In Search of Treasure - Part 1
- Let's try to gather and think of all the information we have! Our goal is to get some kind of "treasure" and this has to be "precious" enough for them… but there's something strange about it all… wasn't it supposed to be some kind of challenge to analyze our "influence"?
- Maybe the treasures they hope we get depends on this ability to influence. (Kaule)
- But what does this mean in practice? Do we have to be popular with people in the kingdom? (Raild)
- And our treasure would be… our morals? How are we going to deliver this kind of thing? (Lahri)
- There must be some secret behind this challenge, but it certainly shouldn't be something like "my treasure is my love for the kingdom", even I would disapprove of an argument like that if I were in the Royal Assembly.
- You mean we have to convince them? (Adrick)
- It's not a bad idea… (Lahri)
- What kind of intelligence tea are you drinking? (Raild)
- You're the one falling behind, donkey boar! hi hi (adrick)
- It's not time to fight! What Adrick said makes sense, but it wouldn't make sense for them to give so much time just to assess our ability to speak to convince them…
- We can try to get or recover something of value for the kingdom, maybe that way we can at least reach the average! (Kaule)
- That's a good idea, what do you suggest, Kaule?
- Yesterday I met with Neru and Mya, they commented on the forest and mountain temples! (Kaule)
- Forest and mountain temples? (Raild)
- Woow, that sounds interesting! (Adrick)
"But wouldn't these temples be the same type of temple Quinnea and Fulg commented on?" (Lahri)
- Yes, it should be, but by name it shouldn't be related to them. The one in the mountain must belong to the Titan of Air, but the one in the forest…
- It belongs to the Earth Titan! (Raild)
- But when we found Thyrus he wasn't in the temple...
- So you mean the place is abandoned now? It could be our chance to get something! (Raild)
- I'm not so sure about that… If even Neru and Mya knew of the existence of the place and were looking for it, surely other people must be thinking the same now. (Kaule)
- Then why did you suggest this place?
- Because I think the temples are the oldest places in the Kingdom and they must have the information we need to find something precious. If we know more about information from the past we may find treasures from the realm itself that have been lost and I think that would help us get the points we need. (Kaule)
- As expected from the leaf head! (Adrick)
- It really makes sense. (Raild)
- Good thinking, Kaule! (Lahri)
- So let's go!
***
We split up to look for information in the city about ancient places or information about temples, as we never explore places beyond the realm we can't just waste time on intuitions and failed attempts. Each one went looking for information with different people and places in the kingdom.
I decided to go to the master guild to get information and along the way I was able to notice something different from normal, something that was not part of the routine. There are many kingdom guards patrolling and walking the streets, it also seems that the city is quite busy today, many people walking and working from one place to another. Is all this happening because of the challenge? I thought that only players would be concerned about the competition…
- Excuse me…
This doesn't seem to be right...
- Excuse me, young man!
Huh? Looks like someone's calling me. It's a little old lady standing beside me calling me.
- Young man, could you help me?!
- Oh… of course! How can I help you?
- I need help with some heavy boxes. My age no longer allows me to carry those boxes alone!
- Don't worry, ma'am! I will help you with this!
- Thank you!
She smiled slightly and showed me the way to an old shop near where I was standing, which appears to be a clothing store. Then she showed me inside a dark and dusty room some large, stacked boxes.
- Could you please take these boxes for me and put them in front of the store, my dear?!
- Right! I'll do it!
And I took each one of the boxes and one at a time I carefully placed it in front of the store. Meanwhile the little lady was talking to me saying that she is a seamstress and that she loves to make clothes, but the clothes she put in these boxes are no longer good to wear and she intends to enjoy what she can before getting rid of the ones she already has. no longer any good.
Her way of telling was so happy and lively, it felt like she hadn't talked to anyone for a long time. She must be taking the time to talk to me to forget about loneliness.
- Do you run this shop alone?
- Yes… My husband died a few years ago and my son already has his own life to take care of. Some tasks may seem a little difficult, but I can handle everything here!
- But don't you feel lonely living like this?
