Chapter 1: The Beginning
Within a dimly lit room, a holographic screen projected vivid images of an unknown and futuristic world. Victor, a thin and malnourished young man, watched with longing and sorrow as the images danced before him. The creaking of rotten wood and the constant dripping of water seeping through the cracks barely disturbed his concentration.
Suddenly, the door to the small room swung open with a forceful kick. A muscular, bald man burst in unceremoniously, his gaze laden with pity and disdain fixed on Victor. "We've arrived. The captain is waiting for you. Hurry up," the man grunted, offering no assistance to the young man.
Without a word, Victor turned off the holographic screen and stood up, swaying slightly. With his long, disheveled hair covering his face, and his emaciated body, it was evident that the young man's health was deteriorated. The dark-skinned man watched in silence as Victor left the room, following closely behind.
They walked through dark corridors and climbed stairs until they reached a door leading to the ship's deck. The sunlight momentarily blinded Victor, who had been locked away for months. Once his eyes adjusted, he found himself facing the bustling activity of the deck.
Men ran back and forth, some carrying crates, others cleaning the area, and still others lined up in formation as if they were soldiers. The scene was chaotic but organized, as if they were preparing for something important.
Victor stumbled forward towards where the formation was, guided by the muscular man trailing behind him. As he approached, he could clearly distinguish the imposing figure of the captain, surrounded by a group of young nobles belonging to Altera's high society.
The captain, a burly man in his thirties, wore an authoritative expression as he directed his attention to the group of nobles. His voice resonated above the deck's bustle, capturing the attention of all present.
"Welcome, young nobles!" the captain exclaimed enthusiastically. "Today is a special day, as we embark on a new expedition in search of fortune and adventure. But before we set sail, allow me to introduce someone who will play a crucial role in our success."
He pointed towards Victor, who stood among the crowd, standing out for his unkempt appearance and malnourished state. Despite his disheveled look, Victor maintained a steady gaze, though filled with resignation.
"This is Victor," the captain continued, gesturing towards the young man. "Though he may seem weak, he is a talented golemancer who has proven his worth in our previous expeditions. His ability to control golems will be of great use to us in this new venture."
The young nobles, with their luxurious attire and gestures of superiority, looked at Victor with some disdain, showing little interest in the young slave. For his part, Victor avoided making eye contact with them, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground as the captain continued his speech.
Meanwhile, the muscular man escorting Victor remained by his side, observing the scene with a mix of curiosity and disdain. It was evident that Victor was nothing more than a pawn in the captain's game, but he kept his own plans to himself, waiting for the right moment to act and forge his own destiny in Altera.
The captain continued his speech, allowing the young nobles to introduce themselves. Among them were three men and four women, all bearing surnames that evoked the recent nobility of humanity in Altera, whose lineage was forged in the last hundred years since their arrival in the new world.
The captain nodded in approval as he listened to the introductions, before turning his attention back to Victor. "As you can see, we have a group of talented young nobles with noble lineage who will accompany us on this expedition. With their help and Victor's unique ability to control golems, I am confident that we will achieve great things on this journey."
Victor remained silent, observing the nobles with indifference as the captain continued his speech. Though he did not share their enthusiasm, he knew that his ability would be crucial to the success of the expedition, and he was willing to do whatever it took to ensure his survival in this world full of magic and mystery.
The captain, standing tall before his crew and the group of nobles, his determined gaze reflecting the seriousness of the task that awaited them.
"Young nobles, it is an honor to have you aboard this expedition," the captain began solemnly. "Our mission is to carry out the exploration and exploitation of a small island located on the borders of our known territories. This island harbors a cave that we have identified as a possible source of valuable minerals and rare resources. However, this is no easy task."
The captain paused, allowing his words to be absorbed by the audience before continuing.
"This cave is no simple geological formation. It is an ancient dungeon, full of dangers and mysteries. Unknown and dangerous creatures lurk in the shadows, and the minerals we seek are protected by deadly traps and underground labyrinths. But we have conducted similar expeditions in the past, and we have managed to return with valuable treasures and knowledge."
