Unveiling the Red Groove.
As the festival continued, Queen Sylvie, in a surprising twist, decided to present a morbid spectacle. Lining up prisoners sentenced to death, she elevated them on a pedestal. Drawing a ceremonial sword from the treasury, she unsheathed it, revealing a blade brimming with chaotic energy that Nova could sense even from a distance.
With a swift and decisive motion, Queen Sylvie pierced the hearts of the prisoners. Their bodies faded away, leaving only the essence cores intact. The queen summoned a gate and tossed the energy cores into it. The gate devoured the cores, closing after securing the potent energy within.
Nova, intrigued and slightly disturbed by the gruesome display, sought an explanation from Valorian. "What is the purpose of such an uncouth ritual?"
Valorian, seemingly unfazed, replied, "All the energy cores obtained through the sacrificial ceremony are immensely valuable. They serve as catalysts to open gates."
Nova pressed further, "Open gates for what purpose? What are these energy cores used for?"
Valorian evaded the question, saying, "Don't worry about that. It's not important. However, I would like to extend an invitation to you to visit the Mage's Tower one day."
Nova, still puzzled but intrigued by Valorian's offer, replied, "Yes, sir."
After the unsettling ritual, Nova noticed traces of energy dissipating into the air. The residual energy frequencies lingered, providing him with a clue. He approached Ignis with a plan.
Nova asked Ignis to distract anyone who might be watching him while he attempted to locate the entrance to the Red Groove. Ignis, initially concerned about the unknown location of the door, was reassured by Nova's sensing abilities.
"Don't worry. I sensed the energy fluctuations when the queen opened that gate. I can locate it based on those frequencies. Cause a distraction, and I'll take care of the rest," Nova explained.
Ignis nodded and ascended the podium, announcing his presence to the crowd.
"I am Ignis, a living dragon from a forbidden realm," Ignis declared. "I possess something unique and valuable. I propose an auction. My Queen, may I proceed?"
Queen Sylvie, intrigued, allowed the distraction, asking about the unique item Ignis intended to auction. Ignis retrieved a Chaos Orb from a pocket dimension – a creation of Nova himself. This pure orb, composed of chaos energy, had the potential to infuse an individual with both light and dark energies, creating a powerful hybrid being.
The crowd, including important figures from the COC, watched in anticipation as Ignis presented the Chaos Orb. Nova seized the moment to slip away unnoticed, focusing on his mission to unlock the Red Groove.
With the crowd captivated by Ignis' auction, Nova stealthily approached the location where he sensed the energy frequencies. Conjuring a longsword infused with the amalgamation of light, dark, and chaos energies, he approached the sealed entrance to the Red Groove.
The sword, with its silver hue, pierced the seal, emitting a harmonious resonance as it cut through the enchantments. The seal, once impenetrable, yielded to Nova's unique blend of energies. The door to the Red Groove creaked open, revealing a passage into the depths of mystery and history.
Nova stepped through the threshold, leaving behind the lively festival and entering the mysterious Red Groove. The air within the hidden sanctuary carried a solemn stillness, and the ambient light dimmed as he progressed deeper into the concealed passage.
As Nova ventured deeper into the heart of the Red Groove, he discovered an array of resting places for Thran's past rulers and noble figures. The energy resonating from each grave whispered stories of their legacy, but Nova's focus sharpened when he reached the final resting place of Lady Cynthia's personal guard.
Beside the guard's grave, another burial site caught Nova's attention, emanating even stronger energy waves. Curiosity compelling him, but Nova approached and laid his hand upon the tomb. The ground trembled slightly as the energy within responded to his touch.
In an instant, the air shifted, and the remains of the personal guard began to stir. The spectral figure rose from the grave, its form taking shape in response to Nova's summoning. The ethereal guard, though no longer among the living, retained a semblance of consciousness.
The guard's eyes, once clouded by death, now glowed with a faint luminescence. Nova, focused on unraveling the mysteries surrounding Cynthia and the forbidden realm, posed his inquiries.
The guard's eyes, once clouded by death, now glowed with a faint luminescence. Nova, focused on unraveling the mysteries surrounding Cynthia and the forbidden realm, posed his inquiries.
The spectral guard, straining against the ethereal boundaries that held it, managed to utter fragmented phrases. "Cynthia... My Lord... Realm Governor... this bubble."
The cryptic words hung in the air, leaving Nova with more questions than answers. The guard's spectral form began to wither, unable to contain the immense energy flowing from Nova. The vessel, weakened by the passage of time and the strain of holding such power, succumbed to the inevitable decay.
As the spectral guard's form disintegrated, the echoes of its knowledge lingered in the air. Nova, determined to gather as much information as possible, absorbed the residual energy, letting the fragmented phrases permeate his consciousness.
The cryptic reference to "Realm Governor" and "this bubble" left Nova intrigued and somewhat perplexed. It hinted at a higher authority within the forbidden realm, and the mysterious nature of Cynthia's role as a governor became a focal point in Nova's quest for understanding.