With their new companion, the group embarked on their journey towards Alf's Royal Forest, a destination three full days away. During the long ride, he learned that their guides were married and only heading there for a friend's request. Despite the daily toil of travel, Magnus and Ranni diligently continued Maris's training, ensuring her steady progress. They understood the importance of consistency in honing one's skills. It drew some curious glances from the couple, who couldn't help but inquire about Ranni's magic and her unusual physique.
The journey proceeded smoothly, with the group riding through the day and Magnus and Euric venturing out for a quick hunt as night fell. The savory aroma of wild boar, cooked with spices procured from Karuna, wafted through the air, transforming their meals from mundane to superb. Gathered around the campfire, they shared tales and exchanged knowledge. While Magnus and Euric discussed combat, monsters, and weaponry, the three women engaged in conversations ranging from magical topics to mundane subjects, fostering understanding among the group. Through their discussions, Magnus gleaned valuable insights about the world and their hometown, the coastal city of Melen.
Melen, he learned, was a bustling trading port for Orario, a crucial hub in the magical stone trade that facilitated the transport of goods across the world. Beyond its economic importance, Melen offered relaxation with its sunny beaches and abundant seafood. It sounds like a great place, he has never met someone with a taste for prawns he couldn't trust. He's not so sure of the beaches though, for the art of swimming still eludes him, and not for a lack of trying.
As the afternoon of the third day approached, the travelers finally arrived at the outskirts of Alf's Royal Forest. Disembarking from their horses, they set foot on the forest's edge, the dense canopy looming above them. With the horses in tow, bound together by a sturdy rope, they ventured forward. As they entered, towering spruces and pines greeted them, their massive trunks reaching skyward and casting long shadows across the forest floor. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow among the foliage. The crisp air and fresh, stimulating scent of pine and grass filled his lungs, giving him a strange feeling. The feeling of being alive...once more. It was so invigorating.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, an arrow suddenly halted their progress, its sharp tip pierced the ground. The voice of an unknown assailant echoed through the trees, commanding them to halt and declaring their unwelcome presence in Alf's Royal Forest. Magnus tensed, preparing to confront the assailant and defend the group. However, Aina's swift signal and commanding voice urged him and the others to remain calm. With a reassuring gesture, she intervened, addressing the unseen figure with authority. "Cease your hostilities," she declared firmly. "We come under the bid of Lady Riveria, and these travelers are under our protection. They mean no harm." Her words hung in the air, the tension palpable as they awaited the assailant's response.
As demand for proof echoed through the forest, Aina remained composed, and with a measured motion, she tossed a scroll onto the forest floor. A cloaked figure approached cautiously, their movements wary as they retrieved the scroll. With a quick yet thorough examination, they confirmed its authenticity, their expression unreadable beneath the shadow of their hood. "All right," the figure declared, their voice tinged with a note of begrudging acceptance. "You may proceed. But remember, you are permitted entry only until Lady Riveria's task is fulfilled—no more, no less." With the verdict delivered, the tension in the air dissipated slightly, allowing the group to continue their journey into Alf's Royal Forest, guided by the cloaked man.
Silently, the group trailed behind the guard, venturing deeper into the dense foliage. Eventually, they reached a tranquil clearing deep within the forest's embrace. Nestled amidst the towering trees, the village blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Elaborate treehouses, woven from living branches and adorned with vibrant flowers, rise into the air. Wooden suspension bridges span the gaps between the abodes, connecting them in a delicate web of pathways. A sense of timeless tranquility permeates the air as if the very essence of the forest itself has seeped into every corner of this hidden realm, where nature and civilization intertwine in perfect harmony.
As the group entered the village center, they were met with a scene of tranquility—children playing and adults going about their chores, all under the gentle glow of the sun filtering through the canopy above. However, their arrival seemed to cast a sudden pall over the peaceful atmosphere. The children ceased their play and hurried back to their parents, while the adults paused in their tasks, eyeing the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. Undeterred by the villagers' reaction, the group continued onward, guided to a small cabin nestled a short distance from the villagers' homes, neither too close nor too isolated. A guard approached them, his demeanor stern yet professional as he addressed them. "This will be your place of stay while you're here," he informed them curtly. "We have reported to the King, and he will send word when he's ready to meet you." With that, the guard departed, leaving the group alone in their new accommodations. As they settled into the cabin, a sense of relief washed over them, easing the weariness and tension accumulated from their journey. Here, amidst the quiet of the village, they could finally rest.
