The Entrance

Continuing on their arduous journey, Leylin and the rest soon found themselves confronted with wave after wave of oppressive miasma and swarms of venomous insects.

It was a relentless assault on their senses, threatening to overwhelm them at every turn. But Leylin, ever the resourceful one, provided them with a selection of potent potions, which proved to be their salvation. With the potions' aid, the party effortlessly traversed these treacherous danger zones, emerging unscathed on the other side.

Leylin's skill in Potioneering became undeniable as he demonstrated various ingenious methods of employing the potions to dispel the poisonous insects and neutralize the suffocating miasma. Merlin and the others couldn't help but be awestruck by Leylin's talent. Even Bosain, a member of the prestigious Lilytell family, couldn't hide his astonishment. Leylin's reputation as a genius Potioneer had preceded him, but his exceptional abilities far surpassed everyone's expectations.

As they pressed forward, overcoming countless challenges on both land and water, Leylin and his companions finally reached their destination—the fabled overhanging cliff depicted on the map. The sight that greeted them left them breathless with wonder.

Roth gasped in awe, his voice filled with genuine admiration. Even Leylin and the others, their eyes filled with a sense of indulgence, couldn't help but be captivated by the enchanting beauty before them.

Perched on the edge of the cliff were vibrant yellow flowers, their petals stretching out on the leveled ground. But it was the heart of the flower that stole their attention—a brilliant crimson hue that seemed to glow with a mesmerizing intensity. When fully blossomed, these flowers were the size of two regular human fists joined together.

The entire mountaintop was adorned with these extraordinary blossoms, casting a heady fragrance that saturated the air. It was a sight that defied description, captivating their senses and igniting their imaginations.

Merlin couldn't contain his curiosity as he turned to Leylin. "What are these magnificent flowers?"

Leylin, well-versed in the treacherous nature of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains, where danger lurked behind every exquisite facade, had encountered similar traps in the past. He knew all too well that the most captivating plants often held the greatest perils, especially when they stood in close proximity to their desired destination.

As a seasoned Potioneering acolyte, Leylin had encountered and successfully dealt with three different flower traps already. He reassured the group, "Fear not! I've got this covered." With that, he reached out and plucked a stalk of the alluring flower.

He pretended to be analyzing it in silence, as his party was waiting for his input.

'Aralis, compare it to the database,' Leylin commanded, his eyes filled with curiosity.

The holo display in Leylin's field of view sprang to life, scanning the flower's outer appearance and scent. After a moment, Aralis delivered her findings.

[Comparison complete. I have identified it as a Beta Daisy.] Aralis announced in her loyal digitized voice.

"A Beta Daisy..." Leylin furrowed his brow, a mix of surprise and intrigue flashing across his face. "This plant is commonly found along South Coast, usually grown in plains. It symbolizes nostalgia and respect..."

Bosain, too, examined the flower closely and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it strongly resembles the Beta Daisy. Someone must have intentionally planted it here."

Roth, who had been observing quietly, chimed in with a gruff voice. "Perhaps it was the magician who left behind the inheritance."

Leylin mulled over the possibility, his mind consumed by intrigue. "It's certainly plausible, but we can't be certain."

Merlin, ever the meticulous one, pulled out the map and studied it intently. "According to our map, the remains should be located at the base of this cliff."

Leylin nodded in agreement, recalling the name 'Dylan Gardens' that had appeared on the map beneath the cliff. The map also mentioned an extensive area of Beta Daisies adorning the area above it. With an 80-90 percent chance of being correct, their anticipation grew.

Eager to explore the possibilities that lay before them, Merlin couldn't contain his excitement. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

For acolytes like them, stumbling upon the remains of an official Magus and claiming their inheritance marked the beginning of a new legend. The prospect of embarking on a legendary journey filled them with renewed vigor and determination.

As they set foot on the rugged terrain, determination etched on their faces, the five of them braved the challenges that lay ahead. Even Bosain, typically composed, found his mouth go dry with pure greed. The cliff loomed above them, its formidable height and razor-sharp granite walls seeming insurmountable to ordinary humans.

