Bab 35: Chapter 36: The Whispering Ruins
Chapter 36: The Whispering Ruins
With the addition of Verdant Fang Woods to their territory, the settlement grew stronger and more prosperous. The influx of rare resources brought new opportunities, but it also attracted the attention of nearby factions and wandering adventurers.
One morning, as Adam was surveying the settlement's progress from the watchtower, Darius approached with a weathered map in hand.
"Adam, we've discovered something interesting," Darius said, spreading the map on a nearby table.
"What is it?" Adam asked, studying the parchment.
Darius pointed to a section marked with an ancient symbol. "This area is south of our borders. Some of the settlers found remnants of a structure here while gathering herbs. It appears to be a ruin of some kind."
Mira joined them, her expression curious. "Ruin? Could it be tied to the history of this world?"
"Possibly," Darius replied. "But there's more. The settlers reported strange whispers coming from the ruins, and the air felt... heavier."
Adam straightened. "We need to investigate. If there's something of value there—or something dangerous—we can't leave it unchecked."
Later that day, Adam assembled the core team along with a small group of skilled settlers. Bren carried his massive hammer, Mira sharpened her daggers, and Darius packed his alchemical supplies. Ethan adjusted his mana-infused shield, ready for whatever lay ahead.
"Everyone ready?" Adam asked.
"Ready as we'll ever be," Bren said.
The group set off toward the southern edge of their territory.
The journey to the ruins was uneventful at first. The landscape shifted from dense forests to rolling hills dotted with patches of wildflowers. Birds chirped in the distance, and a gentle breeze rustled the grass.
But as they drew closer to the ruins, the atmosphere changed. The air grew colder, and an unnatural silence blanketed the area.
"This place feels wrong," Mira said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Darius nodded, his hand resting on a flask of glowing liquid. "The mana here is... twisted. Be on your guard."
<System Alert:
**New Zone Discovered: Whispering Ruins.
Danger Level: Moderate to High. Features: Ancient Relics, Twisted Mana. Threats: Unknown.**>
The ruins were nestled in a shallow valley, their crumbling stone walls overgrown with moss and vines. Strange symbols were etched into the stones, their meanings long lost to time.
As the group stepped into the ruins, faint whispers seemed to echo from every direction. The sound was eerie, as if the ruins themselves were alive.
"What is that?" Ethan asked, gripping his shield tightly.
"Residual mana, perhaps," Darius said. "Or something more sinister."
Adam crouched by one of the symbols, his eyes narrowing. He activated Mana Insight (A), allowing him to glimpse the flow of energy in the area.
"There's a pattern here," he said. "The whispers... they're coming from the central chamber."
The group moved cautiously through the ruins, their steps echoing on the cold stone. As they reached the central chamber, they found a massive stone altar surrounded by glowing runes.
On the altar lay a black crystal, pulsing with dark energy.
"Whatever that is, it's not friendly," Bren said, his hammer at the ready.
Adam stepped closer, feeling the crystal's pull. The whispers grew louder, swirling in his mind.
"Careful, Adam," Mira warned.
"I'm fine," Adam said, activating Ultimate Focus (SS) to block out the noise. "This crystal... it's a power source. But it's corrupted."
<System Alert:
**Artifact Identified: Obsidian Core of Whispers.
Type: Corrupted Artifact. Effects: Amplifies Mana, Twists Will. Danger: High.**>
As Adam examined the crystal, the ground beneath them shook. From the shadows, creatures emerged—twisted forms that seemed to be part shadow, part flesh. Their glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and a guttural growl filled the chamber.
"Looks like we've got company," Bren said, raising his hammer.
"Form up!" Adam commanded.
The battle was chaotic. The creatures moved erratically, their forms shifting and flickering like shadows in the wind.
Ethan held the line, his shield absorbing the creatures' attacks. Mira darted around the battlefield, her daggers striking true. Darius hurled flasks of light-infused alchemy, causing the creatures to recoil.
Adam focused on the largest creature, a hulking beast with jagged claws and a swirling mass of shadows for a body. Activating Beast Overlord (SS), he attempted to dominate its will, but the corruption fought back.
"Damn it, this thing is strong!" Adam growled.
<System Alert:
**Corrupted Beast Resisted: Obsidian Stalker.
Difficulty: High.**>
Drawing on his strength, Adam activated Forceful Command (A), combining it with his taming ability. The Obsidian Stalker faltered, its form flickering. Finally, it let out a guttural roar and collapsed, its body dissolving into shadow.
With their leader defeated, the remaining creatures vanished into the darkness.
<System Alert:
**Battle Complete: Whispering Ruins Cleared.
Loot Acquired: Obsidian Core of Whispers, Corrupted Shards. Threat Eliminated: Obsidian Stalker.**>
As the group regrouped, Adam approached the crystal. "This thing is dangerous, but it might also be valuable. If we can purify it, it could be a powerful tool."
Darius nodded. "I'll study it back at the settlement. But we need to be careful. Corruption like this doesn't go away easily."
Adam picked up the crystal, feeling its weight and the faint hum of power within. "Let's head back. We've got work to do."
The group returned to the settlement, their prize in tow. As they stepped through the gates, the settlers greeted them with cheers.
Adam knew the Obsidian Core was both an opportunity and a challenge. If they could harness its power, it could propel them further. But if they failed, it could spell disaster.
One thing was certain: their journey was only becoming more complex—and more dangerous.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone