Nathaniel, Roderika, and Melina trekked through the Liurnia of the Lakes, its mist-covered landscape eerily quiet, save for the occasional call of distant creatures. The great gates of the Academy of Raya Lucaria loomed far in the distance, but before them was an imposing figure—larger than any human they had encountered thus far.

Standing beside a towering anvil, hammering a sword with slow, deliberate strikes, was War Counselor Iji—a massive blacksmith, his dark, hulking form marked with the ancient runes of his craft. His presence alone was enough to make Nathaniel and Roderika pause. Melina, however, stepped forward with a calm, knowing look.

As they approached the towering figure of Iji, Melina spoke first. "Iji."

The giant blacksmith turned his head slowly, his glowing eyes settling on her with a warmth that softened his formidable presence. "Ah, Melina. It has been many moons since our paths last crossed." His voice rumbled like a low storm. "And now you stand here, with these young Tarnished. Tell me, what brings you?"

Nathaniel stepped forward, tilting his head to meet Iji's massive gaze. "We're headed to the Academy of Raya Lucaria. We've got a... queen to take down."

Iji's hammer paused mid-swing, and he regarded Nathaniel thoughtfully. "Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. She is no warrior, young one, nor a woman to fear. She is a soul lost in sorrow, whose heart broke long ago."

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, surprised. "I thought she was dangerous. Aren't we supposed to be careful?"

Iji chuckled, a sound that echoed like distant thunder. "Only if you give her cause for it. Approach her with caution, but not hostility. Her grief is deep, but it does not make her your enemy." He looked down at Melina with a gentle solemnity. "Keep her heart in mind, and you may avoid needless bloodshed.

His gaze then shifted to Roderika, who had been standing quietly beside Nathaniel. "And you, child. I sense an untapped strength within you—one rare, but not yet fully realized."

Roderika blinked, caught off guard. "Me? I… I'm no warrior, really. Just... someone doing what I can to survive."

Iji let out another warm, resonant chuckle. "You are more than you think. Spirit-tuning is a gift not lightly given. Master it, and you may be something greater than you can now imagine."

Roderika looked down, feeling the weight of his words but unsure how to respond.

Nathaniel, sensing her hesitation, turned back to Iji. "We appreciate the advice. But what can you tell us about getting into the Academy? We've heard it's heavily fortified."

Iji nodded, his hammer once again moving rhythmically against the blade. "You will need a Glintstone Key to enter. It's a ward that prevents any from entering unbidden. But take heed—such keys are not freely given. One lies in the western reaches of the lake, guarded by creatures drawn to its power. Seek it there, and you may yet gain entry."

Nathaniel sighed. "Of course, it's never simple."

Melina stepped forward again. "Iji, we thank thee for thy wisdom. The journey ahead is perilous, but we are prepared."

Iji's eyes softened as he looked down at Melina. "You walk a fine line, guiding these Tarnished. Be careful, Melina. Some paths are not meant to be trodden lightly."

Melina merely nodded, her face unreadable, before turning back to Nathaniel and Roderika.

"We must continue," she said.

As they began to move away, Iji's voice called after them. "May your flames burn bright, Tarnished. And remember—forge your strength, both in body and spirit. It is the only way you will survive what lies ahead."

Nathaniel gave a quick nod of thanks, Roderika offering a shy wave as they continued their journey. The road ahead seemed just a bit more daunting after their encounter with the giant blacksmith, but also clearer. They knew what they needed to do.

Roderika, still mulling over Iji's words about her spirit-tuning, whispered to herself, "Maybe... I am more than just a survivor."

"We've all got something to prove. Let's just make sure we're around long enough to figure it out."

Nathaniel, Roderika, and Melina stood before the imposing gates of Raya Lucaria, the Glintstone Key in Nathaniel's hand glowing faintly as it hummed with ancient power. As they approached, the gates shimmered and parted, revealing a grand courtyard filled with towering spires and intricate stonework. The air around them seemed to hum with latent magic.

