The old man and the mage walked away from the guild, walking through the increasingly deserted streets. The city was plunged into an unsettling silence, as if every stone and wall knew of the impending danger. They both knew they needed to act quickly, but they also knew they would face challenges they might not be prepared for.
"We will need more allies," the old man said, breaking the silence. "The guild alone will not be enough to face what is coming."
The mage agreed, although his face showed concern. "But where will we find these allies? Who will believe our word? We have unleashed an ancient entity, and many may see us as the threat itself."
"There are always those who are willing to fight, even when hope seems lost," the old man replied. "But we must be cautious. Every wrong step could lead to disaster."
They continued toward the oldest part of the city, where the buildings were simpler and the streets narrower. Here, people still maintained the traditions of their ancestors, and magic was viewed with reverence, but also with fear. The old man knew that this place held ancient secrets, perhaps even unexpected allies.
When they reached a small stone house, almost hidden in the shadows, the old man stopped. He looked at the wizard, who watched him curiously.
"Here lives someone who can help us," the old man said. "An old friend, someone who has seen more than most men could bear."
The wizard hesitated for a moment, but trusted the old man's intuition. Together, they approached the door, which seemed to be about to disintegrate, it was so old. The old man knocked three times, the sound echoing strangely off the stone walls.
For a moment, there was no answer. But then, the door slowly opened, revealing a frail-looking man, but with eyes that shone with the wisdom of many lives. His hair was white as snow, and his hands, wrinkled and calloused, held a simple wooden staff.
"What brings you to this forgotten part of the world, old friend?" the man asked, his voice low but full of strength.
"We need your help, Athos," the old man replied. "We have freed an ancient entity, and now the world is in danger. But we cannot face this alone."
Athos studied the old man and the mage for a moment, his piercing eyes seeming to see beyond flesh and bone. Finally, he nodded slowly.
"If the world is truly in danger, then my blade will be sharpened once more. But know this, this will not be an easy battle. Old alliances will be tested, and new enemies will emerge from the shadows."
The mage stepped forward, his expression serious. "We are aware of the risks. But we also know that we cannot simply wait for the worst to happen. We must act, and we need all the allies we can find."
Athos smiled slightly, a smile full of melancholy. "Then prepare yourselves. The road ahead will be full of dangers, but also of opportunities. And together, we may have a chance to face what lies ahead." With that, the three men turned toward the uncertain future, each carrying with them the hope that, despite the challenges, they could make a difference. They knew the battle was just beginning, but they also knew that the strength of unity could be the key to victory.