He pointed to the fleet of five ships accompanying them on their journey. "These ships will not only take us to our destination, but will also serve as our base of operations and protection as we explore the island. Four of them will act as escorts, ensuring our safety at sea and defending us from any threats that may arise. The fifth ship, where we are now, will be our command center and refuge during our stay on the island."
The captain paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over each of those present with determination. "Young nobles, your role in this expedition will not be merely observational. You will be an active part of our team, learning from our experiences and contributing your own skills and knowledge. As interns from the European Academy of Sorcery, we trust that you can prove your worth and help us achieve our goals."
He concluded his speech with a challenging look towards the horizon, where the unknown island awaited their arrival.
The majestic galleon, pride of the fleet and under the captain's command, anchored determinedly on the shore of the desolate island. Without a proper port, sailors and passengers had to disembark directly onto the coast, feeling the moisture of the saltwater soaking their shoes with each step. Meanwhile, the other four ships, under the captain's precise orders, deployed strategically around the island, forming a solid defensive perimeter to prevent the entry of any unwanted intruders.
Once everyone was on solid ground, the captain, accompanied by Victor, the young nobles, and the 150 sailors, ordered the opening of a hatch on the side of the galleon. From the opening, a platform smoothly unfolded towards the shore, preparing for the next phase of the operation.
With precise and fluid movements, Victor began to activate the golems. The humanoid figures of stone, each imposing with a height of two meters, descended gracefully from the platform to the beach. The deployment of the golems did not go unnoticed by the young nobles, whose expressions of surprise and amazement were reflected on their faces.
The captain, with a smile, observed the reactions of the young nobles and commented, "It's amazing, isn't it? But it's a pity that Victor cannot use magic or create golems. However, his ability to control them is impressive and valuable for our mission."
As the waves gently lapped the shore, the golems lined up on the coast, ready to obey their master's orders and face any challenge that awaited them in the dark cave looming before them.
The crew of 150 men prepared with determination for the challenge ahead, wielding weapons of powder and steel. The air was charged with anticipation and tension as each one mentally and physically prepared for what awaited them in the unknown.
With firm and determined steps, the group descended from the ship towards the shore of the island, where the rocky coast extended towards the dark mouth of the cavern. The young nobles, with wonder on their faces, watched the row of imposing golems lining the beach, while the sailors prepared to follow them with weapons in hand.
As they advanced towards the cave entrance, the glow of the gems embedded in the walls began to illuminate the path. These bright stones, fueled by the concentration of ether in the environment, emitted a soft but comforting light, casting flashes of color on the rocks and the water dripping from the ceiling.
As the group descended the steep path into the cavern, Helena stopped to observe one of the bright gems. "What are these stones?" she asked curiously, pointing to the wall. "They seem to emit such beautiful light."
Marcus, another noble, responded with knowledge. "They are luminous stones. They form naturally in this cave due to the high concentration of ether in the air. Although they are not very valuable by themselves, they indicate the presence of eternium, a rare and valuable mineral that is sometimes found in these caves."
Helena nodded with fascination as they continued to advance along the path illuminated by the shimmering stones. As they delved deeper into the darkness of the cavern, tension in the air grew, as everyone prepared for what awaited them in the unknown depths.
As they advanced through the cave, the golems faced the monstrous crab with impressive ferocity. The sound of steel against shell echoed in the cavern as the creatures fought with relentless determination. However, the battle slowed the group's progress, forcing them to pause momentarily.
"What's happening here?" the captain asked, urgency in his voice, observing the scene with a furrowed brow.
Victor, with his hoarse and sharp voice, pointed towards the confrontation between the golems and the crab. "Interruption in advance. Giant crabs."
The captain nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "Prepare the weapons and maintain formation!" he ordered the crew, as the golems continued to battle the beast.
After the golems managed to defeat the crab, the group resumed their advance through the cave, cautiously and determinedly. As they progressed, they found the shattered remains of those who had fallen in the previous battle, a grim reminder of the dangers they faced in this inhospitable place.
