Ch 104: New Beginnings

Kalem stood amidst the labyrinth of etched ruins, their intricate patterns faintly glowing under the setting sun. His gaze was fixed on one particular section of carvings, his thoughts a storm of curiosity and determination. The tracker arrow he had crafted with the help of the magic researchers rested in his hand, its runes faintly pulsing as it resonated with the valley's energy.

"Still at it, boy?" Tharic's familiar voice broke through the quiet, accompanied by the crunch of boots on gravel.

Kalem turned to see Tharic and Vornar approaching. Tharic carried a sack slung over his shoulder, while Vornar held a sturdy pickaxe. Both looked as though they had been busy, yet here they were, checking in on him again.

"Yeah, your infatuation with these ruins seems to have only grown since you first laid eyes on them," Vornar said with a wry grin.

Kalem shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "The first sight of these things gave me a huge leap in knowledge. I'm just here for more." He held up the arrow. "Every time I study them, I find something new. It's like a puzzle that keeps changing."

"And have you made any progress so far?" Vornar asked, leaning casually on his pickaxe.

"Not yet. Do you have any ideas?" Kalem asked, hopeful but knowing the answer.

Vornar shook his head. "I know how to make weapons compatible with ruin energy, but deciphering these lines? Not my forte."

Tharic chuckled, setting his sack down and gesturing toward the ruins. "So what do you think of these lines, then? Any brilliant insights, or just another headache?"

Kalem sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is a straight-up headache. Seriously, just how talented is the Augury to create something like this?"

"Not talented," came a voice from behind them, smooth yet heavy with meaning. "Just experienced."

The Augury's Return

The trio turned sharply, weapons instinctively at the ready. Standing at the edge of the ruins was the Augury, his form cloaked in the faint shimmer of illusion magic. Despite the air of hostility between them, he carried no visible weapon and his posture was calm, almost weary.

"You've got some nerve showing up here," Tharic growled, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword.

"I come in peace," the Augury said, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I have no intention of fighting."

"Then why are you here?" Vornar's voice was calm but laced with suspicion.

"To observe, and perhaps to guide." The Augury's gaze fell on Kalem, his expression inscrutable. "You've taken quite the interest in my work, young one."

Kalem frowned, stepping forward. "You manipulated the valley and endangered countless lives for your own ends. Why should we trust anything you have to say?"

"I never asked for trust," the Augury replied. "But you should understand—what I've built here is not merely a network of control. It's a system of balance, one that prevents chaos from consuming this land entirely. That's what you've been trying to dismantle, piece by piece."

Kalem glanced at the tracker arrow in his hand, his mind racing. "Balance? You call this balance? You nearly destroyed the valley with your so-called system!"

The Augury's expression hardened. "And yet, here it stands. The valley has survived, hasn't it? My methods may be ruthless, but they are effective."

A Delicate Exchange

Tharic stepped forward, his sword now fully unsheathed. "If you're here to spout philosophy, spare us. Say what you came to say or leave."

The Augury met his gaze without flinching. "I came to offer knowledge. Kalem has potential—potential I haven't seen in centuries. He's drawn to these ruins because he senses their power, just as I once did. With the right guidance, he could achieve what even I could not."

Kalem's eyes narrowed. "Why would you help me? What's in it for you?"

The Augury sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Call it a selfish desire to leave something of value behind. My time is running out, whether you believe it or not. These ruins, this magic—they'll outlast me, just as they'll outlast you. But in capable hands, they could become something greater."

Vornar exchanged a glance with Tharic, his brow furrowed. "And what's stopping us from just cutting you down now?"

The Augury's lips curled into a faint smile. "Because you know as well as I do that I've woven myself too deeply into this valley's fabric. Remove me without understanding how, and the consequences could be far worse than you imagine."

A Choice to Make

Kalem looked between his companions and the Augury, his thoughts a whirlwind. The ruins had been a source of both wonder and frustration, a puzzle that defied his every attempt to unravel it. Now, the very man who had created them stood before him, offering answers—but at what cost?

"You want me to learn from you," Kalem said finally, his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

The Augury nodded. "I want you to understand. Knowledge is not inherently good or evil—it's the use of it that defines its value. You have the potential to use it wisely."

Tharic scowled. "This sounds like a trap, plain and simple."

Vornar crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe. Or maybe it's an opportunity. Kalem, the choice is yours. Just remember—we've got your back, no matter what you decide."

Kalem took a deep breath, his gaze shifting back to the Augury. "If I agree, it's on my terms. You don't get to manipulate me or anyone else. If I suspect even a hint of deceit, this ends."

The Augury inclined his head. "Fair enough."

A New Path

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the tension in the air began to ease. The Augury stepped back into the shadows, leaving Kalem and his companions to ponder what lay ahead.

Tharic shook his head, muttering under his breath. "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that."

Vornar placed a hand on Kalem's shoulder. "Just remember—you're not alone in this. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."

Kalem nodded, the tracker arrow still clutched in his hand. The path forward was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the ruins, the valley, and the Augury's legacy held answers worth seeking.

And Kalem was determined to find them.