Hidden Story Event Unlocked- I

Thorneval led Saad into his study, which appeared remarkably plain with only a single bookcase, a desk, a chair, and a couch. The room lacked any extravagant decorations or furnishings, leaving Saad somewhat puzzled. However, his curiosity deepened as Thorneval approached the wall beside the bookcase.

Muttering something under his breath, Thorneval initiated a mysterious ritual, conjuring a small magic circle. To Saad's surprise, a concealed door materialized before them. Thorneval swung the door open and gestured for Saad to follow. A notification promptly appeared in Saad's view.

[You have discovered a hidden path. The hidden story quest has been triggered.]

[Secrets of Emberflame- 1]

You have learned of a concealed door in your grandfather's room. Follow Thorneval to unravel the secrets within.

-Quest Details-

Discover the hidden clues: 0/3

Difficulty: A

Reward:

An old diary

Experience points +100

Thorneval, still gazing into the dark abyss, instructed Saad to fetch the oil lamp by the bookcase. As Saad handed him the lamp, Thorneval muttered another incantation, and the lamp ignited.

"Ignitellum," Thorneval spoke, acknowledging Saad's likely surprise. They stepped into the dark doorway, revealing a staircase. Thorneval shared a glimpse of his past, "You must be surprised seeing me use magic. I am just someone who couldn't give up on magic despite living my life as a merchant."

Saad, intrigued, couldn't hold back, "So, Grandfather, were you an adventurer back in your youth?"

"Adventuring wasn't really within our grasp, Kael," Thorneval replied. "But I held on to my love for magic. Sometimes, dreams take a different form."

Saad probed further, "What do you mean by not being allowed?" He wondered if this was one of those clues.

"In our world, some paths are not ours to tread," Thorneval cryptically explained. "Let's just say I had to make choices, sacrifices. But perhaps, you can forge a different destiny."

"Do you regret not being an adventurer?" Saad used a response from the suggestion box because he didn't know just how to keep the conversation going smoothly.

"Regret is a heavy burden, my boy," Thorneval mused. "I hope you won't have to carry it."

"Do you think I can be an adventurer, Grandfather?" Saad asked, once again choosing a 'hopeful' response from suggestion box.

"Your path is your own, Kael. The door is open, quite literally," Thorneval reassured. "Let's uncover the secrets that you have been wanting to know."

"I'm ready, Grandfather," Saad affirmed.

Thorneval, his eyes filled with pride, led Saad down the staircase. The descent unveiled a hidden world beneath the simple study. Saad's gaze wandered, and he couldn't help but notice the ancient ruins adorned on the walls.

[You have noticed strange ruins on the wall. Are they perhaps related to the strangely long passageway?]

Hidden clues: 1/3

Saad, realizing that the clues might be scattered along the way, whispered to himself, instructing the interphase to equip the Widow's Eyes.

[Widow's Eyes]

Pendant of Nocturnal Insight

Description: The Widow's Eyes pendant is a rare and coveted item of mystical origin. Crafted with intricate detail, it exudes an aura of mystery and power.

Rank: Rare

Durability: Infinite

Effects:

Night Vision: When worn, the pendant grants the wearer the ability to see clearly in complete darkness.

Perception: +50

Night Evasion: 50%

Darkness Shield: A Dark energy envelops you. Defense +50

Penalty: Prolonged use may gradually attune the wearer to the night, making them more sensitive to daylight.

With the Widow's Eyes pendant now illuminating his eyes with night vision, Saad observed the carvings on the steps, their worn-out appearance hinting at the passage's age.

[The path is worn out, though it doesn't look like it's used a lot. The drawings are old. Perhaps this has been here since generations.]

Hidden clue: 2/3

The path stretched endlessly, and Saad couldn't help but wonder if its length was somehow tied to the quest, as if it wouldn't conclude until all the clues were gathered.

'Do I have to keep walking? Just how long are these stairs?'

The echoing footsteps, the eerie silence, and the view of emptiness beyond the steps contributed to the unsettling atmosphere. Thorneval, usually talkative as an NPC, remained silent, and Saad found himself yearning for the silence to end. He would even welcome that chatterbox ego shield as well.

As they continued, Saad's unease heightened. He shivered suddenly, a chill permeating the air. He glanced around, perplexed by the unexpected drop in temperature. His eyes widened as he noticed literal snow frozen on the ceiling. Another notification chimed.

