Chapter 30: Raid

Countless planes together constitute the vast Toril universe. Beyond the material plane, there exist elemental planes, planes of positive and negative energy, the upper realms where deities dwell, and the infernal pits and abyss inhabited by demons and devils. These planes are collectively referred to as the Outer Planes.

The Shadow Plane and the Ethereal Plane overlap with the material world. The Ethereal Plane consists of invisible spiritual substances diffused throughout the material world, while the Shadow Plane, akin to the black-and-white negative of a colored photograph, shares a similar form with the material realm but comprises entirely different shadowy matter.

This world of shadowy matter naturally attracts many shadow creatures. The significant influence of Sahl in this plane has led many shadow mages who wield the power of darkness to dwell here permanently.

Among the most renowned inhabitants of this plane are the exiles from the city of Netherscroll in the Shadowfell. They survived the Empire's devastation within the Shadow Plane and reappeared in the skies above Ferelden thousands of years later.

On the outskirts of Ferelden, due to the peculiar disturbances caused by the climate, rifts in the Shadow Plane often appear in these areas. The same goes for Lethemain. According to unreliable legends, shadow rifts appear all over Lethemain every night, hinting at traces of a shadow city.

To enter the Shadow Plane, one only needs to pass through the ubiquitous shadows of Ferelden using a specific method. Panni Seán is currently meticulously searching in this dilapidated low tower, attempting to find even the slightest magical trace to deduce the location where the elder Ockrus entered the Shadow.

During the period from midnight to dawn, the trolls ceased their foraging activities. Panni prepared spells just after the dawn when the Weave was freshly updated, gathering a plethora of supplies. Under the guidance of the witch Sallifin, they arrived at Ockrus's residence at dawn.

Panni was the only one capable of searching for traces of the Shadow Plane. The paladin was utterly ignorant of the arcane arts, while the warlock and the minstrel, although able to sense the power of magic, lacked the precision to discern and analyze it accurately, akin to illiterates who can speak and listen but cannot read or write.

As the sole arcane researcher, Panni's actions were met with skepticism from the others. "You've been searching for nine hours," Anael seemed somewhat impatient. "Are you still unable to find out where that blasted old man entered the Shadow Plane from?"

"Please show some respect, sir!" Salifin snapped disapprovingly. "The individual you referred to as the old man is an elder of the Witch Council."

"Sorry, sorry, I've fallen into old habits again," Anael chuckled apologetically.

"The bishop taught me that only inferior individuals allow disrespect to become their habit," the lady paladin raised her head, casting a glance at Anael. "I am increasingly inclined to agree with Captain Camacho's assessment of you, Mr. Stefanney."

"What kind of logic is that?" The minstrel was greatly annoyed. "I'm just straightforward."

"That only further proves your lack of respect for everyone from the depths of your heart," the lady paladin said earnestly. "Mr. Stefanney, you need to refine your manners."

Being rebuked for lacking manners by a girl several years younger than himself, Anael looked visibly shaken, clutching his chest as he staggered over to Panni. "Mage, my personality has been ruthlessly trampled upon."

"This is the natural course of events," Panni said without any intention of consolation, continuing to scrutinize the traces of arcane power emanating from the room. A relaxed expression appeared on his face. "I have found it."

"Found it?" Several people gathered around.

"Right here." Panni walked to a corner of the room where several mirrors faced each other, their reflections converging at the center. "If I'm not mistaken, at midnight, moonlight shining in from the window will be refracted by these mirrors onto the central spell array, triggering arcane power that will propel something into the Shadow Plane."

"Is it really that simple?"

"In reality, the principle is quite complex, and I can't explain it clearly," Panni shook his head, stepping away from the center of the mirrors. "Mr. Ockrus is truly a remarkable arcane researcher. Even with the same power as him, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to set up this spell array."

"So, we just wait until nightfall and then go in?" Anael strolled in nonchalantly, examining the patterns on the mirrors and sensing the hidden arcane power. He immediately felt a sense of admiration for Panni, realizing that a mage specializing in arcane research was indeed more reliable than a spellcaster relying solely on bloodline heritage.

"However, I believe we should consider our options before deciding to enter," Panni hesitated, pondering further. "The runes on these mirrors are unusually intricate. I've only deciphered about half of them. The remaining parts seem to contain even more complex power, making them difficult to identify. If we enter rashly without understanding, I fear the consequences could be dire."

Upon hearing Panni's words, several people became doubtful simultaneously.

After all, the depths of arcane power were profound and unfathomable. Any slight misstep could lead to unimaginable consequences. It was not a wise decision to enter hastily without fully understanding the situation.

"In any case, I must venture forth," the witch Salifin contemplated, firm in her resolve. "It is my duty to find the Elder."

"I shall accompany you, Lady Salifin," Serla clenched her fist, despite the apparent danger. In this moment, thoughts of the children at the outpost spurred her on. "We must swiftly end the calamity here."

"Regardless, the Witch's Council will remember your actions, envoy of Tyr," Salifin expressed her gratitude.