After receiving the messenger's announcement of the king's unavailability for the day, leaving their scheduled meeting for tomorrow, the group found themselves with half a day to spare. Following a brief rest to rejuvenate from their journey, Magnus approached Aina with a request for a tour around the village, to which she readily agreed. Aina led them on a swift yet informative tour, showcasing the village's way of life. She explained that her people, deeply connected to the forest, relied primarily on hunting and foraging for resources, with minimal farming to avoid harming the natural surroundings. The vast expanse of the forest, stretching from their village to the distant Alf mountain range, provided ample bounty for their needs. As they ventured deeper into the forest, Aina pointed out the presence of spirit trees, whose branches held potent healing properties. She also spoke of the diverse array of magical creatures that inhabited the forest's depths, from unicorns to dragons and everything in between. It became evident that these factors contributed to the elves' choice to isolate themselves, ensuring their self-sufficiency and protecting their culture and way of life from external influences. Their independence from external trading networks was sustained by their ability to rely on the forest's resources, trade connections with neighboring elven settlements, mainly the nearby Wishe forest, and occasional interactions with Karuna City. Through Aina's explanations, Magnus gained an understanding of the elves' balanced existence with nature and the dynamics that shaped their secluded lifestyle.
Following a simple yet enjoyable dinner, the group returned to the comfort of their cabin, ready to embrace a night of undisturbed sleep in preparation for their meeting with the king the next day.
—
After a modest breakfast and an adjustment of their attire, the group was escorted to a small meeting hall rather than the palace, indicating the intended privacy and expediency of their meeting. As they entered the hall, Magnus took in the sight of its understated yet elegant interior. Despite its modest size, the hall exuded a sense of stateliness, with tasteful decorations adorning the walls and a capacity to seat around fifty people, by his estimation. The decor struck a delicate balance between luxury and simplicity, showcasing artistic flair without veering into ostentation.
At the end of the hall, atop a wooden throne adorned with accents of gold and silver, sat the High Elf King, Larfal Ljos Alf. Magnus couldn't help but be struck by the king's imposing presence—tall and stern, with jade-colored hair and eyes that seemed to pierce through the air with their intensity. His eyes gazed over them, taking in the sights of the group.
"Welcome, honored guest," King Larfal's voice rang out, resonant and regal, as he addressed the group. "What brings you to my court?" Aina stepped forward, her demeanor composed as she presented a wax-sealed letter to the king. "Your Majesty," she said respectfully, "Lady Riveria has sent this letter for your perusal." With a flick of his hand, the king signaled for a guard to retrieve the letter. The guard approached swiftly, taking the letter and delivering it into the king's awaiting grasp. King Larfal broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, his eyes scanning over the lines with a keen gaze as he delved into the letter's contents.
King Larfal's sigh hinted at a mixture of exasperation and fondness for his daughter's spirited nature. "Troublesome daughter of mine," he muttered, before addressing Aina directly. "And how is she faring, Aina?" Aina responded with a respectful tone, "She has been well, your Majesty." Larfal pondered for a moment, his expression nostalgic. "Well, well," he mused, "I wonder what she has gotten herself into this time. Very well, consider her request granted. The guards will deliver it to you later."
Turning his attention back to the group before him, the king gestured for Aina to introduce them. "Now, why don't you introduce me to our guests?" he requested, his tone commanding, with a hint of intrigue. Sensing the king's mood, Aina complied with his request without hesitation. "Your Majesty, allow me to introduce the Ranni familia: Goddess Ranni, Magnus, and Maris," she announced, gesturing towards each member. Ranni offered a nod of acknowledgment towards King Larfal while Magnus and Maris slightly bowed in deference to the monarch.
The king's eyebrows arched in mild surprise at the mention of a goddess among their guests. "You are well aware of my disdain for gods, Aina," he remarked sternly. "There must be a compelling reason for their presence here, or else..." His voice trailed off, leaving the implication of consequences in the air. "They're here as a group, your Majesty. However, only Magnus, the familia captain, wished to converse with you," Aina calmly explained, directing the king's attention to Magnus. Stepping forward with a respectful bow, Magnus addressed the king. "Your Majesty, I am Magnus, captain of the Ranni familia. Though I am a newcomer to these lands, I have heard numerous tales of the elves' deep connection to nature and spirits. I must ask, is there truth to these stories?" he inquired, his tone respectful yet curious.
