2025-09-15 13:31:13The ancient stone structures rising from the forest floor were more impressive than any of them had expected. Carved pillars twisted with magical symbols stretched toward the sky, and a massive stone door was set into what looked like a small hill covered in centuries of plant growth.
"This is it," Lady Celestine breathed, pulling out her research notes. "This matches the descriptions perfectly.""It's bigger than I imagined," Lady Evelyn said, studying the carved symbols on the nearest pillar. "These runes are ancient. Pre-kingdom era, definitely."Marcus and Robert began unloading equipment from the wagon while the scholars examined the site. Shovels, rope, torches, and various tools that might be needed for excavation."The entrance is here," Lady Celestine said, pointing to the stone door. "But it's sealed with magical locks. According to my research, it requires specific solutions to a series of riddles.""What kind of riddles?" Jin asked."The kind that
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
Chapter 83
The journey back to civilization took three days of steady travel through forest paths that seemed friendlier now that they were heading away from Shadow Moon territory. The wagon was lighter without all their excavation equipment, but heavier with the weight of Valdris's recovered journals and scrolls."I still can't believe someone got there before us," Lady Celestine said as she carefully wrapped another ancient text. "Three years of research, and we arrive to find empty pedestals.""At least we got the scholarly materials," Lady Evelyn pointed out. "Those journals might contain information more valuable than any artifact.""To academics, maybe. But not to treasure hunters."Marcus guided the wagon around a fallen log. "Could have been worse. We could have run into whoever looted the place while they were still there.""True," Robert agreed. "Tomb robbers aren't usually the friendly type."Draven walked alongside the wagon, lost in thought. The pendant had
Chapter 82
The ancient stone structures rising from the forest floor were more impressive than any of them had expected. Carved pillars twisted with magical symbols stretched toward the sky, and a massive stone door was set into what looked like a small hill covered in centuries of plant growth."This is it," Lady Celestine breathed, pulling out her research notes. "This matches the descriptions perfectly.""It's bigger than I imagined," Lady Evelyn said, studying the carved symbols on the nearest pillar. "These runes are ancient. Pre-kingdom era, definitely."Marcus and Robert began unloading equipment from the wagon while the scholars examined the site. Shovels, rope, torches, and various tools that might be needed for excavation."The entrance is here," Lady Celestine said, pointing to the stone door. "But it's sealed with magical locks. According to my research, it requires specific solutions to a series of riddles.""What kind of riddles?" Jin asked."The kind that
Chapter 81
They continued their journey through the forest, unaware of the storm brewing in the magical communication networks. Sarah Nightwind's recording crystal had captured every moment of Draven's fight with the ice serpent, and the images were spreading faster than wildfire through guild halls across the kingdom."That was some fight back there," Marcus said as he guided the wagon through a particularly narrow part of the trail. "Where did you learn to fight like that?""Practice," Draven replied, walking alongside the wagon. "Lots of practice.""Practice doesn't create techniques like that," Lady Celestine said. "What you did with those fire petals... I've never seen anything like it in any magical text.""Neither have I," Lady Evelyn added, studying Draven with renewed interest. "And I've read extensively about combat magic."Jin shot Draven a warning look. They'd agreed to keep the pendant's secrets, but the questions were getting harder to deflect."Maybe I'm
Chapter 80
The ice serpent struck with lightning speed, its massive head shooting forward like a spear. But Draven was ready. The enhanced Flower Blade technique - something he was calling "Plum Blossom Storm" in his mind - created a whirlwind of fiery petals around him."Impossible," one of the guild adventurers breathed. "He's actually fighting it."The serpent's ice projectiles met Draven's fire petals in midair, creating clouds of steam that filled the forest clearing. But instead of being chaotic, the battle looked almost like a dance. Every movement Draven made sent cascades of burning flower petals through the air, each one perfectly placed to intercept the creature's attacks."It's beautiful," Lady Evelyn whispered from the wagon.She was right. The fire petals didn't just burn - they bloomed and swirled like real flower blossoms caught in a spring breeze. Red, orange, and gold petals fell like gentle rain, hissing softly when they touched the ground."How is he doing that?" Lady Celesti
Chapter 79
The morning mist clung to the forest floor as they broke camp, creating an eerie atmosphere that had everyone on edge. They'd crossed into what Lady Celestine's maps marked as disputed territory - land that changed hands between various criminal groups depending on who was strongest at any given time."Stay alert," Marcus warned as he loaded the wagon. "From here on, we're in enemy territory.""Enemy territory?" Jin asked. "I thought this was just wilderness.""Wilderness controlled by the Shadow Moon Sect," Robert corrected. "Same thing as enemy territory for people like us."Lady Evelyn climbed onto the wagon seat next to Marcus. "How can you tell we've crossed into their territory?""The markers," Sera pointed to subtle cuts in tree bark they'd been passing. "Those aren't natural. They're boundary signs.""You can read criminal territorial markers?" Lady Celestine asked with surprise."My family's trading routes sometimes passed through... contested areas," Sera replied carefully.
Chapter 78
Their expanded group had been traveling for two more days since rescuing Lady Evelyn, and the rhythm of the journey had settled into something comfortable. The wagon rolled steadily along forest paths, with Marcus and Robert taking turns driving while the others walked alongside or rode when the terrain allowed.Lady Celestine and Lady Evelyn had quickly discovered they had much in common beyond their noble birth. Both were scholars at heart, both had extensive libraries at home, and both shared a passion for uncovering the secrets of ancient magic."The theoretical applications alone would revolutionize our understanding of magical theory," Lady Celestine was saying as they walked. "If Valdris really did create artifacts that could enhance the connection between consciousness and magical energy...""The implications for healing magic would be tremendous," Lady Evelyn agreed. "Imagine being able to amplify a healer's natural abilities tenfold."Draven found himself walking slightly be
You may also like
The Hero of Vengeance
DovahKean15.6K viewsThe Overpowered Grass Magician
Shame_less00743.2K viewsAgainst Heaven'S Destiny
Djisamsoe 26.7K viewsAscenders: Rising From Zero
Sir_Impeccable26.1K viewsThe BEAST ASSASIN
Rachel M Nyambu1.2K viewsThe Heir of Veiled Realms
Grep-pens543 viewsBlade of the Fallen Kingdom
Unattra3tive 228 viewsCombat Evaluation
Victor1.4K views