31.The Crimson Masked Group and the Shamans

As the party pushed open the heavy doors, they found themselves inside the hidden stronghold of the Crimson Masked Group. The masked figures within immediately took defensive positions, their eyes filled with suspicion.

Elena: "These are the Crimson Masked Group… I've only heard of them through rumors in this city, but it looks like they've been hiding here all along."

Lisa: "Looks like they've got prisoners locked up over there. We need to rescue them."

Without hesitation, Merslin's party engaged in an intense battle against the Crimson Masked Group. The masked fighters moved swiftly and struck with deadly precision, proving to be highly skilled opponents.

Merslin and Elena's Magic Assault

Merslin, seeing the incoming enemies, raised his hands and summoned a storm of lightning.

Merslin: "Beongaechang (Lightning Spear) - 번개창! Strike them down!"

The arcane electricity surged forward, shocking several masked warriors and causing their movements to falter.

Elena, capitalizing on the opportunity, unleashed a powerful earthquake spell to shake the battlefield.

Elena: "Earthquake! Shake the very ground beneath them!"

The sudden tremors sent the masked fighters tumbling to the ground, creating an opening for their allies.

Serena's Stealth and Precision Strikes

Serena tossed a smoke bomb, filling the area with thick fog, then vanished into the shadows.

Serena: "Smoke Bomb! Now you see me… now you don't."

Moving unseen, she struck from behind, her poison-coated dagger piercing vital points with ruthless efficiency. From a distance, she fired a crossbow bolt, taking down another enemy before they could react.

Serena: "They'll never see it coming… One by one, they fall."

Lisa's Defensive Might

Lisa, standing firm with her shield and sword, absorbed the enemy's onslaught before counterattacking with devastating force.

Lisa: "Whirlwind Strike! And now… Finishing Blow!"

Her shield sent enemies staggering backward, while her sword cut through their ranks with brutal efficiency. She then used a charging attack, breaking through their formation and causing severe bleeding wounds to her foes.

Aria's Healing and Tactical Support

Meanwhile, Aria channeled her divine energy, weaving gradual healing magic over her allies.

Aria: "Blessing of Renewal! Keep fighting, I'll keep you standing!"

As soft golden light enveloped them, their wounds slowly but steadily closed, increasing their endurance throughout the fight.

The battle ended in victory, and the Crimson Masked Group was defeated. Among the fallen enemies, Serena found a new hooded cloak and an enchanted dagger.

Serena: "Perfect. I've been needing a new weapon."

Meeting the Rescued Shaman

One of the rescued prisoners stepped forward—a shaman named Laigh.

Laigh: "You have my gratitude. I am Laigh, a shaman of the mountain people. In return for saving me, I invite you to my home on the high peak. There, I will share an important story with you."

Merslin: "Sounds like something we should hear. Let's go."

Following Laigh's guidance, the party ascended the towering mountain. As they climbed, Laigh spoke of an ancient legend—the story of warriors who had faced death in battle yet returned to life through mysterious means.

Laigh: "We shamans have long studied the secrets of transmigration and resurrection. There are tales of warriors who, despite perishing in battle, were able to return through the cycles of existence."

Aria: "That sounds incredible… I'd love to learn more."

Serena: "If the secrets of transmigration are hidden here, we must uncover them."

Upon reaching the peak, the party found a hidden sanctuary belonging to the shamans. Awaiting them was Tarun, the leader of the shamanic order.

Tarun: "Travelers, the winds have whispered of your coming."

Laigh: "Elder Tarun, these warriors saved me. They seek knowledge… and they may be the ones foretold in our legends."

The elder shaman welcomed them inside, where he spoke of soul communion and the realm of spirits.

Tarun: "We shamans commune with the spirits, reaching beyond death itself. This world is connected to another—the Spirit Realm. That realm… may be the key to the knowledge you seek."

Merslin: "The Spirit Realm… If it's connected to my search, we may be closer than we thought."

Laigh nodded, confirming the significance of the "Savior" prophecy.

Laigh: "Understanding this will help you unravel the mystery of the Savior and the Otherworld."

The Legend of the Savior

Tarun began to recite an ancient prophecy.

Tarun: "In the First Days, the Savior arrived in this world. Unlike any before him, his eyes gleamed with an otherworldly light, and his power defied the natural order. It is said he will rise again to face the forces of darkness and deliver salvation."

Merslin, listening carefully, felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Tarun met his gaze, as if seeing something hidden within him.

Tarun: "Merslin… perhaps the answers you seek are not elsewhere, but within you."

Merslin: "I came here only to learn the truth about Otherworld travel… but now, it feels like something greater is unfolding."

Elena: "If we understand this, we might uncover the secrets of dimensional travel and transference."

Lisa: "We're one step closer to the truth. Let's use this knowledge wisely."

Serena: "We're starting to see the bigger picture now."

Aria: "Stay strong, everyone. As long as we're together, no challenge is too great."

With new knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, Merslin's party prepared for the next step of their journey.

Next Destination: The Elves

As they bid farewell to the shamans, the party received a lead—the elves might hold even deeper knowledge about the prophecy.

Merslin: "Then our next stop is the Elven lands. Let's move out."

And so, with their spirits burning brighter than ever, the party continued their adventure into the unknown.