Grove Of Shadow Trees (4)
Atlas opened his inventory and looked at the ruined bracelets with seals. They looked ancient, covered with cobwebs of cracks, and the runic symbols on them were almost worn out by time.
He remembered finding them in a Grove of Shadow Trees, not far from where he had encountered the Shadow Hunter. He hadn't given them much thought back then, but now, after successfully restoring the charm, it was worth trying the same method.
–If I can restore at least one. – Atlas muttered, pulling out the bracelets and placing them in front of him.
[System Notification]
["You are using "Repair of Forgotten Items" (level 2). The chance of successful recovery is 47%."]
– It's not enough... but still.
Atlas concentrated, mana slowly began to flow from his hands into the ancient artifacts. He felt resistance, as if the bracelets themselves didn't want to give in.
"Come on..."
The bracelets trembled, a faint glow enveloped them for a few seconds... but then a red error signal flashed.
[System Notification]
["The recovery failed. The artifact is too badly damaged. A higher skill level is required."]
Atlas opened his fingers. The bracelets remained just as shattered, only now there was a faint fluctuation of energy on them.
He looked at them carefully. Something had changed, but he didn't know what it was yet.
Atlas put the bracelets back in his inventory, deciding that since they were linked to ancient seals, it would be best to look for information in the Library of the Dra'mira.
Besides, if they really are connected to the Temple of Silence, it could help in researching the Eye of Silence.
***
[Dra'Myr – Library]
Entering the library, Atlas once again felt the oppressive silence of this place. Tall bookshelves stretched skyward, creating a sense of a maze of knowledge. The air smelled of old paper, candle wax, and dust, and somewhere far away, the whispers of students and librarians could be heard.
He walked into the deep rows of shelves, heading towards the place where the head librarian had worked last time.
[System Notification]
"You have entered the Library of the Dra'Myr . Here you can study old scrolls and books. Artifact Exploration Bonus +15%."
– Well, at least some good news. – he muttered, approaching the massive oak table where an old acquaintance, librarian Levius, was sitting.
–Oh, the traveler. Are you here again?
Levius, a thin old man with glasses on his nose, looked up from a dusty folio.
– Yes. Atlas took out the ruined bracelets and carefully placed them on the table: –Do you know what this is?
Gelbron frowned. He carefully traced the cracks with his finger, as if trying to sense something invisible.
– Hmm... an interesting find. These runes… I've seen them in the records of the Guardians of the Temple of Silence.
Atlas became alert. That's exactly what he was hoping to hear.
–Guards?
–According to ancient texts, the Guardians of the Temple of Silence wore special artifacts with seals that allowed them to resist the whisper of the Eye. Perhaps these bracelets were part of their equipment... but they are ruined.
[System Notification]
["You have learned more about the object [Destroyed Bracelets with Seals]. The skill level of "Exploring Lost Artifacts" has been increased (5 → 6)."]
Atlas narrowed his eyes.
– If they are restored, will they be able to suppress the artifact's influence again?
Levius thought about it.
–Maybe. But it's not easy. To restore them, you will need a special essence — the Dust of Oblivion. In ancient times, it was mined in places where the power of Silence was especially great.
[System Notification]
[You have received a new quest: [Seals of Silence].]
[Quest: Find the Dust of Oblivion to try to restore the destroyed bracelets.]
Recommended level: 10+
Atlas nodded. So the next goal is clear. But where to look for this dust?He leaned forward, studying Levius's face intently.
–Where can I find the Dust of Oblivion? You know where you can get it, right?
Levius thought for a moment, his eyes clouded, as if he was trying to get something from the distant past. He said slowly,
–The dust of Oblivion… it is a rare substance. Many believe that it can be found in the deepest and most forgotten corners of the world, where shadows are eternal and the air itself is filled with forgotten souls. However, I know two places where she can be found.
The first place is the Head of the Shadow Forest. This is a place where the ancient forces of Silence still remain strong. However, it is very dangerous to get there, and you will not find the Dust of Oblivion on the surface — it is hidden in the depths, in places where even the most experienced seekers do not dare to go.
The second place is the Sad Ruins in the Necklace of the North. This area was once part of a great city, but now there are only ruined buildings and forgotten catacombs, where darkness and oblivion are stored. Here you can find the Dust of Oblivion in certain places, but remember — those who risk losing themselves in search of power often come there.
Atlas glared at both options. Both places were dangerous, and both required a lot of effort to get to them. But now he had to decide.
[System Notification]
["You have received two possible directions for completing the [Seal of Silence] quest]
Atlas looked at the map again, his eyes skimming over the unfinished section. The Grove of Shadow Trees was his current destination. He resolutely set course for this location, realizing that exploring it to the end was an important step before moving on.
Perhaps it is here that he will find traces that will lead him to the next location, as well as the necessary resources for future tasks.
– Okay, first we need to finish what we started. He muttered to himself as he headed back to the Grove.
[System Notification]
"Task updated: Explore the Grove of Shadow Trees (85%)"
He returned to this mysterious and dark forest again. The air was heavy, and the trees, like giant silhouettes, continued to stretch upward, their branches intertwining, creating almost impenetrable labyrinths. Atlas continued to move along the narrow paths, his footsteps echoing in this gloomy place.
Only occasionally did low and dark figures appear out of the shadows, creatures of this mysterious Grove.
They did not attack immediately, but only followed him, as if watching his actions, ready to engage in battle at any moment. Atlas felt that the deeper he went, the more challenges he would face.
"Okay, just a little more, and I'll finish this. We need to study everything" - He mentally adjusted himself. Suddenly, his gaze fell on a small hill overgrown with ancient moss.
Something glinted in the center of the hill. It was an ancient stone table, covered in cracks, but with ancient symbols that glowed faintly in the dim light. Atlas walked over to it and carefully examined the surface.
[System Notification]
[A hidden place has been discovered in the Grove of Shadow Trees: An Ancient Stone Table.]
["You have started the research: [Ancient Magic of the Grove] Keep exploring!"]
This was a sign that the exploration of the Grove of Shadow Trees was nearing its final stage. Atlas sat down next to him, starting to study the strange symbols on the table, and then felt his intuition telling him that this stone could be the key to the next step. With each passing moment, the Grove seemed to become more accessible, its magic no longer beyond his comprehension.
To be continued, please like and save…