"There is indeed truth within those stories," he began. "However, they are greatly exaggerated." He continued, elaborating on the elves' relationship with nature. "Trees have long been symbols of life, growth, and renewal," the king explained."We elves see ourselves as guardians of the forest, tasked with its protection and stewardship. In return, the trees provide us with the essentials of life—protection, sustenance, and magical spirits. What is that you seek with this knowledge, then?"
"As a traveler from distant lands, I bring with me fauna and flora unknown to these lands," he began, his tone earnest. "Knowing of your people's connection to trees and nature, I wished to entrust a special species into your care." From his pocket, Magnus retrieved a handful of golden seeds and presented them to King Larfal. "These are golden seeds, descendants of the Erdtree—the very tree that once bestowed the blessing of life upon our homeland, performing various miracles with its saps and tears," he explained. "However, after enduring countless wars, the Erdtree's blessing was lost, and these seeds are all that remain. Recognizing the elves' renowned stewardship of nature, I have come to request permission to plant these seeds within your forest and entrust them to your care."
Intrigued, King Larfal instructed his guards to fetch a sample for closer inspection. As one of the guards approached, Magnus handed them a seed, which they promptly delivered to the king for examination. "These seeds emit a magical aura, reminiscent of the spirit trees, yet possessing an otherworldly essence," the king observed thoughtfully. He turned his gaze back to Magnus and posed a pointed question, "And why, pray tell, should I grant you permission to plant them here?"
Having anticipated this question, Magnus responded with a composed demeanor. "The Erdtree once bestowed our homeland, known as the Lands Between, with its boundless graces," he began. "Its blessings fell upon us like tears, revered in the churches of all lands and used to spread faith." He continued, delving into the various manifestations of the Erdtree's blessings. "The old sap of the Erdtree becomes amber, wherein dwells a primordial life energy, once treasured as the most precious of jewels," Magnus explained. "These crystal tears, formed by the Erdtree's blessings collecting upon the ground after the passage of many moons, bestowed various special effects. And the flask of Wondrous Physick, a relic of the priests of the Erdtree, serves as a vessel to harness their potent powers." Magnus paused briefly, his gaze steady as he recounted the effectiveness of these blessings. "A sacred flask, crafted from the bark of the Erdtree, is capable of absorbing the essence of the environment, transmuting them into potent potions for healing and tranquility," he added. "These are but a few examples of the Erdtree's many blessings upon the land. But because these seeds are the third generation of their lineage, it will take time for them to fully manifest their potential," Magnus acknowledged. "Yet, with your permission, Your Majesty, we may see the legacy of the Erdtree flourish once more, bringing its blessings to this land and its inhabitants."
Finishing his explanation, Magnus observed King Larfal, who appeared deep in contemplation. "Your offer is indeed attractive," the king acknowledged, "but the question remains—how can you guarantee its safety? How can you ensure that it will bring us no harm, given its foreign origin?" Magnus met the king's gaze with unwavering confidence. "Should the need arise, I will take responsibility for its containment or removal upon receiving word of any issues," he assured, his voice firm. "You could say I have previous experience in dealing with troublesome flora and fauna." The king's expression softened slightly, intrigued by Magnus's assurance. "Is that so... Hmmm," he mused, considering Magnus's proposal. "Let us entertain a hypothetical scenario. If I were to grant you permission to plant it here, would you be willing to assist us with some... pest control?" Intrigued by the prospect, Magnus inquired further. "What manner of pest do you speak of, Your Majesty?" he asked.
"Within the depths of the Alf Royal forest lurk the ferocious Schrats," the king explained, "These wood sprites are cunning hunters, striking under the cover of night and posing a threat to our people. In the past, they terrorized our villages, prompting us to launch hunting expeditions to drive them deep into the forest." He continued, "These creatures possess a magical artifact known as a Tarnkappe—an enchanted hat that grants them the power of invisibility," Larfal elaborated. "This renders them invisible, thwarting our efforts to eradicate them completely. Despite our efforts, we have been unable to locate their hideaway, leaving us to deal with their continued presence. Once a year, we conduct a wild hunt to cull their numbers and keep their population in check. But our efforts remain incomplete until we find and destroy their lair." Magnus asked firmly, "So you want me to eradicate these schrats completely? Consider it a deal then, for I have plenty of experience in this matter," he declared.
King Larfal's response carried a note of surprise at Magnus's quick decision-making. "That's a swift answer," he remarked. "Usually, people take longer to decide on a matter as significant as this." However, he accepted Magnus's response with a nod of approval. "But very well," he conceded. "Consider this our deal." With the deal sealed, King Larfal signaled for the audience to conclude. "A guard will deliver the necessary documents and information to you later. You may leave now."