But before they could take another step inside, two knights in gleaming, ornate armour appeared from the shadows, blocking their path. Their visors gleamed beneath the bright moonlight, and their spears were poised in an aggressive stance.

"Halt," one of the knights commanded. "None shall pass without the blessing of the academy's scholars."

Nathaniel clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes. "We have the Glintstone Key. Isn't that enough?"

The second knight's spear point edged closer. "That key allows entry, Tarnished, but the Academy of Raya Lucaria is no common stronghold. You must be recognized by the Carian Royal Family or the scholars themselves. Without such recognition, you will be cast out—or worse."

Roderika shifted nervously behind Nathaniel, her hand instinctively brushing against the Spirit Calling Bell she had recently learned to wield. "We didn't come all this way to be stopped at the gates," she whispered to herself.

Melina stepped forward slightly. "We seeketh an audience with Queen Rennala. We bear no ill intent toward the academy. Yet know this—we shall not be turned away."

The knights glanced at one another, their armour clinking softly as they communicated silently.

"The Queen does not see just anyone," the first knight said, his tone softening but still firm. "If you wish an audience with Rennala, you must prove yourselves within these walls."

Nathaniel smirked, glancing back at Roderika and Melina. "Prove ourselves? Sounds like we've heard that before."

Roderika sighed but nodded. "We've come this far."

Nathaniel stepped forward, holding his ground as the knights eyed him with suspicion. "War Counselor Iji sent us. He said you could give us access. We need the Great Rune from your Queen, Rennala."

One of the knights, taller and more imposing than the other, scoffed, tightening his grip on his spear. His voice was sharp and accusatory. "What!? Why should we trust Tarnished? Your kind brings nothing but death and chaos wherever you go. The Academy is not your playground."

Roderika, sensing the tension, placed a calming hand on Nathaniel's arm but said nothing. The weight of the situation was thick in the air, but Nathaniel wasn't one to back down easily.

"I'm not here for your approval," Nathaniel said. "I'm here to get things done. If you stand in our way, you're not just blocking us from the Rune—you're setting yourselves up for whatever comes down when we don't pull this off."

The second knight, slightly less aggressive but still on edge, looked to his companion, uncertain. "If what they say about Iji is true… he wouldn't send them lightly. Perhaps there is merit to their claim."

The first knight scowled, clearly still unwilling to relent. "Even if Iji did send you, what makes you think you can talk the Queen? You are but lowly Tarnished, and she… She is a master of magic and mind."

Nathaniel took a step closer, meeting the knight's gaze. "I've faced worse than magic. Godrick the Grafted is dead because of us. I'll face whatever's next, even if it's your Queen. So, either help me or get outta my way."

The knight faltered, glancing at his companion. A tense silence hung in the air as the two knights seemed to weigh their options. Finally, the second knight lowered his spear slightly, nodding toward his companion. "Perhaps… perhaps they are not as foolish as we first thought. If Iji trusts them, perhaps we should give them a chance."

The first knight growled in frustration, but after a long pause, he stepped aside, though his glare remained sharp. "Fine, but be warned any tricks, it will be your death."

Nathaniel gave a curt nod, motioning for Roderika and Melina to follow. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," he muttered sarcastically as they passed through the gates, heading deeper into the Academy's halls.

Roderika glanced back nervously, whispering to Nathaniel. "Are you sure we can trust them?"

"Doesn't matter," Nathaniel replied. "We're in now. That's all that counts."

As Nathaniel, Roderika, and Melina stepped into the Academy of Raya Lucaria, they were immediately struck by how different it felt from the rest of the Lands Between. The air here was calm, almost eerily so, in stark contrast to the wild, dangerous world they had grown accustomed to. The Academy's grand architecture stretched out before them—tall spires and smooth marble floors, bathed in the soft glow of glintstone magic. Blue banners bearing the sigils of scholars and sorcerers draped the walls, giving the place a scholarly yet intimidating aura.

