Chapter 02: Bloodlines
...but you know nothing of your heritage," the cultist leader sneered, eyes gleaming with fanatic intensity.
Dorian's blade paused mere inches from his throat. The Black System flashed a warning:
**ENEMY SPEAKING POSSIBLE TRUTH**
+ Topic: Dorian's heritage
+ Credibility: 74%
The cultist leader continued, voice laced with malice: "You are Dorian, last scion of the Eldrida bloodline – gods who once ruled with iron fists and divine fire."
Memories stirred within Dorian, fragmented visions of his family's history:
* Eldrida gods wielding colossal power
* Wars against rival pantheons
* A catastrophic downfall...
The cultist leader taunted, "Your family's legacy is one of bloodshed and tyranny. Will you reclaim that glory?"
Dorian's grip on his sword tightened, tempted by the promise of power and identity. The Black System cautioned:
**MORAL CROSSROADS DETECTED**
+ Choice 1: Kill cultist, suppressing truth
+ Choice 2: Spare cultist, exploring heritage
What will you choose?
Dorian's blade remained poised, his mind racing with the cultist's revelations. He chose...
**CHOICE 2: SPARE CULTIST, EXPLORING HERITAGE**
The cultist leader's eyes widened in surprise as Dorian lowered his sword.
"Speak," Dorian commanded. "Tell me everything about my family's past."
The cultist nodded eagerly, relieved to live:
"The Eldrida gods ruled Tenebrous with divine magic and iron fists. Your ancestors wielded powers beyond mortal comprehension...
* Your great-grandfather, Archon Eldrid, controlled time itself.
* Your grandmother, Lyriana Eldrid, commanded the elements.
* Your parents... "
Dorian's eyes locked onto the cultist's, his heart racing with anticipation.
"My parents?" he prompted, voice low and urgent.
The cultist swallowed hard before continuing:
"They were killed in a coup by rival gods... and you, Dorian Eldrid, were hidden away as an infant to protect your divine bloodline."
The Black System flashed:
**FAMILY HISTORY UPDATED (74% VERIFIED)**
+ New Quest: Uncover truth about parents' death and rival gods
Dorian's mind reeled with revelations. He turned to the cultist leader:
"Who leads these rival gods?"
The cultist leader trembled, fearing retaliation for revealing the truth:
"Korvus, the God-King of Tenebrous's darkest realm, Malakar... He seeks to eradicate all Eldrida bloodlines and claim dominion over Tenebrous."
Dorian's eyes burned with fury and determination:
"I'll kill him."
The Black System updated:
**NEW ARCH-NEMESIS DESIGNATED: KORVUS, GOD-KING OF MALAKAR**
+ Threat Level: EXTREME
+ Recommended Strategy: Gather allies, master divine magic, and infiltrate Malakar
The cultist leader cowered, expecting death. But Dorian spared his life:
"Leave Tenebrous. Warn no one of my return. You've earned fleeting mercy."
As the cultist fled, Dorian turned to the surrounding landscape, his mind ablaze with strategy and vengeance.
The Black System prompted:
**SHORT-TERM GOALS UPDATED**
+ 1. Master divine magic and combat skills
+ 2. Gather intelligence on Malakar and Korvus's forces
+ 3. Find allies among surviving Eldrida loyalists or other realms
Dorian began walking towards a distant range of mountains, rumored to hold ancient Eldrida ruins and forgotten lore.
After hours of trekking, he arrived at the ruins' entrance – an colossal stone structure adorned with Eldrida symbols.
The Black System flashed:
**ELDRIDA RUINS DETECTED**
+ Containing ancient artifacts, scrolls, and divine magic catalysts
+ Recommended Caution: Traps and residual magical wards present
As Dorian stepped inside, the air thickened with anticipation. Suddenly, a figure emerged from shadows –
A woman with piercing green eyes and hair like golden silk, wearing ancient Eldrida attire.
"Welcome, Dorian Eldrid," she said softly. "I am Lyra, your family's last loyal guardian."
What does Dorian do?
Dorian's eyes narrowed slightly as he replied...