But these were no ordinary humans—these were level 3 acolytes driven by an insatiable thirst for discovery. With unwavering resolve, they faced the daunting task head-on.

Roth, ever adaptable, transformed into a mid-sized white tentacled form he had developed after a body modification experiment and began scaling down the cliff effortlessly. Leylin and the others, employing the Floating Feather spell, felt their weight diminish as they floated gracefully up to the bottom.

With a soft thud, Leylin's feet finally made contact with the ground, and he took a moment to survey his surroundings. What he saw left him awestruck.

The ground above was a mosaic of blades—countless stones fashioned into double-edged swords, stretching as far as the eye could see. And upon these lethal blades lay an eerie sight—countless corpses, some bearing an uncanny resemblance to humans.

Leylin's eyes widened with realization. "It appears these were living creatures that met a tragic end, falling from the cliff above..."

His mind raced, contemplating the implications. "But how could there be regular humans here? Could they be acolytes who previously stumbled upon leads?"

As if concerned for their safety, Leylin quickly warned Merlin and the others as they joined him on the ground. "Be cautious! The floor is littered with blades."

Merlin cursed under his breath, his face contorted in pain. He had grazed one of the sharp blades while landing, leaving a deep gash that stretched at least 12 centimeters across his arm.

'What a stupid piece of trash.' Leylin mused.

"These edges have been honed to perfection, sharpened to last for eternity. And it seems there are even magical spells imbued within them. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to breach Merlin's defenses and leave such a mark on his skin," Leylin explained, examining the gray-white blade and feeling the faint pulsations of energy emanating from it.

"Only an official Magus could cast such powerful spells on such a massive scale, affecting every rock in this area," Leylin mused, his voice tinged with wisdom.

The group's attention turned to Roth as countless gray-white tentacles descended from the cliff, carrying him down effortlessly.

"I used my spell to detect the area earlier, but there are only rocks and mud below us. No signs of remnants whatsoever..." Bosain's disappointment was palpable as he held onto a peculiar green eyeball.

Merlin's impatience grew, his face a mix of frustration and anxiety. "Let's search the area and see if we can find any clues. We'll regroup at the top of the cliff in six hours."

Merlin's suggestion received unanimous agreement from the group. The prospect of discovering the long-awaited entrance to the remnant and obtaining its elusive treasures drove their determination. With Merlin at the helm, their impatience fueled by the fear of being pursued by an official Magus, they dispersed in search of any hints that would lead them closer to their goal.

Leylin observed Merlin closely, sensing the weight of responsibility resting upon the young acolyte's shoulders. The strain of enduring the expedition, combined with the constant pressure to succeed imposed by his new teacher, was pushing Merlin to his limits. Leylin couldn't help but feel a sense of wicked amusement seeing his fellow acolyte getting closer and closer to his doom.

"Freedom to seek," Leylin whispered to himself, acknowledging the significance of Merlin's suggestion. It was a decision that would allow each member of the group to explore individually, follow their instincts, and pursue their own path within the confines of the cliff.

For Leylin and the others, this opportunity held great allure. It was a chance to uncover hidden treasures, to claim the remnants of an official Magus as their own. They knew that the rewards of their individual endeavors would far outweigh those gained from working together. The allure of personal gain and the promise of greater benefits propelled them forward.

With newfound determination, Leylin and his companions set off in different directions, their minds focused on unraveling the secrets that lay within the formidable cliff. Each step taken, each clue discovered, brought them closer to the realization of their ambitions.

The five of them exuded unwavering confidence in their individual approaches, resulting in no one proposing the formation of a team.

Opting to investigate around the base of the abyss, the group scattered from the spot where they had landed.

'Aralis, scan the geographical layout and generate a detailed map based on it.' Leylin commanded his A.I. assistant, taking a momentary pause during his walk.

[I finished it already. Figured you would ask.] Aralis dutifully executed Leylin's instructions, swiftly projecting a vivid 3D image in pale blue before his eyes.