Children ran through the open spaces, laughing as they played simple games, their high-pitched giggles echoing off the walls. Young apprentices in blue robes strolled by, some of them clutching books or scrolls, others deep in animated conversation. A group of older students sat under a sprawling tree, lost in quiet study as they muttered spells under their breath, filling the air with a shimmering glow.

Nearby, a man inspected a series of ornately crafted masks displayed on a stand, seemingly choosing one to wear for an upcoming lesson. His fingers hovered over each mask with careful deliberation, as if selecting the right mask was as significant as any spell he might cast.

Everywhere Nathaniel looked, there was a sense of normalcy and warmth, an unexpected sight after the harshness of Limgrave and Stormveil.

"This place…" Roderika murmured. "It doesn't feel… dangerous."

Nathaniel nodded. "Yeah, it's normal. Too normal."

Melina, ever silent, walked alongside them, her eyes scanning their surroundings. There was something about the stillness, the orderliness of it all, that seemed unsettling. The occasional sound of distant voices echoed through the halls, but no one appeared in the immediate vicinity.

"Almost feels like we're intruding on something..." Nathaniel muttered, glancing around.

They passed by rows of bookshelves, where tomes of ancient knowledge rested untouched. Glintstone-filled chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a faint, ethereal glow over the rooms. The Academy, unlike the wild lands or chaotic ruins, was structured—designed for study and contemplation.

"Looks like they're more focused on research than fighting," Nathaniel said. "For now, anyway."

Roderika looked over at him. "That doesn't mean it's safe. I've heard stories… of how this place harbours powers beyond our understanding."

Nathaniel smirked slightly. "Well, power's what we're here for, isn't it?"

Despite his bravado, Nathaniel couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them. The quiet halls, while beautiful, felt haunted by an unseen presence. He glanced over at Melina, wondering if she sensed it too.

"This Academy may appear peaceful," Melina finally spoke, "but do not let thy guard down. Magic of this kind often conceals its true nature."

They continued deeper into the Academy, the soft hum of magic ever-present. Doors led to lecture halls, alchemy labs, and libraries, all deserted but maintained as if ready for scholars to return at any moment. Despite the calm, there was a lingering sense of power—of sorcery older and stronger than anything Nathaniel had encountered before.

"Just keep your eyes open," Nathaniel said, breaking the silence. "We've come this far. Let's not get complacent."

As they walked, the soft light flickered around them, casting long shadows on the pristine walls.

One of the soldiers said. "Before you can reach Rennala, you must face Sir Moongrum."

One of the soldiers stepped forward, his voice firm but calm. "Before you can reach Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, you must face Sir Moongrum, the Carian Knight. He guards the entrance to her chambers."

Nathaniel stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing. "Sir Moongrum?"

The soldier nodded. "He is the last line of defence before anyone can confront Rennala. A powerful warrior, skilled in both sword and sorcery. None have bested him and lived to speak of it."

Roderika shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Nathaniel. "Another challenge, then. It seems they won't just let us walk through."

Nathaniel clenched his fists. "Of course not. It's never that easy. Where's this Moongrum, guy?"

The soldier motioned down the hall. "Follow this path, and you will find him at the entrance to the Grand Library, where our queen resides. Be prepared. He will not show mercy to Tarnished like you."

Nathaniel grinned, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Good. Neither do we."

Melina remained quiet but watchful as Nathaniel turned to the others. "Looks like we've got one more hurdle before Rennala."

Roderika nodded, her face set in determination. "Let's get this over with."

With that, they moved forward, guided by the faint sound of shimmering magic in the distance. The path ahead seemed more imposing now, knowing a formidable foe awaited them. Sir Moongrum—the name alone carried weight, a legendary knight who had protected the Academy for as long as anyone could remember.

