Luke instructed Kiel to scout and investigate the entrance of the ruins, ensuring it was secure before they proceeded. Kiel swiftly complied, disappearing into the shadows to gather intel. Moments later, Kiel reappeared, signaling to Luke that the coast was clear. With a nod, Luke led the way, cautiously advancing into the ruins as Kiel fell in step beside him.
As Luke ventured deeper into the ruin, the air grew thick with the scent of age and decay. The interior walls, crafted from ancient brick clay, were overrun with moss and vegetation, as if nature itself was attempting to reclaim the structure. The ground beneath his feet was similarly overgrown, with crumbling remnants of what once might have been a grand entrance hall. Shattered furniture, now weathered and worn, lay scattered about, a testament to the passage of time. Luke's curiosity led him to a adjacent chamber, where he discovered a vast array of dusty jars, their contents mysterious and unclear. The room was also littered with the remnants of broken glass and rusty metal armors.
"Let's get these scraps later, let's investigate further in all rooms"
As Luke explored further, he chanced upon a room that seemed frozen in time. The space, once a majestic library, now lay shrouded in a thick layer of moss and decay. Wooden shelves, worn and rotten, stood like skeletal sentinels, their surfaces cracked and splintered. Tomes, bound in worn leather, slumped against one another, their pages yellowed and decaying. The air was heavy with the musty scent of aged parchment and the whispers of forgotten knowledge. Despite the ravages of time, the room still exuded an aura of reverence, as if the weight of centuries' worth of wisdom still lingered within its walls.
"Wow it is so grand and elegant. Let's take a look of some of these book shall we"
Luke then gathered one by one some of the books that is not fully damage. As he then stumbled apon a chest.
"Treasure or a fucking mimic?"
Lifting the chest's lid, Luke was surprised to find a book in remarkably good condition. Its leather cover, covered with a vibrant emerald paint. As he reached for the book, he sensed an unusual aura emanating from it, as if an otherworldly energy was preserving it from the ravages of time. That made Luke curious.
Luke then tried to read the letters on the cover of the book as he failed to understand. Suddenly a notification rung out.
Notice: Hidded skill learned "Translate"
A surge of foreign knowledge entered Luke's mind as he understand the book's text and able to speak the language that is written.
Day 1: Our monumental expedition into the Great Forest of Gilatra has finally commenced. According to the records of the kingdom's history, a distinguished Great Herald was engaged to design and establish a teleportation circle within the Forest of Gilatra. This esteemed Herald was tasked with identifying the safest location within the forest.
Me Alongside hundreds of researchers and scholars, I embarked on this groundbreaking journey to unravel the mysteries of the forest, 60% of which remains uncharted due to its unforgiving environment and the menacing presence of monsters. To facilitate our research, we utilized the revolutionary Teleportating Tower, instantly transporting us to the heart of our investigation.
We are joined by a contingent of 20 elite mercenaries, predominantly level 150, led by the great General Arthur Vonlude, a formidable warrior boasting a level of 240. This collaborative effort is driven by the Kingdom of Malro's substantial investment, as the monarch firmly believes that deciphering the origins of monsters and mana will yield invaluable knowledge, ultimately bolstering the kingdom's prosperity.
With our combined expertise and General Vonlude's battle-hardened leadership, we are poised to brave the unknown dangers of Gilatra and uncover the long-hidden secrets of this mystical realm.
Day 2: Our investigation into the origins of monsters has led us to a fascinating yet unsettling discovery. While it's widely acknowledged that monsters emerge in areas with abundant mana, witnessing their manifestation firsthand remains an elusive experience. This is because monsters only materialize in the absence of observation.
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Our research has revealed two primary methods of monster multiplication: reproduction and manifestation. Reproduction occurs through conventional means, such as dragons laying eggs or goblins giving birth. Manifestation, on the other hand, involves the sudden appearance of monsters out of thin air.
We've found that manifestation is contingent upon two conditions high mana density, typically found in areas like the Great Forest of Gilatra and other dungeons, and the absence of observers. Intriguingly, reports suggest that monsters occasionally spawn in cities under the cover of night, when human activity is minimal.
Although manifestation is a rare occurrence, understanding and counteracting this phenomenon is a crucial aspect of our research. By unraveling the mysteries of monster manifestation, we hope to develop strategies to prevent or mitigate these events, ultimately enhancing public safety and bolstering our comprehension of the mystical forces at play.
Day 3: Our research team has successfully developed an innovative device known as the Vision Ward. This groundbreaking technology has the capability to prevent monster manifestations, providing a significant breakthrough in our understanding and mitigation of these threats.
