Enchanted Grave Forest II

Startled by the sudden high-pitched sound, Arsen quickly covered his ears as well, trying to block out the noise. He could see the distress on Ariya's face and realized the severity of the situation.

"Are you alright? What was that sound?" Arsen shouted over the noise, concerned for Ariya's well-being. He tried to stay calm and assess the situation, wondering if it was an attack or some sort of natural phenomenon.

As the black smoke took shape into a human figure, a sense of dread filled the air. Arsen and Ariya watched with a mix of fear and curiosity, unable to tear their gaze away from the mysterious entity forming before them. They braced themselves, ready to face whatever danger lay ahead.

With bated breath, they waited for the figure to fully materialize, their minds racing with thoughts of what it could be. Would it be another monster? Or perhaps something even more sinister?

As the black smoke dissipated, revealing the figure within, Arsen and Ariya were taken aback by what they saw. It was a woman, draped in flowing black robes, her face obscured by a hood. Her presence exuded an aura of darkness and power.

Ariya and Arsen were no fools to not understand the situation. To be exact, yes, it seemed like the Witch Spirit willingly revealed herself to these two.

Devah (Witch Spirit) Level --.

"Don't tell me, this Spirit power is too high for me to discern its ability?"

The legend of the Blessed Massacrist intrigued Arsen and Ariya as they delved deeper into the lore surrounding the Witch Spirit. It was a tale of contrasts, where the same entity that brought death and destruction to some could also bestow blessings upon others.

According to the stories, the Witch Spirit had the power to discern the intentions and worthiness of those who entered its domain. It tested adventurers, pushing them to their limits and separating the deserving from the unworthy. Those who proved themselves worthy were rewarded with riches, rare artifacts, and invaluable knowledge.

The Blessed Massacrist was the name given to the Witch Spirit due to its duality—both a harbinger of death and a giver of blessings. Many adventurers sought to challenge the Witch Spirit, hoping to be among the fortunate few who would receive its favor.

However, the trials set by the Witch Spirit were not for the faint of heart. It demanded courage, skill, and unwavering determination. The stories told of treacherous tests of strength, cunning puzzles, and battles against formidable creatures. Those who were unprepared or lacked the resolve would face a swift demise at the hands of the spirit.

Feeling Ariya's fear and hesitation, Arsen tightened his grip on her wrist and spoke with determination in his voice. "We need to leave this place now, Ariya. We can't afford to stay here any longer. Trust me, we'll find a way to escape from the Witch Spirit's grasp."

He did everything he could to convince her. However, it looked like Ariya can't hear his words.

The woman spoke in a voice that sent shivers down their spines. "You dare enter my domain, mortals?" Her words echoed through the forest, carrying an otherworldly weight.

Arsen swallowed hard, trying to find his voice. "We... we didn't mean any harm. We were just passing through..."

The woman's eyes glowed with an eerie light as she stared at them. "Passing through, you say? No one passes through the Enchanted Grove without consequences. You have disturbed the balance, and now you must face the price."

Arsen and Ariya exchanged worried glances, realizing the gravity of the situation. They had unknowingly trespassed into a realm they knew little about, and now they were at the mercy of this powerful entity.

"What do you want from us?" Ariya managed to ask, her voice trembling.

The woman's lips curled into a sinister smile. "I seek a sacrifice, a life to restore the harmony that you have disrupted. One of you shall pay the price for your intrusion."

Arsen's heart raced as he weighed his options. He couldn't bear the thought of either of them being sacrificed. He had to find a way out of this predicament, to protect himself and Ariya.

"Wait," Arsen interjected, his voice filled with desperation. "Is there any other way? We didn't mean to cause harm. We can make amends, find a way to restore the balance without sacrificing a life."

The woman paused, considering his words. Her glowing eyes bore into Arsen, seemingly assessing his sincerity. After a tense moment, she spoke again, her voice softer but no less ominous.

"Very well. Prove your worth, mortal. Retrieve the Tear of Luna from the heart of the enchanted lake. Only then will I consider an alternative to the sacrifice."

Arsen nodded, relief flooding through him. He knew it wouldn't be an easy task, but it offered a glimmer of hope. He turned to Ariya, their eyes meeting, and they silently agreed to face this new challenge together.

"We accept your task," Arsen said, his voice steady. "We will retrieve the Tear of Luna and restore the balance. Just promise us that no harm will come to us or anyone else."

The woman's smile widened, revealing gleaming teeth. "Do not underestimate the trials that await you, mortal. But if you succeed, the debt shall be repaid."

With that, the woman vanished into thin air, leaving Arsen and Ariya alone in the now-silent forest. They took a deep breath, steeling themselves for the arduous journey that lay ahead.

"We have no choice but to complete this task," Arsen said, determination in his voice. "We must find the Tear of Luna and fulfill our promise. Let's prepare ourselves and embark on this quest together."

Ariya nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of apprehension and determination. They knew that the road ahead would be fraught.

[Prove your worth!]

Devah was looking for a new merchant.  Show your capabilities and impress her.

Reward(s): Unknown

[Restriction(s)]: Completing the quest offered bountiful rewards and Devah's favourability. Declining or failing the rewards offered Ariya's death and curse that decrease your attributes permanently.

In this game, players received a penalty or cause that could reduce their attributes permanently. Sometimes it was just duration depending on the situation.

Moreover, Ariya and Arsen should proceed with their task right away, knowing the heavy casualties they might receive once they failed the quest.

"First of all, do you know what is Tear of Luna?"

Ariya nodded her head.

The Tear of Luna is a legendary gemstone of immense power and mystical significance. It is said to be a fragment of the moon itself, imbued with ancient magic and celestial energy. Legends speak of its ability to grant extraordinary abilities and fulfill the deepest desires of those who possess it.

The Tear of Luna is believed to have been scattered across the world in various hidden locations, protected by powerful guardians and magical barriers. Many adventurers and treasure hunters have sought the Tear of Luna, drawn to its rumored abilities and the potential it holds.

The gemstone is said to possess the power to enhance one's magical abilities, granting unparalleled mastery over elemental forces and arcane arts. It is also believed to hold the key to unlocking hidden realms, revealing ancient knowledge and secrets long lost to time.

However, the true nature and extent of the Tear of Luna's powers remain shrouded in mystery. Some believe that it can bring about great prosperity and enlightenment, while others caution that its power can corrupt and lead to destruction in the wrong hands.

Just like what Arsen expected, the task given by Devah would not be so easy. But what he could do? All the occurrences happening here were connected.

"What could you say in this quest, Ariya? Also, do you have any idea what kind of creature existed in that lake?"

Ariya took a moment to compose herself before responding. "In regards to this quest, seeking the Tear of Luna is a daunting task. It is a legendary gemstone that has captivated the imaginations of adventurers and scholars alike for centuries. The rewards it promises are great, but so are the challenges that come with it."

"As for the creature in the lake," Ariya continued, her voice filled with caution, "I cannot say for certain what exactly it is without further investigation. However, based on the description you provided, it appears to be a water-based creature, possibly a guardian or inhabitant of the lake. Such creatures are often powerful and possess unique abilities related to their elemental nature."

She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "If we are to proceed with this quest, we must be prepared for the dangers that lie ahead."

"I know about that. We should just investigate Enchanted Lake first. Then, let's figure out next what we can do. "