Deckard's Test

As the group left for the Cemetery of the Forsaken, Shang stays with Cain and Leah to learn more about Horadric knowledge.

It was more than a week after the group left and Shang could not take it anymore.

Shang: They are taking too long.

Shang says while he closes a book by slamming both sides together while standing next to a bookshelf.

The sound of the slamming attracts the attention of both of Leah and Cain who are writing and tying the parchments into books.

Leah: You can't blame them for that. They have to get past the Weeping Hollow first before getting to the Cemetery of the Forsaken. I suppose they have to deal with the dead as that area was also a burial ground for people who can't pay for a place in the cemetery. Am I correct, Uncle Deckard?

Shang: Burial ground?

Cain: Indeed. If I remember correctly, there is also an execution ground which is known as the Tree of the Hanged. Cruel men who try to extend their lives at the cost of others were sent to hang there.

Shang: Wait, if Weeping Hollow is once an area for burial and execution, why would Haedrig's apprentice return there?

The group had received a request from Haedrig about finding his apprentice.

Leah: Before Haedrig and Mira came to New Tristram, their first home was in the Weeping Hollow. I can guess there is something important in that place that he had to go back and find it.

Shang: What item is so important that he would risk his life to go back?

Leah: I am not sure. Haedrig and Mira did not mention they had left anything important back there.

Shang's thoughts: At that time, Mira was thrown into the Cellar of the Damned when she was found infected. What could help Haedrig at that moment? In the game, I also notice there are strange things at Haedrig's old home. His anvil was moved aside and stones are placed on the cart. Haedrig's apprentice must have hidden something there and that item must have fallen into huge crack after he died. I got a feeling the huge crack might be connected to the Den of the Fallen. I will take a look at it later.

Shang: Deckard, I decided to go look for them. Is it alright with you?

Cain:... Once you can activate the Waypoint, I will allow it, else you will continue your lessons. Do you want to do the test now?

Shang: Let's do it then.

Outside of Cain's House…

Shang is standing on the New Tristram's Waypoint while Cain and Leah are watching from the side.

Cain: The Waypoint here has been disabled. Go on and activate it.

Shang goes down on one knee and creates a blue flame from one of his hand. He then lights up the three empty circular points of the arcane circle.

Leah: Uncle Deckard, is the test too simple?

Cain: It may look simple but tuning and connecting the three arcane flames with horadric magic at one time is harder than you think it is.

After Shang managed to equalize the size of the arcane flames, the lines between the three points start to connect, forming a glowing blue circle.

Shang: Done.

Shang says as he stands up and moves away from the Waypoint.

Cain comes over and checks it.

Shang: How did I do?

Shang asks.

Cain: You pass.

Cain says as he taps his staff on the Waypoint.

The circular blue line disappears and the sizes of three arcane flame changed differently.

Shang: Oh man.

Cain: But you still have a long way to go. Come back by the Waypoint once you are done there. There will be new lessons for you.

Cain smiles as he taps his staff again, correcting the flow of magic in the Waypoint.