- I certainly feel lonely many times... there are days when I get up and spend the whole day sewing, without talking to anyone or hearing any noise other than the ones I make while sewing, I don't usually have many clients either, people don't like lots of old stores like this one. But I'm used to it, after all I'm close to meeting my husband again and I don't have the energy I had before.
- But… it's still a sad day when there's no one to talk to! Being alone can be good sometimes... but...
- … From your expression it seems that you also know what it's like to spend days of solitude, don't you?
- ...Yes. Before I met my friends I have today, I spent a lot of time alone, with no one to talk to… and I find it very sad to live like this… so I'm grateful to have my friends!
- You seem to like them a lot.
- Yes, I don't show it to them, but they really are very important to me!... I had an idea! I will visit you at least once a week so we can talk and you won't have to feel so lonely!
- Oh! But what a kind offer of yours! I feel guilty taking advantage of your kindness for such selfish reasons, so you don't have to worry about me...
- I want to do this by myself, ma'am! No need to bother with details like these, I'll come visit you whenever I can, I promise you!
She kept looking at me with a confused expression, not knowing what to do or what to say, but after a few seconds of staring at me she ended up accepting my decision with a smile.
- You really are a good guy… What's your name, young boy?!
- My name is Lyunil!
- Lyunil, wait right there for a moment please!
And she walked back into the store with some idea in her head, what could it be?
After a few seconds she came back with something in her hand.
- I want you to keep this, as a thank you for everything you did for me today!
He handed me a small object.
- A ring?
- Yes, yes, a boy like you gave me this ring saying that I could keep it, because I would need the ring more than he did. Unfortunately I never got to see that boy again, but I'm sure he would accept me delivering it to you!
- No, no, sorry but I can't accept...
- Don't be shy, I'm giving it to you sincerely, you don't need to refuse. Besides, you will need it more than I do!
I can't accept it, but it seems like I don't have a choice...
- Thank you very much, ma'am... I forgot to ask your name!
- You can just call me Margareth!
- Thank you very much, Mrs Margareth!
- No need to thank me, my dear. I must have already taken up too much of your time, I think you need to go now.
- It wasn't bothering any, but I really need to go now… by any chance, would you know something about ancient places in the kingdom or where the elemental temples are?
- Hmmm, unfortunately my head doesn't remember much anymore, but I know someone who might be able to help you, a man from the countryside, he is one of my loyal customers, he told me one day that he found possible information about ruins in the forest, maybe be of interest to you!
Ruins in the forest? Could it be the temple in the forest?
- How can I find this man?
- Just search for Jhonny in the countryside of the kingdom and you'll find him quickly!
- Okay, thank you very much again, you really helped me a lot!
I hurriedly said goodbye to her and went to the meeting point to wait for everyone to return, but when I arrived it seemed I was the last to return.
- Looks like you got pretty busy. Did something happen? (Kaule)
- Probably Lyunil ended up bumping into someone again and now he has another duel to face! (Raild)
- …~In my defense, I only did it for survival~ (Lahri)
- Or he ended up finding something super mega legendary and didn't want to show it to anyone! (Adrick)
- By any chance what am I to you? I've just been busy helping a lady!... Did you get any information?
- A resident also asked me for help with some tasks and he ended up telling me that maybe in the library it is possible to find the information we are looking for. (Kaule)
- A child asked me for help with a kitten and I didn't get any interesting information. (Raild)
- I didn't get anything important either, the woman I helped just gave the same suggestion that Kaule said. (Lahri)
Adrick nodded.
- The lady I helped said that a man named Jhonny might know information about ruins in the forest.
- Ruins in the forests? (Raild)
- Is it the temple in the forest? (Kaule)
- Not me, the only way to find out is to ask him.
- And where is he now? (Lahri)
- In the countryside of the kingdom.
- Right! I know where he is!
- So let's go! (Adrick)
- Hey, that's my line!
***
We all went together, guided by Lahri, to the countryside of the kingdom. An extensive place because of the huge farms and plantations, a region of peace and silence, really a pleasant place to see!
We asked everyone we met on the way if they knew someone named Jhonny, and the villagers would point out a way until we arrived at a farm... full of holes in the ground?
What's going on here?
Then we heard someone whining aloud!
- Why? Why aren't you here?! I was sure it was here!!