[The temperature has dropped, and there is snow covering the ceiling. Just what could be causing that?]

Hidden clues: 3/3

[You have cleared the quest 'Secrets of Emberflame-1'.]

[You have received the worn-out diary.]

And as expected as soon as he had completed the quest, Thorneval stopped, "We are here. Do not be surprised by what you see."

Saad however, was still shuddering by the thought of the never ending staircase. What if he didn't have the widow's eye? Would he still be walking down the stairs? And just how long would it take for him to complete the quest?

Saad acknowledged Thorneval with a nod and observed the long, slim column, reaching their midriffs. Atop it rested a small mud disc, and Thorneval pressed his index finger onto it. Though the man displayed no sign of discomfort, Saad noticed blood seeping into the disc. Runes emerged within the disc, spreading across the floor to the door. The door itself became adorned with intricate symbols until it finally opened.

Thorneval stepped into the brightly lit room, and Saad briefly closed his eyes under the sudden illumination. As he unequipped Widow's Eyes and slowly reopened his eyes, he was met with a sight that left him almost gasping in shock.

[You have discovered a trace of myths.]

Reputation: +500

 The grand hall they entered was nothing short of extravagant, a stark contrast to their humble house. Saad found it utterly perplexing that there could be any connection between the two places. He grappled with the idea that this could either be an extravagant fantasy within the game or that the magic circle and ruins meant they were in an entirely different location linked through these mysterious symbols.

The pentagonal hall was filled with treasures, catching Saad's eye, but what truly drew his attention was the centerpiece. A colossal blue crystal adorned with runes and surrounded by crossed white wings stood prominently. Despite the grandeur, an icy chill still clung to the air, tempting Saad to lower his touch scale.

[You have fallen into negative status, 'Arctic Shivers.' Your body will tremble uncontrollably with chills for every ten minutes in an hour. Your stamina has temporarily decreases by 1.]

Thorneval beckoned Saad closer, reassuring him not to be afraid of the cold. Bracing himself, Saad approached the colossal crystal suspended midair, surrounded by a faint golden light. A notification promptly appeared.

[Secrets of Emberflame- 2]

Discover the truth about the column of Nivis.

Rank: B

Rewards:

A piece from column of Nivis

Experience points +1500

Penalty: In case of failure, the quest Secrets of Emberflame will be locked.

Saad furrowed his brow, wondering about the task at hand. Instead of discussing the giant crystal, his grandfather began walking towards another corner of the hall. Saad hurriedly stopped him, and Thorneval looked at him inquisitively.

 Thorneval stroked his beard, questioning him, "Why did you stop me, Kael? Aren't you eager to learn the reason behind your mother's reluctance to the adventuring life?"

Saad's heart pounded, realizing the importance of the revelation, after all, it might reveal something about his SS rank quest but the penalty for this quest was severe – a hidden quest that might never be triggered again.

Saad made the decision quickly and opened the suggestion box and chose his response carefully, "But, Grandfather," Saad implored, "I feel a strong connection to this crystal. There's a divine essence emanating from it. I feel like this is more important."

Thorneval paused, turning to regard Saad with surprise evident in his eyes. "A connection, you say? What kind of connection do you feel, Kael?"

"It's hard to describe," Saad admitted, thanking the suggestion box or he might be stumbling and fumbling with his words, "but it's as if there's a part of me that resonates with the crystal. Like a distant memory or a calling."

Thorneval nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting. If this is what your intuition is telling you, then this is indeed more important. After all, this is the legacy of Emberflame." His grandfather sounded passionate.

"Of course, Grandfather," Saad affirmed, determination in his voice that was only there because he was on auto pilot. "I'm ready to uncover the truth behind the crystal."

Thorneval smiled, standing before the colossal crystal, seemingly unaffected by the biting cold that surrounded it. 

"This, Kael, is the Column of Nivis," Thorneval began, his voice carrying the weight of history. "It's known as the Pillar of Eternal Frost, found both in Aspelenie and Frostpire. This crystal is the core of a demoness. Legend has it that Goddess Mavi vanquished the frost demoness Yseult, breaking her core into six pieces. Each piece became a guardian crystal, keeping us safe from monsters and its watched over by six noble families."

Thorneval gestured towards the colossal crystal. "The Emberflame holds one of these crystals. This is why your family has been tasked with protecting it for generations."