The captain, noticing the threat, suggests to Victor that he leaves one of the weakened crabs so that the young nobles can face it. Meanwhile, the nobles, with determination in their eyes, prepare for battle.
Marcus: "I am ready to face these beasts."
Helena: "I will unleash divine light upon them."
Alexander: "My sword will cut through them to the core."
Isabella: "Keep calm. I will guide you."
Katherine: "I will protect your backs, do not worry."
Elena, with a serious look, prepares for battle. Suddenly, a small animal emerges from one of her pockets, showing off its shiny fur and lively eyes.
Elena: "Now is the time, companion. Show them what you can do."
The ermine, agile and cunning, leaps into the battlefield, healing the wounded nobles and providing enhancements to their equipment.
As the nobles and the ermine fight bravely against the crab, dodging its deadly claws and launching powerful attacks against its resilient shell, Victor watches with a mix of frustration and determination. Though he cannot directly participate in the battle, his mind is alert and ready to intervene if necessary. The golems, under his control, remain in position, ready to act at any moment.
The confrontation is fierce and full of danger. The nobles fight with courage against the crab, while Victor, disinterestedly, watches the scene, evaluating the situation but feeling uninvolved. Despite the struggle unfolding before him, Victor remains distant, his attention quickly shifting to other matters. The golems, under his control, remain ready to act at any moment.
The captain, noticing the threat, suggests to Victor: "Victor, why don't you weaken one of those crabs so that the young nobles can face it?"
Meanwhile, the nobles, with determination in their eyes, prepare for battle.
Marcus: "I am ready to face these beasts."
Helena, with a firm and serene voice, chants her spells in Latin as she channels divine light to heal and protect her companions: "Sanitas cura, lux protege nos."
Alexander: "My sword will be the lightning that pierces the darkness."
Isabella: "Do not worry, I will leave these beasts at the mercy of my creatures."
Katherine: "Let us stand firm! Let us not allow it to advance!"
Elena, in the midst of battle, focuses and a small animal emerges from one of her pockets, showing off its shiny fur and lively eyes.
Elena: "It's time, companion. Help us with your cunning!"
The ermine, agile and cunning, launches into battle, supporting the nobles with its healing abilities and providing tactical enhancements to the team.
Meanwhile, the crab, though battered by the nobles' powerful attacks, continues to advance with its resilient shell. Helena's constant healing spells weaken the monster, momentarily blinding it and causing burns on its skin.
In the rear, Victor watches attentively, although his interest lies elsewhere. Though he does not directly intervene in the battle, his mind is alert and ready to act if necessary. The golems, under his control, remain in position, ready to act according to Victor's orders.
The battle continues:
Helena: "Aqua Ball!"
(A sphere of water surges from Helena's hands and flies towards the crab, bursting upon impact and drenching the monster, weakening its shell in the dimness of the mine).
Marcus: "Earth Wall!"
(A wall of earth rises from the ground, forming a solid barrier between the crab and the group, protecting them from its onslaughts in the dark mine).
Alexander: "Fiery Sword!"
(The edge of Alexander's sword ignites in flames, and with a skilled movement, he cuts through the crab's shell in the dimness of the mine, causing a burn on its flesh).
Isabella: "Protective Shield!"
(A magical shield materializes in front of Isabella, deflecting the crab's attacks and protecting her from any harm in the dark mine).
Katherine: "Lightning Strike!"
(A burst of electrical energy envelops Katherine's sword, empowering her strike against the crab and causing an electric shock in the dimness of the mine).
Elena: "Healing Light!"
(A bright light emanates from Elena's hands, enveloping the group and healing their wounds as they battle the crab in the dark mine).
The crab, weakened by the powerful attacks, finally falls defeated before the combined strength of the nobles. With an agonizing roar, the monster collapses to the ground, ending the fierce battle. The young nobles, tired but triumphant, gather around the crab's corpse, celebrating their victory in this first trial in the dark mine.