Chapter 77 : Whispers of Eldoria and a Familiar… Annoyance

The journey back from the mountains was somber. The revelation of the Harbinger and the lingering presence of the darkness within Drake cast a shadow over their victory. They knew they needed to prepare for a greater threat, a threat that could engulf the world in Void.

"We need to find allies," Drake said, his voice serious. "People who know more about the Void, about the Harbinger. We can't face this alone."

"I agree," Corvus replied. "We should start by consulting with the Keepers of the Flame. They are said to possess ancient knowledge about the Void and its influence."

"The Keepers of the Flame," Drake mused. "Right. The super-secret magic order that nobody can find. Great. Just what we need. Another impossible quest. It's like the universe is running a 'Drake's Most Frustrating Scavenger Hunt' and I'm not even getting paid for it."

Despite his sarcasm, Drake knew Corvus was right. The Keepers of the Flame were their best hope for gaining the knowledge and resources they needed to face the Harbinger.

They decided to travel to Eldoria, a kingdom known for its ancient libraries and scholarly traditions. They hoped to find clues about the Keepers of the Flame there, or perhaps even someone who had encountered them.

The journey to Eldoria was uneventful, allowing Drake some time to reflect on his recent experiences. He was particularly troubled by his use of the darkness. He knew it was a powerful tool, but he also feared its corrupting influence.

"I need to learn to control this," he muttered to himself, clenching his fist. "I can't let the darkness consume me. It's like having a really cool, but also really temperamental, pet. You know, the kind that might bite your hand off if you look at it wrong."

They arrived in Eldoria's capital city, a bustling metropolis filled with scholars, merchants, and adventurers. The city was renowned for its Grand Library, a vast repository of knowledge from across the known world.

"The Grand Library is our first stop," Corvus said. "If anyone knows about the Keepers of the Flame, it will be someone there."

They made their way to the Grand Library, a towering structure of white stone and intricate carvings. Inside, the library was a maze of shelves filled with countless scrolls and tomes.

Drake and Corvus spent several days researching the Keepers of the Flame, searching for any mention of their hidden sanctuary. They learned that the Keepers were a secretive order of mages dedicated to fighting the forces of darkness. They were said to possess powerful artifacts and ancient knowledge that could be crucial in the fight against the Harbinger.

However, their location remained a mystery. The texts spoke of a hidden sanctuary, protected by powerful magic and concealed from all but those who were deemed worthy.

"So, they're basically magical ninjas who live in a secret hideout and only come out to fight bad guys," Drake summarized. "Sounds… dramatic. I approve. Though, I'm picturing them all wearing really impractical, flowing robes. Imagine trying to sneak around in those. Talk about a tripping hazard."

While researching, Drake decided to visit the local Adventurers' Guild. He needed to keep his skills sharp and earn some gold while they were in Eldoria.

As he browsed the quest board, he noticed a familiar name: "Elara." He remembered her; she was the girl he had gone on a goblin hunting mission with back in Oakhaven.

"Huh, small world," Drake muttered. "Guess she's still kicking around. Maybe I should say hi. It's been a while since I've seen a friendly face. And by friendly face, I mean someone who hasn't tried to kill me recently. Though, let's be honest, even the people who *have* tried to kill me are starting to feel like old friends at this point."

He found Elara at a nearby table, discussing a quest with another adventurer. She looked stronger and more confident than he remembered, her eyes sparkling with determination. The other adventurer, a burly man with a scarred face and a perpetually grumpy expression, looked less than thrilled to be interrupted.

Drake approached them, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Well, well, well," he said. "If it isn't the goblin slayer herself. Long time no see, Elara. And… uh… you must be… Grumpy McScowlypants?" he said, turning to the other adventurer.

The burly man grunted in response.

Elara chuckled. "Drake, this is Borin," she said. "Borin, this is Drake."

"Pleasure to meet you, Borin," Drake said, extending his hand. "Though, I have to say, you look like you just wrestled a troll and the troll won. Badly."

Borin eyed Drake suspiciously but shook his hand.

"So," Drake said, turning back to Elara. "What brings you to Eldoria? Still slaying goblins? Or have you moved on to bigger and better things? Like… giant, fire-breathing squirrels? Those are always a good challenge."

Elara smiled. "Something like that," she said. "I've been working on some more challenging quests lately."

"Challenging, huh?" Drake said. "Sounds dangerous. You know, you could use a handsome, witty, and incredibly skilled adventurer like myself to watch your back. Just sayin'."

Borin snorted.

Elara laughed. "I think I can handle myself," she said. "But it would be good to see you, Drake."

They talked for a while, catching up on their recent adventures. Drake learned that Elara had become a skilled adventurer in her own right, gaining a reputation for her bravery and resourcefulness.

"So," Drake said, leaning forward. "What do you say? Want to team up again? We could use some extra muscle. And you could use some… witty banter. I'm a master of the art, you know. Borin here looks like he could use a laugh. Though, maybe not. He might actually crack a smile and break the universe."

Elara smiled. "I'd like that," she said. "It's always more fun adventuring with you, Drake. You have a… unique way of looking at things."

"That's just my charm," Drake replied, winking. "So, what do you say? Ready to save the world again? Or at least, Eldoria. Starting with… finding some magical ninjas. Because, priorities."

Elara laughed. "Let's do it," she said.

Borin, still looking grumpy, just nodded.