—
As the Ranni familia convened to discuss their plan for the upcoming hunt, Magnus asked Maris and Ranni if they wished to join him. "So, do you two want to come with me for the hunt? Maris? Ranni?" Maris enthusiastically said, "It would be great if I could accompany you, captain. What about you, lady Ranni? Would you come with us?" Ranni responded with a soft smile but declined the invitation. "Verily, I must regretfully inform thee that I shall not accompany thee on this occasion. "I did inquire of Aina regarding the library in this place, and she hath consented to guide me thither. Forsooth, there is an abundance of knowledge herein not to be found elsewhere, and thus, I shall devote my time to perusing it." Upon hearing Ranni's decision, Magnus reached into his pocket and retrieved something, extending it towards her. "Here," he said, offering her the object. "The spirit calling bell that you gave me a long time ago. Keep it by your side, and call upon Tiche to protect you in an emergency." Accepting the bell with a nod of gratitude, Ranni bid her companions good luck as they prepared for their hunt. "Very well, may blessings attend thy quest. And do remember to tend to Maris with due diligence."
—
As the day dawned, Magnus and Maris set about their preparations for the hunt, donning their armor and confirming their weapons were in optimal condition. With Ranni immersed in her studies at the library, the duo focused on the task ahead, poring over the information provided to them.
The schrats, they learned, were renowned for their shapeshifting abilities, capable of transforming into various creatures. Its whimsical appearance, often adorned with a hat known as a Tarnkappe, lent it an almost comical aspect. However, beneath its seemingly harmless facade lay formidable magical powers, including the ability to turn invisible while wearing the Tarnkappe. Their weapons consist of razor-sharp claws, supplemented by specialized arrows that induce sleep, which posed significant challenges for Larfal's forces to hunt them down. Knowing this, Magnus had prepared meticulously, equipping himself and Maris with stimulating boluses and clarifying white cured meat to counteract the effects of the Alp's sleep-inducing arrows. These provisions would prove invaluable in ensuring their safety during the hunt.
Turning to Maris, Magnus inquired about her feelings regarding the upcoming expedition. "Are you looking forward to the trip, Maris?" he asked, his voice filled with reassurance. Maris met his gaze with a small smile, though a hint of apprehension lingered in her eyes. "I guess I'm a bit excited," she admitted, her tone tinged with uncertainty. "It will be the first time I have a real fight instead of just practicing. But... I'm also a bit scared. What if my fighting skills aren't up to par, or I'm distracted?" Sensing her worries, Magnus offered words of support. "Now, don't be so pessimistic," he urged gently, his voice reassuring. "I'll be there to guide you every step of the way, and you're safe with me. Everyone starts somewhere, and you'll learn and improve over time. Believe in yourself, Maris." She looked back into his eyes, finding solace and determination within them. With a firm nod, she steeled herself for the challenges ahead.
As the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the forest floor, Magnus and Maris set out, determined to locate the schrats' lair and eliminate the elusive creatures once and for all. With Torrent carrying them swiftly through the dense foliage, they covered a considerable distance, the rhythmic sound of hooves mingling with the rustle of leaves. As they neared the area where the schrats were last sighted, Magnus guided Torrent to a halt and dismounted. He motioned for Maris to follow as they ventured deeper into the heart of the forest on foot. The air grew thick with the scent of earth and moss, the sounds of the forest alive with the chirping of birds and the rustle of unseen creatures. With every step, Magnus and Maris remained alert, scanning their surroundings for any sign of movement or disturbance that might display the presence of their elusive monster.
As Magnus and Maris ventured deeper into the forest, a sudden twang echoed through the stillness, followed by the whistle of an arrow slicing through the air. With lightning reflexes, Magnus deflected the projectile, a silent signal that they had entered the schrat's perilous territory. Pressing forward through the dense undergrowth, the forest enveloped them in an eerie silence, broken only by the soft crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional rustle of branches overhead. With heightened senses, Magnus and Maris scanned their surroundings vigilantly, searching for any signs of the elusive creatures lurking in the shadows. As they navigated the dark labyrinth of trees, their lanterns casting feeble beams of light into the inky blackness, Magnus took out the sentry torch, its flame imbued with a potent incantation capable of dispelling invisible magics. The flickering flames danced and swayed, casting eerie shadows that danced among the trees, revealing glimpses of fleeting movement lurking just beyond their reach. With every step, they remained poised and ready, their senses finely attuned to the slightest disturbance in the air. The silhouettes of unseen figures darted around them, their movements swift and elusive, poised to strike at a moment's notice. Yet Magnus and Maris stood firm, their resolve unyielding as they braced themselves for the inevitable confrontation ahead.