My companions and I exchanged confused looks and decided to go see what was going on.
- Damn, where did I go wrong?
- Excuse me, is everything okay?
There is a man in a hole holding a shovel with a mournful expression. He quickly turned towards us after hearing my voice and was surprised by our presence.
- Huh?! Visits?! Who are you?!
- Are you by any chance Mr. Jhonny?
- It's me, why? Are you government employees? Did something happen?
- No, no, it's nothing like that. Mrs Margareth told me that you could help us with some information!
- Ah that's great! So you know Margareth, welcome then! How can I help you?
- We heard that you might have information about forest ruins! That's true?
- Ah… hmmm….
He was thinking for a few seconds. Looks like he knows about something…
- In that case I want to ask your help with a problem.
He came out of the hole he was digging and started dusting off his clothes while cleaning his hands full of dirt.
- Come with me, come in, I'll serve you a coffee!
And we followed him to the house, a simple and humble house, but very cozy, where he offered us wooden chairs to sit on and began to prepare the drink while he told us about his story.
- A long time ago my wife and daughter passed away because of an illness and I was very depressed by this fact, but by a miracle I ended up finding a true friend who went through a situation similar to mine, so we decided to help each other to continue forward without losing heart. He and I started living here together, taking care of the farm, the crops, this house, just living in a simple way. Unfortunately, a year ago, this friend of mine also passed away, but at least I could see that he died peacefully. A few weeks ago, while I was packing his things, I found out that he ended up leaving me a letter saying that he hid a treasure and that my mission was to look for this treasure he hid as a favor from our friendship.
He then poured the drink for each of us and then sat down in a chair continuing his explanation.
- Unfortunately I couldn't find the treasure until today and I'm very sad because of it. On the other hand, he always did that to me and forced me to try a little harder than I could, but this time I'm no longer able to live up to his expectations, ha ha ha! /Cough! Cough!/…
- So you want us to help you look for this treasure, right? (Raild)
- Exactly... but about the information you are looking for I can't tell you with certainty, because this friend of mine told me about these ruins in the forest, as he liked to exaggerate in many things I didn't give much importance to it, but maybe in this treasure he hid has the information you are looking for!
- I see… we're sorry for your losses, but I'm sure we're all willing to help you look for your treasure!
Looking at everyone I could see them agreeing with me.
- Oh! How great, I knew I could count on you! Thank you very much for your help!
- Sir, that… coffee! It is very good! (Adrick)
- Ha ha ha, I'm glad you liked it, I usually drink it sweet anyway, but Frank, my friend, preferred it without any sweets. Feel free to drink more!
Adrick was excited and wanted to refill his glass.
- Could you show us the tip he left you to find the treasure? (Kaule)
- Of course! Here!
He went to a shelf and grabbed a piece of paper, then handed it to us. On paper it said...
- "To find the treasure, you can't trust what you see, but what the sky sees, and when you don't see it's the right time to see and seeing what's hidden you'll be able to find what you're looking for! But be quick or time could end up making things difficult!" (Lahri)
- Is the riddle really like that or was my head echoing the same words in meaningless sentences? (Raild)
- Do you know any hints about what he meant by that? (Kaule)
- Unfortunately I didn't understand anything either, ha ha! I thought it would be somewhere where the sun shines well, but I looked around and found nothing. (Jhonny)
- What do you think, master? (Lahri)
- Hmmm… Mr Jhonny's idea isn't bad, it means that heaven really is the secret of the riddle, but the other information is still quite confusing… Can we take a look around your house?
- Sure, sure, make yourself comfortable! (Jhonny)
***
After several minutes looking around for some clue that would help to understand the riddle, we couldn't find anything interesting. The sun was really strong and at the highest point, so I used the paper to shield my eyesight from the sun and the sun's glare passing through the paper gave me an idea. So I told everyone to wait until nightfall to keep looking.
As the day wore on, we helped Jhonny repair the holes he had made while searching for treasure. Adrick looked very agitated and frantic, could it be because of the drink? He must have taken a lot... but on the other hand, he managed to get our work ahead very quickly, we even got some time to sit in front of the house and talk for a while watching the sun go down, Jhonny told us more about the days he lived with Frank here and about how his friend was always excited.
