Chapter 5: The Sorcerer Who Lives in the Enchanted Forest

"The group had entered the forest, they saw before them were gigantic dark oak trees surrounding all around the area with amethyst-like leaves that illuminated and shimmered very bright." The Narrator stated.

"As they delved deeper and walked even further, they eventually saw someone with purple hair, blue eyes, wearing warlock robes, sitting down on a rock, reading a book." The Narrator said.

"I see someone over there, he's sitting down on a rock, let's go approach him." Zion stated as he saw the man from far away.

"And so, all of them went to approach the man, sitting down on a rock, but as they moved closer, the Bookkeeper started to recognize the person and could not help but feel a little overwhelmed." The Narrator stated.

"Well if it isn't it my old friend from the academy, my fellow warlock Zino?" The Bookkeeper remarked as he was being sarcastic around him.

"Bookkeeper, you know about this man?" Athena was shocked and surprised to see the Bookkeeper to recognize the person before them.

"Yes, Miss Athena, I've met this warlock ever since me and him studied in the academy." The Bookeeper said as he let out a smile.

"I guess I could say, it's nice to see you again, Bookkeeper or should I say, Benwick Taxadarus?" Zino replied after closing his book, being sarcastic towards him.

"Glad that you still remember my name, Zino." The Bookkeeper replied letting out a smile in his face.

"Hmmm so you're a warlock right, Mr. Zino?" Creo asked wondering if he was correct.

"Yes I am, humble king of Elderith." Zino stated as he greeted Creo.

"So I hope you don't mind, but I have a question for you, Mr. Zino?" Creo asked Zino, waiting for his response.

"Sure thing, go ahead king of Elderith, ask away, I'll answer it for you." Zino stated with such pride.

"Do you know of a certain artifact, it has been told in many myths and legends by the elders of my kingdom, have you ever heard of the Aethereal Dreamstone Crystal?"

Creo asked, wondering and waiting for his answer.

"Why yes, I have heard of that crystal before, it has a backstory that has been told to me by my friend, Seraphim." Zino stated with such joy.

"Long ago, exactly 500 years ago, the Aethereal Dreamstone Crystal was in possession of an evil warlock known as Maredo." Zino said while the others were listening towards the tale.

"Now that I have the power of the Aethereal Dreamstone Crystal, I can use its power to destroy this very world!" Maredo declared, laughing and looking menacingly around the chaos that has been caused around the area.

"He planned to use the power of the crystal for destroying the world but the elders of the realm said otherwise." Zino stated with excitement.

"They called upon a guardian known as Gareda who was brought upon to confront against the evil Maredo." Zino stated.

"Maredo! Your reign of terror ends today, for I Gareda am here to stop you." Gareda remarked, declaring as she pointed out her sword towards him.

"Maredo and the guardian Gareda have clashed swords and skill as both of them continued on their battle across the very realm of Earth." Zino stated.

"And after an intense battle with both warriors showing a remarkable display of power, Gareda was able to defeat Maredo and was able to obtain the crystal away from his hands." Zino continued.

"And so for the safety of the realm, the elders and the guardian Gareda have decided to banish him and seal him away to maintain the peace and order in the realm." Zino explained as he was continuing the tale.

"And what happened of the crystal, Mr. Zino?" Creo asked, concerned about the crystal's whereabouts.

"After that, Gareda and the elders went to a far away place, in a mountain to store the crystal, the only way for them to remember what the mountain looked like was based on the eye shaped carving it has." Zino explained, stating where the crystal is located.

"And obviously the crystal was safeguarded by five guardians that were placed in their position, talked to protect and risk their lives in order for the crystal to remain in place." Zino stated.

"So I'm guessing that answers your question, King of Elderith?" Zino stated as he was asking Creo for an answer.

"Indeed you are right, kind warlock. That answers my question very well. Thank you again for answering my question." Creo replied with a smile.

"No problem, King Creo, I am glad that I was able to help you." Zino stated.

"Now that I have informed and told you about the coming impending doom that will arrive as we venture ourselves on a journey in search for the crystal you so dearly desire." Zino stated.

"I guess I could say we can go and prepare ourselves on the adventure that you speak of." Zino states, explaining the current situation.

"So are you up for the challenge, King of Elderith?" Zino asked as he smirked, reaching out his hand towards Creo, wondering whether he will reach his hand or not.

"I'm always up for the challenge, no matter how hard it is." Creo replies smiling as he reached his hand towards Creo as well.

"Then it's settled, I am now alongside within your ranks, a fellow adventure, a comrade, a newly found friend." Zino smiled.

"Great to hear, I'm glad that you decided to join us." Creo smiled

"Likewise nonetheless, I'm sure you guys seem to be some pretty skilled adventurers." Zino remarked.

"Mhm, of course we are. We fight for our dreams, fight for our love ones and fight for peace and order!" Creo exclaimed, raising his right arm very high.

"Ok, I guess this is the point where I'll show you guys the route to the mountain. It's located nearby Serpent Jungle and Old Merith" Zino stated.

"Interesting, lead the way, Zino." Creo stated.

"And so Creo and his group have found themselves a new member amongst their guild and continue on in their merry little quest in finding the crystal." The Narrator stated.

"But little did they know, that many obstacles will be waiting for them as they progress." The Narrator stated sinisterly.

"Good, we have eyes on our target and know that he's making a move, come forth, let us attack him now." The Pawn leader stated as he saw them walk from afar.