As the tension in the air thickened, the Tarnished, sensing the impending clash, invoked Terra Magica, empowering their sorceries with a surge of energy. With Maris standing firm by his side, her sword at the ready, they braced themselves for the imminent onslaught. With a swift motion, Maris hurled glintstone pebbles into the darkness, scattering the encroaching monsters and buying them a moment's respite. Yet, from the depths of the forest, low growls rumbled ominously, signaling the approach of their foes. Anticipating an attack, Magnus and Maris assumed defensive stances, their muscles coiled like springs, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Suddenly, shadows erupted from the underbrush, the creatures lunging forth with claws bared and hunger gleaming in their eyes.
Using Adula's Moonblade, Magnus dispatches the first few assailants with swift, precise strikes. With a well-placed kick, he sent another tumbling backward before seamlessly switching to his sword, prepared to face the next wave of attackers. The creatures, though small in stature, proved relentless in their assault, leaping and clawing with feral intensity. Magnus met their onslaught head-on, his sword slicing through their moss-covered forms ruthlessly. As one of the creatures leaped with surprising agility, it managed to clear the distance, aiming for Magnus's face with ferocious intent. With a swift and practiced motion, he swung his blade in a wide arc, its razor-sharp edge slicing through the air with deadly precision. The creature's momentum carried it directly into the path of the sword, and with a resounding impact, the blade met its mark. There was a sickening sound as metal met flesh, and the creature's momentum was abruptly halted. Magnus's sword cleaved through its moss-covered form, severing it cleanly in two. With a shrill screech, the creature was sent hurtling through the air, its trajectory altered by the force of the blow. With a thud, it crashed to the ground in a heap, twitching erratically before lying still amidst the forest floor.
With no respite in sight, the relentless onslaught continued as more of the creatures surged forward, their eyes gleaming with hunger and malice. Magnus wasted no time in action, swiftly sidestepping their frenzied attacks with practiced agility. He seized the opportunity and launched a devastating counterstrike. With a mighty swing of his heavy greatsword, he carved a path in their ranks, the blade slicing through their mossy forms with the ease of a hot knife through butter and the momentum of his following overhead swing was unstoppable, the force behind it crushing the creatures beneath its weight. As the blade descended, it met flesh and bone, reducing the attackers to little more than a smush on the forest floor, their grotesque forms scattered amidst the debris.
With Magnus holding the line and guarding her back, Maris moved for swift and deadly strikes, her sword cutting through the monster with deadly precision. Each swing was executed with practiced skill, her movements fluid and efficient as she fended off the encroaching horde. Her blows were swift and forceful, striking true against the creatures' bodies with a sickening thud. Though her strikes were not as devastating as Magnus's, they were nonetheless effective, causing grievous wounds that spilled the creatures' innards upon the forest floor. In her offhand, she wielded her staff with finesse, using it to deflect incoming attacks and deliver powerful blows of her own. With precise timing, she knocked the creatures off balance before shoving a glinstone pebble into their face, vaporizing the creature's head from its body. And the battle continues. With each passing moment, the tide of battle shifted, inch by inch, as Magnus and Maris pressed forward with relentless determination.
When the creatures began to retreat, Magnus swiftly stabbed the bewitching branch into the closest moving monster, ensuring they would have a guide to follow back to the nest later. With the immediate threat subsiding, they took a moment to observe the aftermath of the battle. The forest floor was strewn with the lifeless bodies of the creatures they had slain, their forms twisted and contorted in the dim light of the torch, with blood pooling around them, staining the earth crimson. Magnus emerged from the fight unharmed, his sturdy armor proving its worth against the onslaught of the creatures' attacks. Though some blood splattered on his armor, it was a testament to his skill and resilience that he remained unscathed. Maris, on the other hand, bore the signs of the skirmish more visibly. While her injuries were minor, with only a few cuts marring her skin, she appeared fatigued from the exertion of battle. Despite her weariness, she remained standing, though she leaned on her knees for support, her breaths coming in ragged gasps.
