Sitting alone with Silkara’s journal, Aethyr’s mind churns. He wonders if he could have saved her had things been different. Her story is a stark reminder of the darkness that even the brightest souls can fall into. His thoughts drift to the words of his grandfather, Kodlak Bjorn Whitemane:
"It’s the obligation of the strong to protect the weak and innocent from evil."
These words are carved deeply into Aethyr's heart and are the very reason he chose to be a warrior. With a renewed sense of responsibility, he steels himself for what lies ahead.
As Aethyr steps into the lift portal leading to the surface, he expects to find relief in open skies and fresh air. Instead, he’s greeted by devastation—a land marred by battle. Smoke rises on the horizon, and the fields he remembers are charred and lifeless. He rushes to the nearest camp to gather information, only to learn the shocking truth: an invasion has spread to these lands while he was in the dungeon. Without hesitation, he climbs onto a cart bound for the College Hall, determined to report his findings from the 50th floor and its intricate schematics.
This time, there are no cheers of celebration to welcome him. The atmosphere is thick with grief and exhaustion. Adventurers lie wounded, and the College’s wizard students—those brave enough to take up arms—are battered and broken. Aethyr scans the room anxiously until he spots familiar faces. His best friends, Penelo, Rex, and Vaan, are alive, though clearly worse for wear.
Rex, sporting a bandaged arm, gives Aethyr a weary grin. “Hey, Aethyr. Missed the fun, didn’t you?”
“What happened here?” Aethyr asks, concern heavy in his voice.
“Fun?!” Vaan scoffs, rubbing his shoulder. “You call that fun? Fighting Snallygasters hand in hand with this idiot, trying not to get roasted alive?”
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Rex chuckles, wincing at the pain in his ribs. “It was fun—until we nearly got skewered. If Kodlak hadn’t stepped in and killed the dragon, the rest of those overgrown chickens would’ve turned us into toast.”
Vaan shivers at the memory. “He didn’t just kill the dragon. He scared the Snallygasters so bad they ran squawking into the woods.”
“And then I came to save the day,” Penelo interjects, stepping into the group. Her staff glows faintly as she lays a hand on Rex's injured arm. “Stop making it sound like you two were heroes. You were half-dead when I found you.”
The three friends bicker, their banter lightening the oppressive mood around them. Aethyr feels a wave of relief seeing them alive and well despite their injuries. But duty calls, and he knows he must report to the inner chamber without delay.
The inner chamber exudes an air of authority and wisdom. Aethyr steps forward into the circular room where the most powerful figures of the College gather. At the head of the assembly stands Jarl Kym, a regal yet battle-hardened figure. Beside him is the Grand Master of the College, Grandyr, a commanding presence whose every word carries weight.
Aethyr’s gaze sweeps the room, landing on familiar faces among the College’s supreme leadership:
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Grand Master Alious, his closest friend and a beacon of support.
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2nd Grand Master Sarphin, known for his tactical genius.
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3rd Grand Master Asphyr, a stoic and enigmatic figure.
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Master Tolfdir, an expert in Arcane Symbology.
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The rest of the top eleven masters, each possessing unparalleled skill in their respective magical disciplines.
Behind them, representatives from the holds sit silently, observing the proceedings. Aethyr approaches the center of the chamber, bowing respectfully.
He begins his report, methodically pulling out scrolls and magical artifacts from his enchanted space bag. Each item is a testament to the trials he endured on the 50th floor, and the council listens intently. Yet, one artifact remains hidden—the vial. Aethyr clutches it within his bag, a silent promise to keep it safe from the world.
The weight of his journey presses on him as he recounts his findings. He knows the vial’s power could change everything, but he also understands the responsibility it carries. For now, its secrets remain his alone.
As the council deliberates on his findings, Aethyr reflects on the chaos outside. The battle with Silkara may be over, but the war above ground has only just begun. The world seems to grow darker with each step, yet his resolve burns brighter than ever. He silently vows to honor the words of his grandfather and protect the innocent—no matter the cost.