The Fall Of Valendor

The trio continued their journey, finally arriving at the location where Alex had discovered the red lotus. Unfortunately, all that remained were remnants of the devastating battles fought by the masters, and there was no trace of the sacred plant or its seeds.

"It's a pity there's no seed left behind," Alex lamented.

"Indeed, a magical plant like the red lotus has specific environmental requirements to grow," Devin explained as they searched the area in the hopes of finding any clue or hidden treasure. Eventually, they stumbled upon a hole blocked by a large stone covered in vibrant green moss. Intrigued, they decided to move the stone and explore the depths of the hole.

Although the hole appeared small, its interior was surprisingly spacious. However, apart from the ancient text adorning the walls and intricate drawings depicting a captivating story, there was nothing else to be found.

"These are ancient texts belonging to a certain tribe," Muriel identified, disappointment lacing his voice.

"Can you decipher them?" Alex inquired, hoping for some glimmer of insight.

Muriel shook his head, his expression filled with regret. "There are countless variations and languages among the ancient texts of different tribes, making it impossible for me to decipher this particular one."

Devin, intrigued by the ancient text, finally found a purpose for the Eyes of Indra artifact bestowed upon him by the system. Donning the artifact resembling glasses, he trained his gaze upon the elaborate symbols and drawings.

As Devin focused, the ancient text came alive, revealing fragments of a forgotten era. In that distant time, a small tribe known as Valondor thrived, nestled amidst lush and untamed lands. The members of Valondor lived in harmony, guided by the wisdom and leadership of their esteemed priest, Xander. They were known for their creation and invention in the world.

With reverence and meticulous care, Xander chronicled their lives, etching the ancient text and cryptic pictographs onto the walls of the sacred chamber. These recordings safeguarded the tribe's knowledge and secrets, ensuring that the legacy of Valondor would endure through the ages.

Unbeknownst to the tribe, a sinister force lay dormant within their midst. Xander, the wise and perceptive priest, keenly sensed a growing discontent among the people—an unsettling tension that threatened to fracture their serene unity. With great diligence, he observed their interactions, pondering the cause of this unsettling unrest.

As Xander delved deeper into contemplation, a recurring symbol caught his attention—a black bug cloaked in mist—that seemed to leave an indelible imprint on the minds of those who stirred discord. Intrigued yet concerned, he embarked on a clandestine investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind the tribe's unraveling harmony.

In the quiet depths of the night, Xander convened secret meetings, seeking the counsel of trusted individuals who shared his concerns. Together, they delved into the ancient texts, meticulously unraveling the cryptic messages hidden within their pages. With each revelation, they pieced together a malevolent plot rooted in the deepest shadows. An evil group, shrouded in secrecy, sought control and power over the land—an insidious collective exploiting dark arts for their sinister ambitions.

As Xander's understanding grew, so did his resolve. He knew that mere knowledge was not enough to combat this enigmatic adversary. The tribe's very essence was at stake, and they needed to stand against the encroaching darkness. Thus, Xander and his trusted allies forged a plan to protect their people and thwart the nefarious group's machinations.

In the face of this looming threat, the once serene tribe stood united, their bond strengthened by the shared knowledge of the enemy lurking in their midst. With determination etched on their faces, they prepared to confront the malevolent force and restore harmony to their land.

Little did they know that their journey would require unyielding courage, sacrifice, and a resilience born from the harmony they held so dear. The battle against the darkness had just begun, and their tribe's fate hung precariously in the balance.

Buried beneath the serene grounds of Valondor lay a malevolent secret—a demonic parasite, an abomination intent on corrupting the tribe. Its insidious purpose was to seize control over their minds, infiltrate their lives, and carry out the nefarious bidding of the evil group. Fed by greed, this demonic parasite sowed seeds of discord among the unsuspecting villagers.

Soon, chaos unraveled within the land, manifesting in unspeakable acts of violence. Neighbor turned against neighbor, and fathers committed unthinkable atrocities against their own families. Paranoia plagued the hearts and minds of all, as the people struggled to discern who had fallen prey to this parasitic evil.

Soon, the truth emerged—the evil group had orchestrated this chaos in order to destroy the elusive Totem Seed, hidden within the forbidden ground of the tribe. This ancient seed held immeasurable power, and its corruption posed dire consequences for the world.

Armed with this grim knowledge, Xander, fueled by determination, delved deep into the forbidden territories of Valondor's sacred land. Guided by the enigmatic clues within the ancient texts, he braved treacherous trials, battling against his own doubts and fears. His arduous quest led him to the long-lost Totem Seed, rumored to possess unimaginable power.

However, Xander's hopes were shattered when he discovered that the hands of darkness had also reached the sacred Seed, corrupting its very essence. Aware of the catastrophic consequences of using such a corrupted power, Xander knew that desperate measures were required. Unbeknownst to many, Valondor had been built atop a colossal magic circle, serving as the guard against the encroachment of the dark realm and the protector of the Totem Seed.

In an act of sacrificial resolve, Xander activated the forbidden power of the magic circle, harnessing the collective strength of his people. In doing so, he not only decimated the intruders that had violated their lands but also indiscriminately eliminated any beings tainted with the evil mist, even if they were once friends.

The devastating consequence of this desperate action was the destruction of Valondor itself. With over 80% of the tribe parasitized, the vibrant community crumbled under the weight of the corrupted. The once-thriving Valondor became a mere echo of its former glory.

With the Totem Seed cradled protectively in his weathered palms, Xander's eyes cleared, a determined resolve shining within them. Recognizing the immense danger of allowing the seed to be consumed by darkness, he made the difficult decision to use his own magic and life force to purify the seed, sacrificing his own remaining lifespan in the process.

Gathering together the surviving members of the tribe, a majority of whom were children, with only a handful of adults, Xander shared the truth he had uncovered about the black hands of the evil group and the insidious demonic parasite. He then orchestrated their relocation to an undisclosed location, in order to safeguard both the precious seed and the lives of the remaining tribe.

Devin, as he recounted the story to Alex and Muriel, couldn't help but feel a strange compulsion to obscure certain details, particularly regarding the fate of the seed. Though unsure of the reason for this inner hesitation, Devin didn't dwell on it, focusing instead on relaying the tale. However, as he finished speaking, the writings on the wall suddenly shifted and transformed into a new message.

[Congratulations to player Devin for uncovering the story of the lost tribe Valondor. 1000 Exp gained. Valondor training method of spiritual power left behind by priest Xander for the fateful one.] The system prompt sounded.

Sensing the fleeting nature of this message, Devin quickly utilized his spiritual power to imprint the method of mental cultivation into his encyclopedia. Almost immediately, as if sensing this completion, the walls of the hole began to crack and tremble, prompting the trio to hastily vacate the area before it could collapse upon them.

As they retreated to a safe distance, they observed the true nature of the space they had been within—a part of a mountain now exposed by the collapse. The disturbance caused by this event sent shockwaves through the nearby forest, resulting in chaotic upheaval. Recognizing the need to conclude their training and leave the dark forest, the trio reflected on the knowledge and growth they had gained from their time within its depths.

With a newfound sense of accomplishment and a store of wisdom tucked within their hearts, the trio set off on their journey back. The dark forest had tested their courage and resilience, forging them into stronger individuals prepared for what lay ahead.