As Magnus gently placed his hand on Maris's shoulder, she flinched momentarily before gradually relaxing under his touch. His reassuring words brought a sense of calm over her, easing the tension that gripped her body. Finding a clean spot, she sank down to rest, the weight of the recent battle weighing heavily on her. Maris, still grappling with the shock of the fight, voiced her unsettled thoughts. "Do you face these messes every day, Captain?" she asked, her voice trembling. Magnus nodded solemnly. "It's become a part of my daily existence," he admitted, his tone tinged with melancholy. "Since the day I was called back by grace, my life has been consumed by the relentless cycle of fighting and killing, with barely any respite. It's a harsh reality to confront, and while one may grow accustomed to it over time, the toll it takes on the soul is undeniable." Despite the weight of his words, Magnus's presence offered Maris a glimmer of solace. He offered her his silent support, a comforting presence amidst the aftermath of violence and death. After that, they sat in silence, with Magnus offering Maris the Crimson Cerulean flask to aid in her healing. Taking a moment to drink from it, Maris felt a surge of rejuvenation coursing through her body, easing the pain of her wounds and restoring her vitality.
With renewed strength, they performed their grim task, digging a shallow pit to bury the killed schrats. It was a necessary precaution, ensuring that the creatures' magic stones remained out of reach of other monsters, preventing them from growing stronger. Despite their efforts, the lingering stench of blood and iron still hung heavy in the air as they pressed on, following the guiding schrat deeper into the forest. Trailing the enchanted schrat through the forest's depths, the once tumultuous battleground now surrendered to an eerie stillness.
As they approached the nest, near the mountain's foot, the forest floor became littered with signs of recent activity. Fallen trees and thick underbrush obscured their view, creating a natural barrier that shielded the creatures' lair from prying eyes. Multiple footprints crisscrossed the ground, evidence of the schrats' frequent comings and goings. Without hesitation, Magnus dispatched the guiding schrat, its lifeless body tumbling to the ground. With the path clear, they descended into the depths of the caverns. Magnus and Maris emerged from the tunnels and found themselves on a narrow walkway overlooking a large pit below. They could see the schrats gathered in the pit, their forms illuminated by the flickering glow of bioluminescent moss that dotted the walls. The creatures were in a frenzy, their monstrous forms writhing and contorting as they feasted on the food they gathered and fought among themselves for dominance. The air was thick with the stench of decay, and the sounds of snarls and screeches echoed off the cavern's walls. Magnus scanned the area, confirming that the cave had only one entrance, and began crafting his plan. From his pack, he withdrew several pots and began to work on them with practiced hands. After a short while, a few oil pots, fire pots, and volcanic pots were created. In total, five of each.
Additionally, he positioned explosive stone clumps along the path, set to rupture walls and create a cave-in, sealing the monster inside. As Maris hurled the pots across the cave, Magnus stood guard, fending off any schrats that rushed towards them. The creatures, alarmed by the sudden burst of flames, screeched in terror and confusion, unable to escape the fiery ring that Maris had created. With the majority of the schrats contained within the burning inferno, Magnus swiftly dispatched the few that managed to break through. Meanwhile, Maris continued to rain down destruction upon the cave, her aim true and her resolve unwavering. As the flames engulfed the cave and the cacophony of screams echoed off the walls, Magnus and Maris made their escape, running for the safety of the outside world. With each explosive stone clump he hurled behind them, Magnus ensured that any pursuing schrats would meet a fiery demise.
Finally, as they reached the mouth of the cave, Magnus unleashed one final explosive stone clump, triggering a massive explosion that sealed the entrance shut and silenced the screams of the trapped creatures within. As they emerged into the cool night air, they shared a weary smile, knowing they had succeeded in their quest to rid the forest of the foul creatures. This will be the first stepping stone for their journey here.
—
As Magnus returned to the village, he felt a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future. Larfal had upheld his end of the deal, allocating a plot of land for Magnus to plant the golden seeds. This gesture marked the beginning of a new age, one where the blessings of the Erdtree would once again grace the land, and will be their first mark in this new world.
#####
MK again. Sorry for the long wait. I've been quite busy the last few weeks, so I don't have much time to write. I've slowly written this chapter over time, so it might seem a bit janky and disconnected, and I apologize for that. On a positive note, Shadow of the Erdtree just dropped, so I'm looking forward to adding new lore and weapons to the story.
For my few German readers out there, you might be familiar with this already, but the monster mentioned in this chapter is a combination of the folklore alp and schrat mixed with the fanged imps. As Elden Ring is a mix of Irish, Germanic, and Nordic mythology, I decided to incorporate some of that element here.