Chapter 5: Catching up. The encroaching darkness.
Opening 3: Casey Edwards - Bury the Light
(Play Wild ARMS 3 OST - Preparations for the Valley of Bygone Days and Tomorrows)
Shadow was in the large library of Dawn's Touch with Mary. The dark elven girl watched as Shadow skimmed through each book he read about the land's history. His eyes gazed on each section of the history with important notes that he eyed on. Needless to say, she was amazed on how he read in a matter of hours.
"Wow, Shadow… Reading over 20 books can tire a person out. The info you needed was definitely important." Mary spoke with amazement.
"Yeah… But, I was able to learn of other details. Turns out this threat of the darkwind monsters was no doubt orchestrated by Mephiles. However, I have yet to find any details of the cause for the elf hunts, other than the humans being in the center." Shadow spoke tiredly.
"That's a detail that you may need to find out in the timeline you came from. Surely it can be found in some way." Mary suggested.
"Apparently so. Once I do go back to the time period I was in, I'll find my answers." Shadow agreed.
Soon, Shadow flipped open to another book of historical events. He soon found an important detail he almost overlooked.
"A genocidal act from a Pope? This might be what I'm seeking…" Shadow said with surprise.
Mary soon joined in. She was also curious to find out of the events that foreshadowed the elf hunts.
"So this Pope is responsible for instigating the elf hunts in the first place… For what reason though? The texts only tell of a title, yet there doesn't seem to have a reason to state. Had the Pope hid his intentions from prying ears?" Shadow questioned.
"It seems so. A heavy historical event like that couldn't have gone unrecorded." Mary said.
"It appears so. One question's answered, only for two more to take its place." Shadow mused.
(Preparations for the Valley of Bygone Days and Tomorrows OST ends here)
[]
Shadow finished his business with the library. Ailwi was outside, seemingly awaiting the pair.
"Ah, Shadow and Mary. Have you finished of what you seek?" The male elf questioned.
"Yes, though with partial success." Shadow spoke with honesty, showing little satisfaction.
"I can surmise that it was. Nevertheless, Her Majesty has requested you two to come to her immediately." Ailwi spoke.
"Sounds serious. Please lead the way." Shadow said.
[]
Shadow and Mary were taken to meet with Alysia. The female elf was awaiting their arrival. Upon seeing Ailwi, she calmed down.
"Thank you for bringing them to me, Commander Ailwi. This is a matter of importance that I have to speak to them." The elven Queen spoke.
"I'm humbled of your gratitude. For your safety, I shall remain here." The commander spoke.
"At ease. Right now, I have a matter to discuss with Shadow and Mary." Alysia stated, looking to the pair.
She soon walked up to them. Shadow remained wary, but he kneeled respectfully. Mary followed as well, not wanting to provoke a fight.
"Shadow, Mary. I request your aid in this matter." Alysia spoke to the pair.
"What is it that you need from us?" Shadow asked.
"I've had one of my commanders sent out on a mission at a region northwest of Dawn's Touch. It's called Vanvid Ravine." Alysia spoke with a shiver.
(Play Genshin Impact OST - Snare Awaiting)
Mary and even Ailwi shivered from the name. Shadow noticed it, though was confused of this.
"I'm going to presume that this ravine is dangerous to warrant your fears." Shadow deduced.
"You're indeed right about it. The ravine is about two days traveling by foot. I've send one of my commanders to procure a special ingredient called Gradient Flower. It's needed to treat diseases from those whom were afflicted by the darkwind." Alysia explained.
"That would explain why. However, it doesn't provide details as to why it is a venturesome act to find this ingredient." Shadow spoke.
"The region is plagued by a strange anomaly. It's as though the effects of the Hellbound have not stopped, rendering most of the region in an eldritch sight. Within the center, a small oasis remains untouched by the phenomenon." Alysia finished.
"So the region is in a perpetual state of being in a Hellbound almost indefinitely. I have to admit, it does sound concerning." Shadow reluctantly commented.
"It gets worse. The region is known for causing insanity for those whom remain for too long. Many of my fellow comrades nearly succumbed to madness after traveling back here." Alysia warned.
"No doubt the Hellbound is the cause. I've seen the nightmare when I first arrived in the ruins of Tristain, where I've met Mary. It's…indescribable." Shadow shivered.
"Sounds like the experience was dreadful…" Alysia noted.
"In ways that can make it indescribable… I'm still reeling after the last time I was in such a hostile world." Shadow spoke.
"I do not blame you if it has left you with some level of a mental breakdown." Alysia sympathized.
"Regardless, I can't just let your soldiers or anyone venture into a nightmare-like area. Even if it's for a possible cure for the plague caused by the darkwind, it's too risky. I'll take the chance to overcome it." Shadow declared.
"Are you willing to face the madness that sits within the ravine? If you haven't thought twice, now would be the time to do so." Alysia warned.
"I'll take my chances. I've faced eldritch nightmares before. Some still haunt me to this day." Shadow confirmed, though he was recalling the massacre of the village of Tarbles.
"Very well then. I'll send a guide to lead you to the ravine. If you managed to find the commander, return him here. I have a special potion to help cure the insanity." Alysia said, procuring a mint green potion.
"So this potion helps with the insanity. Alright then. Let's hope I'm not too late. If he also acquired the Gradient Flower as well, it'll definitely be helpful. If by chance she doesn't, how does the flower look like?" Shadow questioned.
"It's like this." Alysia answered, showing a picture of the plant in question.
The image of the Gradient Flower showed a plant with emerald green leaves while the flower itself appeared golden with crystal outgrowths on its petals.
"Alright then. I've got all the info needed for this mission. When do we leave?" Shadow asked.
"You may leave right now. Be swift though. Despite the ravine being afflicted by the Hellbound-like effects, the actual nightmare may befall on it. Watch yourself out there." Alysia warned.
"Very well then." Shadow concurred.
(Snare Awaiting OST ends here)
[]
Shadow was outside with Mary. He had to take a breath to calm himself, knowing he may have to face the nightmares of the Hell Bound once more. The Gandálfr remained silent as Mary followed him.
"Are you okay Shadow? You have been quiet for sometime." She asked with concern.
"I'm not looking forward to going into this eldritch region, but I have little to no time to contemplate. A fellow elf is out there and a VIP to boot. If I refuse or fail this mission, it'll be all for naught to help the afflicted." Shadow explained.
"You're willing to go that far for the elves and for me. I'm glad to have met you." Mary spoke with a smile.
Shadow held a shy smile as he closed his eyes in acknowledgment. It was a brief, but comforting sensation for him.
"We have to be swift in this mission, Mary. I do not know what to encounter in this region. I have a feeling that each region the Hell Bound effects, it can be different." Shadow theorized.
"You're not far off from thinking that way, Shadow. Regions afflicted with the Hellbound tend to change drastically, depending on the environment. Even miles of forestry will turn into a desolate nightmare." Mary explained.
"That means we have to expect anything. I'll have to admit, this sound dangerous for me to be a difficult challenge." Shadow admitted.
"I can tell. It'll be a challenge even for me. Let's hope both of us don't experience a mental breakdown." Mary spoke.
"I hope so." Shadow followed nervously.
Ending 3: Play Cold Bullet Blues by Kurosaki Maon
Sorry for the short chapter. Consider it a 'calm before the storm.'