giving way to steep cliffs and narrow pathways.
In the distance, a faint light glimmered through the darkness. It was unlike the eerie glow of the ruins—this light felt warm, almost inviting. Liam quickened his pace, curiosity and caution warring within him.
As he approached, the light revealed itself to be a campfire, surrounded by a group of NPCs. They were travelers, their gear battered and worn, their faces etched with exhaustion.
One of them, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, looked up as Liam approached.
"Another wanderer?" the man said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You'd best turn back, lad. The hollow takes everyone in the end."
Liam shook his head. "I can't. I have a quest to complete."
The man studied him for a moment before sighing. "Then rest here for a while. You'll need all the strength you can muster for what lies ahead."
Grateful for the respite, Liam joined the travelers around the fire. As they exchanged stories of their journeys, he felt a strange sense of camaraderie. Though they were NPCs, their struggles felt real—a testament to the immersive depth of Eternal Dominion.
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Liam's resolve only grew stronger. The Wailing Hollow had tested him at every turn, but he was determined to see it through.
For beyond the darkness lay the Sanctum of Echoes—and the answers he sought.