I know we're in a hurry because of the challenge, but those few minutes of peace we had made it seem like all our worries were gone, that moment of peace was tempting enough for me to think about what my future would be if I gave it all up. to live like that. I'm sure I could live quietly... but I wouldn't do my part for my friends.
When night fell and the moon took its place in the sky, I was finally able to test my hypothesis. This hypothesis risked our time and we are betting everything on this ruin that Jhonny mentioned...
- What do you intend to do, boy? (Jhonny)
- "You can't trust what you see, but what the sky sees". I believe this means that the true location of the treasure is hidden in this paper with some magic that can only be revealed with the light of heaven.
- I've already tried that too, I thought putting it under the light of the sun or the moon would have some hidden message, but nothing came up... (Jhonny)
- That's where the secret of the second part lies...
I put the paper under the moonlight and left it for a few seconds, and really nothing happened, but then hurriedly I went to a place dark enough that I couldn't read anything, the others followed me, and then...
- Wooow, the paper started to glow! (Adrick)
- What is it? is it a symbol? (Raild)
- No… seems to be a map?! But what a weird map… (Lahri)
- Look, on the side there is a place that says "home". It means that this is where we are! (Kaule)
- Oh! This is amazing… hmmm… so the treasure he hid must be here! I know where this place is! (Jhonny)
Then the paper stopped shining the marks that were appearing and went back to being a simple paper.
- Right! So show us where this place is, please!
We left the dark corner and walked towards the place Jhonny says he knows where it is.
- Lyunil, how did you know about this magic? (Raild)
- Hmm… I don't remember right, but for some reason I've seen this kind of magic somewhere. It's not hard to do and it's not safe at all if you're going to pass on more important messages in secret... but it's a simple way to hide information... you just put the message in to absorb the moonlight and then go to a dark place to May the message shine!
- That's why on the paper it said: "and when you don't see it's the right time to see and seeing what's hidden you'll be able to find what you're looking for!".
- You were very smart, boy. Thanks to you, I'm closer to finding the treasure my friend hid! This kind of joke with the message is very typical of Frank, ha ha ha! /Cough! Cof!/ (Jhonny)
- Are you all right, sir? (Lahri)
- Yes, I am, it's just that I don't get along with a lot of dust and dirt! (Jhonny)
Hmmm, something is not right… and I still can't understand the last part of the riddle… What did he mean by that?
- We arrived… but we have a problem… (Jhonny)
- A problem? What happened…. WAA! There's a huge two-headed dog! (Raild)
- That's an adult Keenhound, luckily he's sleeping now, but it looks like we're going to have a lot of work to get the treasure… (Kaule)
- So that's what the note meant about "But be quick or time could make things difficult!" ? Looks like we're a little late so… what are we going to do now? (Lahri)
- Do you have any ideas, kid?
- Hmmm… this monster doesn't seem to be so simple to defeat and we can't waste much time, if the note's warning is about something else we may not be able to recover the treasure… we'll have to use a distraction!...
.
.
.
.
.
- ...Why is everyone looking at me? (Raild)
- You are the ideal person for this service!
- No way! I don't think this is right! Why not choose the dwarf?! (Raild)
- We will need him to dig the place with his speed to get the treasure!
- That's not fair! (Raild)
- If you want, we can decide on luck?!
***
- We need you to distract him for a few minutes until Adrick can find the treasure! So if you can run as far as you can so the monster doesn't notice we're here, it will help us a lot!
- Next time we will decide by force! You got it? (Raild)
- Yes, yes, you don't need to be angry about details ""^^)/…
- You will never know the pain of never having won even in a coin toss! (`ー´ )... Just give me a few more seconds to get ready! (Raild)
- Feel free…
Raild started putting some weird black bracelets on his arms and legs… it must be some item he intends to use to escape the monster.
On the other hand, Adrick is already prepared with the shovel and looking forward to when the time is right.
- Are you sure you're near that tree, Mr Jhonny?
