Chapter 17: Secrets of the Silver-Golden Rune

Before Maslow's Law could do anything, Aurora, the baby griffin, asked, "Can we come out and assist you?"

Maslow's Law thought about it and realized it wouldn't do any harm, so he let all his companion pets out, including his mount. They paired up and hurried away, saying, "We saw your quest; we'll all search for you."

Each pair searched for the Veilgate District. It was Nyxarthron, the baby dragon, and Savon, the baby panda, who found the district. They were able to find Maslow's Law wherever he is due to their connection with him. They found him and took him to the Veilgate District. They did not have to wait long for all the other companions and Aetherwind, the mount, to return. They all entered the district together.

After entering, they separated again. They all wanted to assist Maslow's Law on his quest. Maslow's Law rolled his eyes at that, then began his walk around the Veilgate District. At the northern section of the district stood two of his companion pets, Eclipse, a baby wolf, and Calypso, a baby kraken, waiting for his arrival. Eclipse telepathically voiced excitedly, "We found some clues in the building over there. There is a silver and gold rune within the building."

Maslow's Law walked towards the building and entered. After entering, he realized that he had walked into a pawn shop. He walked up to the counter where the owner stood behind the counter. He said, "May I know the price for the silver-golden rune you have on the right, the third section down?"

Ralph, the owner, began, "The name is Ralph. Why would you want to buy that rune?"

Maslow's Law truthfully answered, "I am on a quest to discover the entrance to the Echoing Caverns."

Ralph stared at him seriously for a moment, then said, "Let me tell you a story. Three young adventurers set out to make a better life for their families. They were from a village far to the southeast of this city, at the edge where land and sea meet. It was hidden from society even though it was along the seashore. They went through many trials and tribulations just to make it to this main city, Louisiana."

"Upon arrival, they heard about an unbeatable dungeon called the Echoing Caverns. Believing they were the chosen ones, they set out to challenge the cavern after diligently gathering tools, potions and information. Unfortunately for them, those who lived to tell the tales about the cavern only knew the tip of the iceberg. Sadly, of the three friends, only one made it out alive, and with that one friend, he brought a silver-golden rune. He could not decipher what it is or how to use it. No one he asked was able to provide any information."

"That person sold this rune to me and told me his story one drunken night. My point in telling you this story is to inform you of the dangers you would face if you continued down this road."

Maslow's Law clasped his hand and bowed his head in thanks. "I appreciate your warning and the story. However, I have already made up my mind. Would you sell me this rune?"

Ralph nodded his head. "50 silver."

Maslow's Law paid the money, then exited the shop. He wanted to gather the rest of his companion pets and Aetherwind, but Aetherwind appeared above him, saying, "Follow me this way."

He followed Aetherwind to where the other companion pets were and saw Savon being petted by a middle-aged man. Maslow's Law walked up to them. He stopped before the middle-aged man, waiting for him to acknowledge him. He stated, "These are precious companions you have here. Take care of them well. This is my gift to you for having such wonderful companions."

Afterwards, the middle-aged man placed down Savon and walked away. Maslow's Law checked the parchment of paper and saw it was blank. He then returned to his hotel to review the rune.

He remembered Nyxarthron skill and asked, "Nyx, could you please use your temporal vision skill?"

Nyxarthron activated his skill. His vision began to blur, and the world around him faded. He was transported to a realm of stars and swirling galaxies. Here, the past, present, and future converge, revealing truths that are hidden from ordinary sight. In this celestial space, the silver-golden rune floated before him, surrounded by a radiant aura. As he focused on it, the rune began to unravel its secrets, projecting a series of visions and insights directly into his mind.

The first vision revealed a hidden path that led to the Echoing Cavern. He saw himself standing before a majestic waterfall in a secluded part of Veilgate District. Behind the waterfall lies a secret passage, its entrance concealed by the cascading waters. The path is lined with silver-golden runes identical to the one Maslow's Law acquired, glowing faintly and guiding his way through the darkness. As he stepped into the passage, the runes illuminated, revealing hidden traps and obstacles that he must navigate to reach the cavern.

His second vision warned of the dangers that guard the Echoing Cavern. He saw shadowy figures lurking in the depths of the passage, guardians of the ancient dungeon who seek to protect its secrets. These spectral beings were bound to the silver-golden runes, drawing their power from them to ward off intruders. He also glimpsed a massive stone door at the end of the passage, inscribed with runes similar to the one Maslow's Law was investigating.

The final vision delved into the true nature of the silver-golden rune. He saw the rune being crafted by a group of ancient mages, their hands weaving strands of starlight into intricate patterns. These mages intended the rune to serve as a key, not only to the Echoing Cavern but to a vast network of hidden dungeons and forgotten places of power scattered across the land. The rune's silver and golden hues represented the dual nature of its magic, capable of revealing hidden paths and warding off those who were unworthy.

As the visions faded, Nyxarthron was drawn back to the physical world. His mind was now brimming with knowledge and insights. The silver-golden rune before him pulsed once more, its hidden truths now laid bare.