infinite dominion

Chapter 8: The Elder's Favor

The early morning light filtered through the narrow streets of Ironshade as Liam made his way to the Elder's Hall, a stately structure nestled in the heart of the city. Despite the bustling activity around him, his focus remained fixed on the mysterious message he had received the night before.

Elder Hamil, the sender of the message, was an NPC of considerable renown within Eternal Dominion. Known for his wisdom and his role in guiding players through complex quests, any interaction with him was a potential goldmine of opportunities.

[System Notification: Quest Initiated!]

• Quest Name: The Elder's Favor

• Objective: Meet Elder Hamil at the Elder's Hall in Ironshade.

• Reward: Unknown

The words lingered in Liam's mind as he reached the grand entrance of the Elder's Hall. The building's aged stone façade was covered in intricate carvings that depicted legendary battles and ancient gods. Two NPC guards, clad in silver armor, stood at the entrance, their stoic expressions unwavering.

"State your purpose," one of the guards demanded as Liam approached.

"I received a message from Elder Hamil," Liam replied. "He requested my presence here."

The guard nodded and stepped aside. "Proceed. The Elder awaits you inside."

A Meeting with the Elder

The interior of the hall was just as awe-inspiring as its exterior. Tall columns lined the chamber, and a massive chandelier cast a warm, golden light over the space. At the far end of the room, Elder Hamil sat in a high-backed chair, his white robes flowing around him like a pool of light.

As Liam approached, the elder raised his gaze, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Liam's. Despite being an NPC, there was an undeniable aura of gravitas about him.

"Adventurer," Elder Hamil said, his voice deep and resonant. "You have answered my summons. Good. I have observed your journey and your unorthodox rise within these lands. You are not like the others."

Liam blinked, caught off guard. NPCs typically interacted with players in predefined ways, yet Elder Hamil's words felt almost… personal.

"I'm honored, Elder," Liam said, bowing slightly. "How can I assist you?"

The elder gestured to a map spread out on a nearby table. Liam stepped closer, his eyes scanning the detailed depiction of a mountainous region.

"There is a place," Hamil began, "hidden deep within the Cragspire Mountains. It is known as the Sanctum of Echoes. Few know of its existence, and even fewer dare to venture there. It is a place of great danger—but also great opportunity."

Liam's heart raced. The Sanctum of Echoes was a name he hadn't encountered before, not even in player forums or guides.

"What do you need from me?" he asked.

The elder leaned forward, his expression grave. "A relic lies within the sanctum, an artifact of immense power. I need you to retrieve it. But be warned—the sanctum is guarded by creatures unlike any you have faced before. It will test your resolve, your skill, and your wits."

[System Notification: New Quest Unlocked!]

• Quest Name: Relic of the Sanctum

• Objective: Retrieve the ancient relic from the Sanctum of Echoes.

• Difficulty: S-Rank

• Rewards: Unknown

"S-Rank…" Liam whispered. Quests of that level were notorious for their difficulty, often requiring entire teams to complete. Yet here he was, a solo player, being tasked with one.

"Will you accept this challenge?" Elder Hamil asked, his gaze unwavering.

Liam hesitated only for a moment before nodding. "I will."

"Good," the elder said, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "Prepare well, adventurer. The journey ahead will not be easy."

Preparation is Key

Leaving the Elder's Hall, Liam opened his Quest Log to review the details of the mission. The Sanctum of Echoes was located far to the north, beyond the safety of Ironshade's borders. It would take days to reach it on foot, and the path would undoubtedly be fraught with danger.

But before setting out, Liam knew he needed to prepare.

His first stop was the Marketplace, where he stocked up on potions, rations, and other essentials. Though his funds were limited after purchasing the enchanted boots, he managed to secure a small supply of healing and stamina potions.

Inventory Updated:

• Healing Potion (x5)

• Stamina Potion (x3)

• Trail Rations (x10)

Next, Liam visited the Blacksmith's Forge, a smoky workshop filled with the clanging of hammers and the hiss of steam. The blacksmith, an NPC named Brann, greeted him with a toothy grin.

"Looking for gear, lad?" Brann asked, wiping his hands on a soot-stained apron.

"I need something sturdy," Liam said. "I'm heading into dangerous territory."

Brann nodded and began rummaging through a pile of weapons and armor. After a few moments, he pulled out a gleaming longsword.

"This here's a good blade," he said. "Rank C, but sharp enough to cut through most things you'll face."

Liam examined the sword's stats.

[Iron Longsword]

• Rank: C

• Attack Power: +30

• Durability: 100/100

The sword wasn't ideal, but it was better than his current weapon.

"I'll take it," Liam said, handing over the required coins.

[Purchase Complete!]

• Bronze Coins Deducted: 50

With his preparations complete, Liam left the forge and headed toward the city gates. He paused briefly, taking in the sight of Ironshade one last time before venturing into the unknown.

A New Journey

The road to the Cragspire Mountains was long and treacherous, winding through dense forests and rocky terrain. As Liam traveled, he encountered numerous monsters—wolves, bandits, and even a roaming Elite Boar.

Thanks to his hidden class and EX-ranked skills, Liam dispatched them with relative ease, earning valuable experience and loot along the way.

[Combat Summary]

• Monsters Defeated: 12

• Experience Gained: 3,200

• Gold Looted: 2 Silver, 80 Bronze

Despite his success, Liam remained cautious. The creatures near Ironshade were manageable, but he knew the enemies near the sanctum would be far more formidable.

As the sun began to set, Liam set up camp in a small clearing. He lit a fire, cooked a simple meal, and reviewed his progress.

Player Stats:

• Level: 18

• Experience: 85% to Level 19

• Attributes: 40 Free Points Available

• Skills:

• Shadowstrike (EX): Level 10

• Primordial Insight (EX): Level 7

• Blade Dance (A): Level 8

With his Primordial Sovereign class providing a x1000 experience multiplier, Liam was leveling at an unprecedented pace. But he knew that raw stats wouldn't be enough to survive the challenges ahead.

As he stared into the flickering flames of his campfire, Liam felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The journey to the Sanctum of Echoes was just beginning, and he had no idea what awaited him there.

One thing was certain, though—this was more than just a game.

It was an adventure, and Liam intended to see it through to the end.