Panni and Anael exchanged a glance, sighing in unison. At this juncture, to retreat would impinge upon their dignity; abandoning their companions was not an action Panni was willing to take.

"Allow me to inspect the spell array once more, to ensure its safety," Panni stated, although they had spent nearly a day inside the attic, midnight was still a ways off. He resumed his examination of the array, undisturbed by the others.

As dusk fell, silence enveloped the tower atop the Laiserman mountains. The howling wind and snow whipped against the dilapidated brick walls. Though each member was robust, a day of enduring such chilling winds had left them all uncomfortable. Serla, hailing from the southern coast of the Fallen Star Sea, was particularly unaccustomed to this weather. She sneezed, then suddenly heard a low growl mingled with the wind's roar. Alert, she stood up, calling out, "Beware!"

The others quickly followed suit, and then, with a thunderous crash, the outer wall collapsed, shaking the structure violently. Amidst the cacophony, the raucous roar of a dozen trolls surrounded the cabin!

"Damn it," Anael cursed under his breath, drawing his flute. A clear, bright melody emanated from it, momentarily sharpening the senses of those nearby.

Fireball!

With a flick of her hand, the witch Salifin conjured a colossal sphere of flames before her, swiftly hurtling towards the trolls. It exploded with astonishing force, rending three trolls asunder.

Due to their lack of proficiency in arcane studies, most sorcerers are accustomed to employing rudimentary spells of destruction, making spells of evocation their favored arsenal.

As the trolls closed in unexpectedly, before the onlookers could react, they were upon them. Though a fireball spell dispatched a few, the scattered flesh and flames only seemed to enrage the trolls further. They howled and lunged forward, their massive claws aiming to strike the female paladin who stood in their path.

Clang!

The clash of sword and claw resounded with the metallic echo of combat. The keen blade left deep gouges on the troll's claw, sending sparks of agony through its body, eliciting a painful howl. Yet more trolls surged forth, quickly overwhelming the paladin.

"Dreadblade!"

At this moment, Panni completed his incantation. A blade of ethereal light materialized beside him, its surface adorned with twisted visages contorting in perpetual struggle. Sharp teeth lined their maws, instilling fear at first sight.

As the blade emerged, a shrill wail echoed from the faces, striking a troll that charged forward. One of the visages burrowed into the wound, causing the troll to emit a piercing scream of terror, as if subjected to extreme dread. It clutched its head and began to blindly thrash about. The blade continued its onslaught, striking several trolls in succession, inciting chaos and confusion within their ranks.

Panni once again cast Web and Grease spells in succession, while Aniel's "Baragorn Iron Horn" caused a mild tremor, successfully toppling most of the charging trolls in the small tower. The paladin's sword swept away the scattered and struggling trolls. Meanwhile, Salifin had already formed her second fireball.

Suddenly, amidst the troll horde, a deep chanting arose, accompanied by a gust of wind that scattered the webs and grease throughout the room. Salifin, caught off guard, was blown off her feet by the strong wind, and her fireball exploded not far away, sending the four of them sprawling.

"A spellcaster!" Panni observed. Among the trolls stood a figure, leaning on a wooden staff, hunched and seemingly aged, squinting at the fallen figures. Opening his mouth, he spoke in an unsteady common tongue, "You, surrender, not kill."

While trolls were known for their brutish nature, encountering a spellcaster was not entirely unexpected. Panni scoffed at the troll's words, "Not kill us? What will you eat then? Your deception is feeble, Mr. Troll."

"Evil creature, perish!" Serla cried out, raising her sword high overhead and leaping forward to strike the troll mage. The blade emitted a divine radiance that dared not be stared at.

Meanwhile, the Dreadblade silently launched a sneak attack on the troll mage from the shadows. Though mages typically possessed steadfast minds, resistant to fear, the excruciating wounds inflicted by the Dreadblade would still disrupt their spellcasting.

Aniel's flute emitted an urgent and disorienting sound, penetrating the trolls' ears. Their already dim-witted minds were immediately disturbed, slowing their movements.

The troll mage remained unruffled, his relatively lengthy lifespan indicating ample combat experience. With a troll standing before him, blocking the paladin's strike, he intoned an incantation, as scorching air swiftly swirled around his body, forming a remarkably brilliant white incandescent orb in front of him.

"It's a Chain Blast, we can't let him finish it!" Panni shouted loudly. Salifin's fireball was already launched!

Boom!

The collision between the fireball and the incandescent orb produced a staggering explosion, engulfing the entire floor of the tower in flames. Panni felt a momentary deafness and blindness, and amidst the faint recovery of his senses, he vaguely perceived a sound of shattering. Glancing up, he saw the corner of the floor where the mirror-formed array emitted a strong radiance.

This was not good.

Panni's heart sank as he realized the disturbance of arcane power had caused a change in the array. Another deafening and blinding explosion ensued, and Panni felt as if the world before him shattered. Amidst the crisp sound, he lost consciousness.