Grove Of Shadow Trees (2)
There were books with frightening titles on the shelves: "Chronicles of Forgotten Curses", "Echo of the Shadow: magic that devours the soul", "Artifacts that changed the fate of the world". The atlas flipped through a few pages.
After a while, he came across a description of the "Eye of Silence."
"The Eye of Silence is an artifact of unknown origin. It is believed that it is able to see the true nature of things, but its power is dangerous. Those who used it without preparation lost the ability to speak and fell into madness.
Historical references are connected with the Southern Mountains, where an order that studied this artifact once existed."
Atlas frowned. Southern Mountains. It's that region again. So he's going to have to go there anyway.
Now there was only one thing to do – go to the Grove of Shadow Trees and explore it completely.
Atlas closed the book, put it on the shelf, and stretched. His research had brought him a lot of useful information, but it was time to get back to more practical matters.
– Thank you for your help. He nodded to the librarian.
– I hope this knowledge will not turn into a curse for you. Levius replied with a slight smile.
Atlas didn't linger. After leaving the library, he headed for the nearest exit point from the city. A Grove of Shadowy Trees was waiting for him again.
On the way, Atlas checked his supplies: mana and health potions, enhanced bandages, and several scrolls with temporary buffs. An aerial shark hovered nearby, occasionally wagging its tail, its fins softly glowing.
– This time we will try to explore everything. Atlas muttered, opening the map again.
[System Notification]
[You have entered the "Grove of Shadow Trees" area. ]
[Research: 76% completed.]
"Hmm, it's strange, until recently it seemed to be 85%, has something changed?"
As soon as he stepped into the grove, the air seemed to get thicker. A light mist shrouded the ground, and the shadows of the trees moved slightly, even if there was no wind.
Atlas decided to return to the already explored areas of the grove. Maybe he missed something last time–details, hidden mechanics, or even hidden zones.
He moved cautiously, holding his dagger at the ready. An aerial shark circled nearby, its eyes carefully scanning the area.
[System Notification]
[You have re-entered a previously explored area. Use your attentiveness and skills to spot the missing details.]
One of the sites where he has already been is an ancient sanctuary, half–absorbed by the roots. Back then, he had only found a couple of small chests and faint traces of magical energy here.
Now, when he walked along the walls, the "Sense of discarded" gave the signal.
"Something's not right here."
Atlas examined the stones at the base of the altar and found a thin crack where a dagger could fit.
He inserted the weapon into the slot and turned it carefully.
[System Notification]
[You've found a hidden mechanism! The secret niche is open!]
Sand poured out of the crevice, and a narrow passage leading under the sanctuary appeared in front of him.Atlas was in no hurry to get down. Who knows what kind of traps might be lurking below? He turned to his faithful companion.
"Check it out?"
The air shark purred softly, as if comprehending the command, then its body became transparent, and it slid into the passage.
[System Notification]
[Your mountain beast uses "Territory Survey"...]
Atlas froze, listening. After a few seconds, the shark returned, its body shimmering slightly from the residual magic.
[System Notification]
[The study is completed. Found below:
— Weak magic barrier.
— Remnants of artifacts.
— An unknown object emitting dark energy.]
"Dark energy?" Atlas frowned, "So it's better to be careful."…
Atlas decided to deal with the magic barrier first. If he was related to dark energy, then perhaps it was worth acting cautiously.
– Okay, let's see what we can do...
He activated "Exploring Lost Artifacts" and "Energy Resonance", trying to capture the nature of the barrier.
[System Notification]
[You are analyzing the magic barrier...]
[Barrier Type: Locking (Dark Magic)]
[Condition: Weakened by time, but still active]
[Possible withdrawal methods:
- Using an artifact with the opposite energy
- Direct destruction (requires high magic level)
- Structure analysis and weak spot search]
– So, force is not an option ... – Atlas muttered: – Let's try the analysis.
He concentrated, scanning the barrier's structure. Faint lines of magic intertwined, forming a network with several weak points.
[System Notification]
[You have discovered the weak point of the barrier! Use the "Repair Forgotten Items" skill to change its structure.]
– Hmm, that's interesting.…
Use "Repair of Forgotten items" on the magic barrier? Theoretically, if it has "broken down" from time to time, you can try to "fix" it so that it self-disintegrates.
Atlas took a deep breath. If the system suggested using "Repair of forgotten items", then he had a chance to change the barrier structure and weaken it without risk.
He stretched his arms out, activating the skill.
[System Notification]
[You are using "Repair of forgotten items"…
Damage analysis…
The old energy flows are unstable. An attempt to restore the structure...]
The barrier slowly began to flicker, its lines becoming clearer, but instead of strengthening, the magic inside it began to decompose.
– That's what I thought. Atlas muttered.
This barrier was like a rotten artifact–it couldn't withstand restoration because it was too old and damaged.
[System Notification]
[You have successfully changed the barrier structure!]
[The barrier is unstable. Destruction is inevitable...]
In the next second, there was a soft crack, and the magic barrier disappeared, leaving behind only a light dark trace in the air.
[System Notification]
[You have successfully neutralized the ancient magic barrier without using force!]
[Gained +250 experience!]
[Gained a new skill: "Parsing Magical Structures" (level 1)]
Atlas smiled. It was even easier than he thought. Now the way down was open.
He motioned for the air shark to follow him and began to carefully descend into the open passage.
The rabbit slowly stepped forward, his eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. The stone corridor leading down was covered with ancient symbols, and the air here seemed heavy, steeped in old magic. The air shark hovered quietly nearby, its eyes glowing in the semi-darkness.
At the end of the corridor, he saw an ancient sarcophagus covered with mysterious writings. It was made of black stone, faintly shimmering in the dark. There is a strange pattern on the lid, resembling an eye surrounded by a spiral.
[System Notification]
[You have discovered a mysterious sarcophagus from an ancient era.]
Atlas frowned, carefully examining the patterns on the sarcophagus. Deciding to take his time, he activated the "Study of Lost Artifacts" to try to decipher the writings.
[System Notification]
[You're using "Exploring Lost Artifacts"...]
[Writing analysis...]
[Found similarities with the ancient Or'faen language...]
[Partial translation...]
"Here lies the one who saw what he should not have seen... The darkness guards his sleep, but the eye remains open..."
Atlas winced. It didn't sound very friendly.
–The eye stays open, right? –he muttered.
This could be related to the "Eye of Silence." Perhaps the one who was lying here has something to do with this artifact?
In order not to take any chances, he decided to check for magical protection.
[System Notification]
[You are using "Energy Resonance"...]
[Aura analysis...]
[A passive protective seal has been detected (level unknown).]
[Protection type: Warning. It is activated when printing is disrupted.]
–So just opening the lid is a bad idea.–Atlas said, looking at the shark hovering nearby: –We need to figure out the seal.
He took a step back, considering his next move.
To be continued, please like and save…