The trio braced themselves, the calm of the Academy about to be shattered.

As Nathaniel approached the entrance to the Grand Library, the air seemed to thrum with magical energy. Sir Moongrum, a tall and imposing figure clad in gleaming armour, stood with his back to a large, ornate door. His presence was formidable, but Nathaniel felt a surge of determination.

Moongrum turned slowly, his eyes narrowing behind his visor as he saw Nathaniel, Roderika, and Melina approaching. He held a massive sword in one hand and a magical staff in the other.

"Who dares approach the Queen?"

Nathaniel stepped forward, a confident grin on his face. "I'm Nathaniel, and I'm here to see Queen Rennala for her Great Rune."

Moongrum's eyes flashed. "A Tarnished who dares to seek the Queen's power. You'll have to go through me first."

Without waiting for a response, Moongrum raised his sword, the blade shimmering with magical energy. He charged at Nathaniel with surprising speed, swinging his sword in a wide arc. Nathaniel deftly dodged the attack, rolling to the side.

Nathaniel's movements were fluid and precise. He had learned much from his previous battles and had honed his skills. As Moongrum prepared for another attack, Nathaniel used his Flame Sling incantation to launch a fireball at the knight. Moongrum blocked it with his sword, but the impact pushed him back.

Moongrum, determined not to be outmatched, conjured a wave of magical energy and sent it crashing toward Nathaniel. Nathaniel countered with his own fire spell, the two energies colliding in a burst of light and heat.

Seizing the opportunity, Nathaniel closed the distance between them. He used his agility to dodge Moongrum's powerful strikes and countered with precise and devastating blows. Each strike seemed effortless, as if Nathaniel had anticipated every move.

In a final, decisive move, Nathaniel used his greatsword to deliver a powerful, sweeping attack. Moongrum, caught off guard, was unable to defend himself. The sword struck true, and with a final, resounding clash, Moongrum fell to the ground, defeated.

Nathaniel stood over the fallen knight, breathing heavily but with a victorious gleam in his eyes. Roderika and Melina watched with a mix of relief and awe.

Roderika stepped forward. "You did it. That was incredible."

"Well done, Nathaniel."

As Nathaniel caught his breath, he turned to face the door leading to Queen Rennala's chamber. "Let's go. We have a queen to face."

With Sir Moongrum defeated, the way to the Grand Library was now clear. Nathaniel, Roderika, and Melina prepared themselves for the final confrontation with Rennala, knowing that the real challenge was yet to come.

As Moongrum struggled to rise, his armour clinking with each movement, he attempted to regain his composure. His breath came in ragged gasps, and he looked at Nathaniel with a mixture of frustration and exhaustion.

"I-I was not ready," Moongrum stammered, raising his sword once more, though his resolve seemed to waver.

Nathaniel sighed, shaking his head with a hint of impatience. "Look, I'm only here to talk to your queen and nothing more. If you keep this up, it's just gonna end badly for you."

Moongrum, determined to prove himself, charged again. Nathaniel sidestepped effortlessly, using his superior agility to avoid the knight's strikes. With each attack, Nathaniel's movements were precise and controlled. He countered with ease, knocking Moongrum's sword from his grip and disarming him.

"Enough!" Nathaniel said firmly as he disarmed Moongrum for the second time. He stood over the defeated knight, his patience wearing thin. "I don't wanna fight you. I just need to speak with Queen Rennala. If you're truly loyal to her, you'll let me through."

Moongrum, breathing heavily and defeated, looked up at Nathaniel with a resigned expression. He nodded slowly. "Fine… You may proceed."

With a weary but respectful nod, Moongrum stepped aside, allowing Nathaniel, Roderika, and Melina to pass through the door leading to the Grand Library.

Nathaniel turned to Roderika and Melina. "Let's move."

The trio walked through the door, their path now clear to meet Queen Rennala. The Grand Library awaited them, its vast and arcane halls promising answers and challenges to come.