- Yes, I'm sure it's nearby, one day I was here with Frank and he commented on this tree… I hadn't imagined he would choose this place to hide the treasure… Here we met a weird boy who told us some words of inspiration and gave us a gift. After that moment Frank changed his point of view and started to see things with different eyes… it seems he really liked it here… (Jhonny)
He looked down a little dismayed inside, I think he remembered something sad from his past…
- Don't worry, we'll help you find the treasure your friend hid! So… try to remain confident!
I gave him a thumbs-up as I tried to encourage him so he wouldn't feel discouraged, but coming to think about it now, I think that was pretty embarrassing…
I have to think of better ideas next time… (||| - -)
- Thanks for the support… This ring… where did you get it? (Jhonny)
- Oh?! The ring? The lady Margareth who gave it to me!
- Oh! Got it… (Jhonny)
- I'm ready! We can start! (Raild)
- Okay, let's go then! Everyone stay tuned, we have to be quick!
Then Raild headed for the Keenhound.
- It's time to level up my training… (Raild)
He picked up a stone from the ground, stood in front of the monster and threw the stone at him screaming...
- HEY!! UGLY MONSTER!... (Raild)
The monster woke up and looked with his eyes red and filled with rage towards Raild who backed up a little.
- uh… YOUR MOM IS A BITCH… Hmm… TWO-HEADED!?! (Raild)
.
.
.
I think that was the weirdest tease I've ever heard in my life...
- RRRWWWWWAAAAAA!!!
But it looks like it worked! The Keenhound got up and roared furiously! Raild ran away and the monster followed him without a second thought!
- It's our chance!
We were running towards the tree. Adrick started digging quickly while the rest of us started looking around for any clues.
The seconds passed and we found nothing...
Walking around the tree I ended up seeing something peculiar, in the tree there was a hole hidden behind the grass and moss that covers most of the hole, but because of the wind I could see that there was a hole... I put my hand inside the hole and how did I I thought, I found a weird box inside.
- Hey guys, I think…
Suddenly a piece of paper fell to the floor, I hadn't seen that there was a letter with the box, it ended up opening when it fell, I hope it didn't get dirty...
When I picked up the letter I went to check if it was still legible, but I ended up seeing some words that caught my attention...
- What?...
- Master, did you find something?... Master?... (Lahri)
- Is everything okay with you? Look, Lyunil you managed to find the treasure! (Kaule)
- HA HA, so we made it! (Adrick)
- Thank you so much, boy! Where did you manage to find… (Jhonny)
- Mr Jhonny… what does the phrase "hasn't died from the disease" mean?…
. . .
- What?... (Lahri)
- Lyunil, you shouldn't meddle in the personal lives of others! (Kaule)
- It's okay, one time or another you would notice!... (Jhonny)
- Do you mean that you will also die as your friend?
- Yes… (Jhonny)
- So those coughs from before, the story about your wife and daughter, about your friend, the phrase that said "time can end up making things difficult!", it was all because you also have this disease... and you wanted to find the treasure before you die?
- Exactly... (Jhonny)
- But why?
- Hmm… let's go back first, and at home I'll explain to you… (Jhonny)
- How are we gonna call Raild back? (Lahri)
- I don't think we thought about that part… (Kaule)
- It's okay, I told Raild to lose it as soon as he finds a small pond ahead, he'll be back soon. Let's hurry and get out of here before the monster returns.
***
A short time later, Raild rejoined the group and we returned to Jhonny's house. Entering the house, he placed the treasure on the table and opened it in front of us all… Inside the box were some images and objects that we didn't understand, but that immediately made Jhonny cry.
- Alright… I owe you guys an explanation… (Jhonny)
We were silent and standing in front of him. He took one of the pictures inside the box and showed us.
- This is where I came from, this is me and my family with Frank and his family… We come from a terrible and hateful place, a suburb where we were used as experimental subjects… (Jhonny)
The image shows a totally weird place, I've never seen a place like this before... Jhonny and the other people in the photo are also wearing clothes that I've never seen before too, they look like clothes Zack would wear...