Day 4: Building upon this achievement, we have initiated the construction of the first Vision Ward Tower. Positioned at the Teleportation Zone, this inaugural tower will mark the beginning of a network designed to safeguard our kingdom's borders. As the tower's construction progresses, it will extend along the kingdom's perimeter, providing a critical layer of protection against monster manifestations and paving the way for expanded borders and enhanced national security.
....
Day 11: we set out further into the forest to construct the tower.
....
Day 20: A Drake tried to attack but thankfully we have sir Vonlude and the other mercenaries to quickly kill the drake.
....
Day 50: Further into the forest a group of lvl 100+ drake attacked us we suffered a major loss half of our mercenaries are dead.
Day 51: We pushed through the construction....
....
Day 113: Disaster has struck. Five mark Monster spotted us. Our entire contingent of mercenaries and reinforcements has been annihilated, leaving us vulnerable and exposed. Sir Vonlude, our seasoned military leader, clings to life with grievous injuries. The stark reality is that we cannot return to the forest. We're just a group of researchers, ill-equipped to face the high-level creatures that lurk within. Our survival hinges on finding an alternative solution, but for now, we're trapped, forced to confront the daunting prospect of being stranded without protection.
....
Day 119: We've made it back to safety, but at a tremendous cost. Only 23 of us, including myself, have survived the ordeal. The others... they've made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives to ensure our escape. Their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten.
Sir Vonlude's condition remains critical, and we're racing against time to get him the medical attention he needs. We're rushing him to the capital, praying that the kingdom's best healers can save his life. The weight of our loss is crushing, but we owe it to our fallen comrades to ensure that their sacrifice is not in vain.
Day 120: This will be my final writings. I've made the difficult decision to sacrifice myself, along with my fellow researchers, for the greater good of the kingdom. Our research has reached a critical juncture, and we've discovered that activating the magic circle within the Teleportation Zone requires a terrible price.
Without a Greatmage who also died in the battle to guide us, the only way to ensure the circle's safe activation is through our own selfless sacrifice. I've accepted this fate, knowing that our actions will pave the way for the kingdom's prosperity. As I lay down my pen, I'm filled with a sense of pride and purpose, knowing that our ultimate sacrifice will not be in vain.
Sir Vonlude including my apprentice and our most important research shall go back into the capital. For anyone who stumbled apon this journal I just wish our sacrifice for the kingdom is not in vain.
"Wow, those guys are absolute legends! I mean, I've seen some crazy stuff so far, but the monsters here? They're on a whole different level of try to fuck your face off! I'm talking one drake is like I'll just casually toss you around like a game of rugby. But a group of them? That's like, Go fuck your self"
"And don't even get me started on that three-headed monstrosity I saw last time... that's two marks down lads! Which means we're officially playing with the big boys the infamous shiting Five Marks. Fucking hell of a life we got here. Well I hope that 200 guy is safe well given by the time now I guess he's dead. May you be blessed with a healthy Descendants well of course if you manage to live"
Luke then began to laugh as he take a deep breath.
"HAHAHA, BRING IT ON, YOU BEHEMOTH TRUCKERS!!! I'm talking drakes, three-headed abominations, and every other grotesque creature this godforsaken realm has to offer! My blood's on FIRE, my heart's RACING, and I'm READY TO GRIND TILL I DROP!!! I'll take on the TOUGHEST, the BADDEST, the most UNHOLY abominations this world has in store! Drakes, you say? BRING. THEM. ON!!! I'll show you what a REAL grind looks like! I'll level up, gear up, and TAKE. IT. ALL!!! NOTHING WILL STOP ME!!! NOT EVEN DEATH ITSELF!!!"
Luke then flip the page as a paper fall.
"No way! This is a map!"
Luke then continued to explore the ruins as he got deeper into the chambers.
As Luke entered the heart of the ancient structure, he felt a deep sense of respect and awe. The room was a tribute to the researchers who had given their lives for the kingdom. Their remains lay silently, a reminder of their bravery and sacrifice. The large magic circle glowed softly, its intricate patterns a testament to their hard work and dedication. Luke's heart felt heavy with gratitude and sadness as he honored the memory of these selfless heroes.
As a sign of respect Luke then kneel and prayed.
"If God exist in this world rest their souls. These brave men made the ultimate sacrifice and deserve eternal peace."
Luke carefully gathered the remains and carried them outside to a quiet spot. He dug a grave and laid the brave researchers to rest, giving them the dignity of a proper burial. The ruins, once a place of darkness, now held a sacred burial ground, a testament to their sacrifice.
Luke then goes back into the magic circle as he investigate. Luke then touched the circle as it began to emit a light.
Notice: 80,000 mana is required to activate magic circle.
"Hahaha....Well time to grind then"
Luke then collected the books, the map and metal scraps as he head back into his base.