infinite dominion

Chapter 21: Whispers of Power

The relic pulsed faintly in Liam's hands, its warmth seeping into his skin. It wasn't just an artifact; it felt alive, a tangible presence that demanded attention. As he sat on the grassy hill overlooking the dense forest surrounding the Sanctum of Echoes, the whispers returned—soft, fragmented, and incomprehensible.

"What are you?" Liam murmured, turning the crystalline orb in his hands.

The relic's golden glow dimmed momentarily, then surged brighter, as if in response.

[System Notification: Item Acquired – Ancient Relic]

• Type: Unique Artifact

• Description: A relic of immense power, tied to the forgotten history of the world. Its true purpose remains unknown.

• Effects: ???

• Bound Item: Cannot be traded or sold.

The notification was as unhelpful as it was cryptic. Liam frowned, his instincts telling him that the relic was more than just a quest reward. He opened his Quest Log, hoping for some clarity.

[Quest Updated!]

• Quest Name: The Relic's Whisper

• Objective: Seek an expert to uncover the secrets of the Ancient Relic.

• Difficulty: ???

• Rewards: Unknown

"An expert…" Liam muttered, closing the interface. The game was intentionally vague, likely encouraging exploration or dialogue with NPCs. He stood, tucking the relic into his inventory, and surveyed his surroundings. The Sanctum of Echoes loomed behind him, its entrance now sealed and obscured by rubble.

His journey wasn't over—it had only just begun.

The Return to Ironshade

The trek back to Ironshade was uneventful but slow. Despite the relic's strange energy, Liam's exhaustion weighed on him. His mana reserves were nearly depleted, and his potions were gone, leaving him vulnerable to any unexpected encounters.

Hours later, the familiar sight of Ironshade's towering walls came into view. The bustling city was a welcome contrast to the eerie silence of the sanctum. Liam entered through the main gates, the clamor of merchants and adventurers filling the air.

He headed straight for the Marketplace, replenishing his supplies.

[Inventory Updated!]

• Healing Potion (x10)

• Stamina Potion (x5)

• Trail Rations (x15)

After restocking, Liam considered his next move. The quest pointed him toward an expert, but who? The game didn't offer specific instructions, leaving him to piece it together.

His first thought was Elder Hamil, the NPC who had sent him to the sanctum in the first place. If anyone could offer guidance, it was him.

A Cryptic Conversation

The Elder's Hall was quiet when Liam arrived, its grand chamber bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun. Elder Hamil was seated at his usual spot, his piercing gaze meeting Liam's as he approached.

"You've returned," the elder said, his tone measured. "And with the relic, I see."

Liam pulled the Ancient Relic from his inventory, holding it out for Hamil to examine. The elder's expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of recognition.

"This is no ordinary artifact," Hamil said after a moment. "Its power is… profound. Dangerous, even. Tell me, adventurer, what do you intend to do with it?"

Liam hesitated. "I don't know. I was hoping you could tell me more about it."

Hamil leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "I can sense the whispers. The relic speaks, though its language is one I do not fully understand. It is ancient—far older than this land. To unlock its secrets, you will need someone versed in such mysteries."

"Do you know anyone who can help?" Liam asked.

"There is one," Hamil replied. "A scholar by the name of Kaelith. He resides in the city of Duskholm, far to the west. If anyone can decipher the relic's whispers, it is him."

[System Notification: Quest Updated!]

• Quest Name: The Relic's Whisper

• Objective: Travel to Duskholm and meet Kaelith, the scholar of the arcane.

• Distance: 270 miles west of Ironshade.

• Difficulty: High.

"The journey will not be easy," Hamil continued. "The roads to Duskholm are perilous, teeming with bandits and beasts. But I trust you are capable."

Liam nodded, his resolve hardening. "Thank you, Elder. I'll find Kaelith."

Preparing for the Journey

Liam spent the rest of the day preparing for the long journey. With Duskholm over 250 miles away, he knew he needed to be well-equipped.

His first stop was the Auction House, where players traded rare and valuable items. The bustling hub was filled with shouts and flashing notifications as players bid on everything from weapons to crafting materials.

Scanning the listings, Liam spotted a Sturdy Traveler's Cloak with useful buffs for long-distance travel.

[Sturdy Traveler's Cloak]

• Rank: B

• Effects:

• Reduces stamina consumption by 15%.

• Increases movement speed by 10%.

[Current Bid: 2 Silver, 30 Bronze]

Liam placed a bid, watching the timer tick down anxiously. When the auction ended, the cloak was his.

[Item Acquired: Sturdy Traveler's Cloak]

Next, he visited the Blacksmith, upgrading his armor with what funds he had left. Though he couldn't afford top-tier gear, even minor improvements were better than none.

Finally, he checked his inventory and stats, ensuring he was as prepared as possible.

[Player Stats]

• Level: 22

• Experience: 40% to Level 23

• Free Attribute Points: 60

• Skills:

• Shadowstrike (EX): Level 12

• Primordial Insight (EX): Level 9

• Blade Dance (A): Level 10

[Inventory Highlights]

• Healing Potion (x10)

• Stamina Potion (x5)

• Trail Rations (x15)

• Sturdy Traveler's Cloak (Equipped)

As night fell, Liam returned to the inn and rented a room. Lying in the small but comfortable bed, he stared at the ceiling, the relic's faint whispers echoing in his mind.

The journey to Duskholm would test him in ways he couldn't predict, but he had come too far to turn back now.

"This isn't just a game anymore," Liam thought. "It's something bigger. And I'm going to see it through."

With that thought, he drifted into a restless sleep, the relic's golden glow illuminating the room from his inventory.