The air still carried the scent of danger, mixed with the smell of ancient dust and scattered mana. Theo and Celia had only taken a few steps after the manticore encounter, but the weight of the recent battle still weighed on their shoulders. Theo's heart pounded, not from fear, but from a strange mixture of adrenaline and intense focus. He had survived, again, but this time it was different. It wasn't just an escape, it was a confrontation, even if incomplete.
Celia suddenly stopped, raising her hand, a clear signal for Theo to halt. Her eyes scanned the surrounding ruins, searching for any movement, any lingering trace of the manticore. The silence was absolute, a silence broken only by the faint sound of wind creeping between the cracked stones. It wasn't a comfortable silence, but one that carried anticipation, as if the ruins themselves were holding their breath.
Celia nodded slowly, a sign that the danger had passed, or at least, temporarily receded. "It retreated," she whispered, her voice low, barely audible. "But it will return. A manticore doesn't give up its prey easily, especially after tasting its blood." Her words carried a cold, realistic tone, leaving no room for doubt.
Theo looked at his hand, where the manticore's scratches were still visible, dry blood staining his skin. The wound wasn't deep, but it was a tangible reminder of the creature's strength and speed. He remembered how the manticore had pounced on him, and how it had almost ended his life in an instant. Were it not for Celia's intervention, he would have become just another meal in these forgotten ruins.
"Another lesson, Theo," Celia said, as if reading his thoughts. "Never underestimate a monster's ability to recover or persevere. Even if it seems defeated, it might be planning another attack. Constant vigilance is key to survival in this world." Her eyes gazed into the distance, as if seeing what he couldn't.
Theo didn't speak, but he nodded, absorbing her words. He had learned this lesson the hard way, and he still felt the slight weakness from the basilisk's venom, and now the pains of the manticore confrontation were added. His body was exhausted, but his mind was more alert than ever. Each encounter with a new monster added a new layer of understanding, a new layer of harshness, to his world.
"We will continue walking," Celia said, resuming her movement. "We cannot stay here. This area has become too dangerous. We must reach the Silent Archive before full darkness." Her steps were quick, resolute, leaving no room for rest or hesitation.
Theo followed her, his eyes scanning the ruins, his senses alert for any movement, any sound. He felt the presence of mana everywhere around him, remnants of ancient magic, and faint presences of other monsters. The world around him throbbed with danger, but it also throbbed with life, a harsh life, but life nonetheless.
As they walked, Celia began to speak again, her voice calm, but carrying the weight of knowledge. "We talked about Ilandar, its fall, and the monsters it created. But these monsters are only a small part of the big picture. The world we live in is much larger and more complex than you imagine."
She paused for a moment, and looked at Theo. "What do you know about races?" she asked, her voice carrying a testing tone.
Theo didn't speak, but he gestured with his hand to the ground, then to himself, then to Celia, trying to express humans. Then he pointed to the ruins, trying to express monsters.
Celia smiled faintly, barely visible. "Correct. Humans, and monsters. But there are many others. The world isn't simply divided into good and evil, or humans and monsters. There are other races, some as old as time itself, and others relatively new. Each race has its history, culture, abilities, and place in this world."
"There are the Elves," Celia began, her voice carrying a tone of respect. "Ancient beings, connected to nature and magic. They live in their ancient forests, carefully guarding their secrets. They have an innate ability to use magic, and unmatched skill in archery. They are not necessarily enemies of humans, but they prefer solitude, and do not interfere in the affairs of others unless their interests are affected."
"Then there are the Dwarves," she continued, "inhabitants of mountains and caves, masters of metals and craftsmanship. They are characterized by physical strength, perseverance, and skill in making weapons and armor. Their relationship with mana is different from the Elves. They don't use magic in the same way, but they can imbue mana into their metals, making their weapons and armor stronger and more durable. They have a long history of conflicts with orcs and goblins, who compete with them for resources."
"And the Orcs," Celia said, her voice becoming more cautious. "Powerful, primitive beings, living in tribes. They are characterized by brute strength and savagery in combat. They do not possess innate magical abilities, but rely on their physical strength and numbers. They are often aggressive, and pose a threat to human and dwarven settlements. They have a strict social system, and worship war gods."
"And the Goblins," she added, "smaller and more cunning than orcs. They live in underground colonies, and are known for their trickery and ability to infiltrate. They are not physically strong, but they compensate for that with their large numbers and use of traps and ambushes. They often serve as servants to orcs or as bandits."
Theo listened attentively, every word painting a clearer picture of the world he lived in. He knew little about these races, but Celia was opening his eyes to a wider, more complex reality. He now realized that the monsters he faced were only part of a larger ecosystem, a system full of conflicts and alliances.
"These are the main races you will encounter on your journey," Celia said. "But there are also other beings, rarer, and more powerful. Some live in the shadows, and others live in other dimensions, appearing only under certain circumstances. These beings are the real threat, and they are the ones you must prepare to face."
Celia stopped speaking and looked at the sky. The sun had begun to set completely, and long shadows were engulfing the ruins. The air grew colder, and stars began to appear one by one in the dark sky. It was time to find shelter.
"We must find a safe place to spend the night," Celia said. "Night in these ruins is more dangerous than day. The deadliest monsters come out to hunt in the dark." Her eyes scanned the ruins, searching for a place that offered some protection.
Theo pointed to a massive, half-destroyed building, appearing to have been a temple or palace in the past. Its walls were still partially standing, offering some protection from the wind. It seemed like a suitable hiding place.
Celia looked at the building, then at Theo, and nodded. "Good choice. But we must be careful. Large places are often inhabited by monsters. We will sweep the area before entering." Her words carried a tone of caution, but she trusted Theo's intuition.
The two began to advance towards the building, their steps cautious, their senses alert. Darkness had now fallen completely, and he could only see a few meters ahead. He relied on his mana sense, and on Celia, to guide them through this darkness. He felt the faint presence of mana in the building, some seemingly dormant, others seemingly awake, waiting for their prey.
When they reached the entrance of the building, Celia stopped again. "Remember, Theo," she whispered. "In this world, no place is completely safe. Safety is an illusion. You must be ready to fight at any moment, anywhere. This is the most important lesson you must learn." Her words echoed in the darkness.