Displayed solely to him, the map depicted the nearby terrain with astonishing detail, leaving no blade of grass unaccounted for.

According to Aralis's assessment, the area beneath the cliff was layered with granite, exhibiting no traces of magical activities. Furthermore, no signs of experimental laboratories were detected in the vicinity.

'No signs at all?' Leylin furrowed his brow.

[Perhaps the opposing party has employed an exceptionally potent concealment spell, rendering me incapable of detection.] Aralis offered, as her Master surveyed his surroundings once again with his own eyes.

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Before long, six hours passed, and the sky gradually darkened. Several tents were erected atop the cliff, while a crackling bonfire illuminated the area, emitting an enticing aroma of wild vegetable soup from the boiling pot.

Regrettably, the four individuals surrounding the bonfire had no appetite whatsoever.

"Now that everyone has returned, please share your findings," Bosain addressed the group, breaking the silence.

"Nothing! Aside from those cursed inverted rock blades, there's nothing else..." Roth spoke first, his tone slightly skeptical. "I must say, could it be that you've led us astray?"

"What did you say?" Bosain rose abruptly, his concealed magic artifact emitting a radiant blue glow from inside his robe.

"Enough! Must we instigate internal conflicts before even uncovering the treasure?" Leylin intervened, generating a massive wave of energy that positioned itself directly between Bosain and Roth.

"I believe in Lord Bosain. Otherwise, he could have made this journey alone!" Leylin chimed in, supporting Bosain's credibility.

The reason for his assurance was that Leylin possessed another map. A replica of the map from the Sage Gotham Hut party which he had obtained after Aralis scanned the two acolytes he had murdered. He knew that Bosain had indeed been leading them to the correct destination.

Upon hearing Leylin and Bosain's intervention, Bosain and Roth exchanged intense glares before reluctantly resuming their seats.

"I even explored the lower levels, but it was solid ground throughout. No underground structures or anything of the sort!" Merlin chimed in with a wry smile.

"An official Magus' remnant isn't easily found to begin with; otherwise, it would have been plundered long ago!" Leylin added, then turned to Merlin. "Do you have any other clues?"

Leylin's query directed the other three individuals' gazes towards Merlin.

After a brief silence, Merlin finally spoke up. "The clue I acquired was the map that led us here. It contains several ancient verses, appearing to be a kind of poem..."

"Let us see it!" Leylin and Bosain simultaneously requested, their interest piqued.

"Then I'll show it to all of you." Merlin smiled and unfolded the map in his hands.

Leylin scrutinized the map in Merlin's possession. There was no difference compared to the copy held by Aralis; even the route was identical, leading them to this cliff.

However, Merlin's map was noticeably older. In the upper right corner, several blurry characters were inscribed, their writhing forms resembling a snake.

Leylin's face acquired an extremely serious demeanor. "This is the Curagerian language. I've come across it in a scroll before. It seems to mention 'carrying... and those who show respect, will be able to... garden...' or something along those lines. It is quite difficult to make sense of this. However, if I extrapolate a couple of symbols from a few other ancient languages..."

Bosain's eyes gleamed as he strained to even read the text. He felt jealous of Leylin's ability to even translate as much as he did.

"Only those who possess courage and respect will be able to behold the Dylan Gardens!" Leylin swiftly translated the Curagerian language, his voice brimming with confidence. "This is the only line present on the map!"

Bosain appeared visibly startled. "Such obscure knowledge... You actually..."

"What can I say, I spend a lot of time in the library." Leylin replied with a kind smile.

"The remnant seems to be called the Dylan Gardens. But what does it mean to possess courage and respect?" Roth scratched his head, his confusion evident.

"I used to believe that courage referred to braving the perils of the Zither Moon Mountain Plains. However, it appears that may not be the case now." Merlin's smile held a tinge of irony.

"The Zither Moon Mountain Plains may pose a considerable threat to ordinary humans, but to a level 3 acolyte, it does not present much danger at all..." Bosain remarked impassively, fixing his gaze on Leylin with a dangerous glint in his eyes.