- It may not seem like it, but now I'm 27, my wife 26 and my daughter 4 years old. Frank was 29 years old when he died. And I'm close to dying too because of the same reason. (Jhonny)
- What? You are dying? (Raild)
- A group, probably from the government, wanted to test a new drug on people suffering from a lung disease because of contaminated air, but it was too late when we found out that it was actually a test for a regenerative drug, they themselves contaminated the population with that smoke and then they wanted to test the efficiency of the substance… but it was a total failure and you already know the end of this story. (Jhonny)
- That's… terrible… (Lahri)
- Bastards! (Raild)
I closed my hand tightly and just listened carefully to what he was saying.
- This photo was taken the day I saw my family for the last time. The only person left with me was Frank. So after feeling the pain of losing the two people I loved the most in this world. A few days later, after crying and suffering as much as we could, Frank and I were invited by the master of this Tower who said we could fix any problem if we wanted, we knew what he was saying about our situation, but what we asked was a place in peace that we could spend our last days away from that horrible place and so we ended up here… (Jhonny)
- Did you just want to accept your fate, like your friend?
- Yes… (Jhonny)
- Why?
- Because I've suffered enough, I saw my 4-year-old daughter dying without air and my wife without breathing asking for help, as well as everyone who lived in the same region as me. I don't want to go back there anymore, I don't have the strength to live here and I want to meet my family again… the moment I was able to live in this house with Frank was enough for me to reflect and make this decision… I know you understand my situation, but I ask you to accept my decision! /Cough! Cough!/
I clenched my hand even tighter, bit my lip hard, and tried to hold on as long as I could. I don't want to accept this, I can't accept this!
- How can you stay calm … /Snif!/ even after all that you told us?
- Ha ha, I don't even know how to answer that. Maybe I should be desperate and deep down I'm really scared of dying, but I managed to accept my fate and I'm grateful to share my story with you, now I feel even more prepared, I really am grateful for all the help you gave me today … (Jhonny)
When I realized, we were all crying... and confused, not knowing if we were happy or sad...
Jhonny took one more look at the box, looking for something...
- And as I said before, here's my part of the deal… I knew Frank would leave a little map of where he found the ruins he mentioned to me one day… I want you to have this… and I want you to accept this too! (Jhonny)
He held out both hands, one holding the map and the other holding a small box. I hesitated and didn't want to take the objects that were part of his treasure, but then he said…
- Remember what I said? I ask you to accept my decision! After all, you will need it much more than me! Please accept… (Jhonny)
I didn't have a choice and took the two objects.
- Thank you once again for your help and… I wish you a good journey, now I want to spend some time alone. (Jhonny)
So we said goodbye to him and left his house.
- Let's not waste his kindness and get this treasure!
***
After understanding the map, we went to the location that showed over the forest ruins. The location is in the forest region which is adjacent to the countryside we were in, I didn't know the forest was so extensive! But we had to go far in and away from the region we were in.
At first, looking around you can't find anything new among the trees, but following the tip of the map, taking a few steps in that direction we will find…
- The ruins!… What?! But this place is just an open area full of rocks…
- Look, Lyunil, these stones have a different shape than normal, don't you think? (Kaule)
- You're right, they look like destroyed columns...
- Others seem to be large stone bricks, but destroyed too. It seems we're too late… (Raild)
- You mean the temple in the forest no longer exists? (Lahri)
- Damn, it can't be just that, there must be something else around here...
- HEY! Guys, there's a strange drawing here on the floor! (Adrick)
Adrick started pulling rocks off something. We quickly made our way to where Adrick is.
- What is it? It appears to be some kind of magic circle... (Raild)
- It seems to be a magic circle, but the marks were made on the stone itself and not drawn on top of it, plus there's a pyramid-shaped hole in the center, so it might be something different... (Kaule)
- You mean it's a magic stone? (Adrick)
- In other words, yes! That must be it… (Kaule)
Magic stone… pyramid…
- Lahri!
- Yes Master? (Lahri)
- Do you still have the reward we received in the Bunnyges quest?
- Yes, it's here… Ah! Well thought out, master! (Lahri)
Lahri took the small orange magic pyramid and placed it in the hole that corresponds with the shape of it. And the result was right, the magical energy spread through the stone's marks and it started to spin, forming some kind of pattern and then it opened a mysterious underground passage…
- It looks deep… and dark! (Raild)
- Alright! Let's go inside and look for some treasure. It could be that this is the true temple of the forest…