Chapter 7:
"The dark fog… it originates from a tear, a wound in the veil that doth divide our world, Aethelgard, from the ever-shrouded Realm of Duskveil," Adamuz intoned, his voice a deep tremor like stone grinding against stone. "It is drawn to despair, to frailty, to the mortal imperfections of the soul. This sacred forest, Eldorian, is anointed by the Nara Tree—a sentinel forged of primeval magic, older than memory."
He raised his gnarled, petrified arm, joints creaking like ancient timber. "The Nara Tree doth radiate purifying essence, a beacon that repels the creeping corruption. Thus are the forest's denizens spared from the fog's vile embrace. Yet beware… during the blood-stained gaze of the Red Moon, the Tree's blessing doth wane. The veil thins, and the corruption seepeth inward."
Leo nodded, absorbing every word. The name Nara Tree echoed in his mind—an ancient force beyond comprehension. He turned to Tarra, his first creation, her clay skin chipped from battles fought. It was time.
---
"Inheritor," Adamuz said, runes flaring in spirals of forgotten geometry, "I shall now awaken her potential. Let the Rite begin."
Leo deconstructed Tarra, treating each piece with reverence. He rebuilt her using sacred materials from the sanctum:
Petrified Nara Wood – carved into forearms, rune-etched conduits of life.
Radiant Quartz Veins – embedded through her chest and spine, mana conductors.
Obsidian Alloy Plates – layered armor, etched with defensive sigils.
Soul Shard – a fragment from Adamuz's core, embedded near her heartplate.
Each rune burned with intent. Ink formed of sapphire powder and diamond dust bound the runes to her form. She was no longer just clay—she was legacy made manifest.
---
> [System Notification] [Tarra has reached Level 30!]
---
> [Tarra – Automata Golem] Type: Advanced Automaton
Level: 30
HP: 850 / 850
MP: 200 / 200
Strength: 150
Agility: 120
Defense: 200
Skills: • Enhanced Combat Matrix
• Quartz Infused Strike
• Energy Shield
• Rapid Regeneration
• Analytical Scan
• Mana Conduit
Her form shimmered—a fusion of gleaming segmented metal and wooden runes pulsing with life. Her emerald eyes lit with soul-bound clarity.
"Master," she said, voice bell-like and clear.
Adamuz nodded solemnly. "She is mighty. Yet incomplete. I now entrust thee with my final legacy."
---
Adamuz placed his hand upon Leo's chest. A torrent of light surged from the ancient golem into Leo. Schematics. Memories. Techniques long buried beneath history.
> [System Notification]
[Golem Crafting Skill has reached MAX Level!]
[Legacy Transfer Successful – Ancient Blueprint Library Unlocked]
With trembling hands, Leo began forging.
---
> [New Items Created]
Aetherpulse Rifle
Type: Mana-Forged Firearm
Damage: 35 (Energy)
Mana Cost: 2 MP / shot
Special: Charging Shot (hold for increased damage); +Accuracy vs. Corrupted
Resonant Aegis
Type: Golem-Tech Armor
Defense: 65 (Physical)
Resistance: 35% (Energy)
Passive: +1.5 MP/sec
Special: Reactive Layering – briefly hardens against powerful blows
---
> [System Notification]
[New Class Acquired: Golem-Mancer!]
[New Skills Unlocked:]
• Golem's Dimensional Pocket (Lv.1)
• Summon Golem (Lv.1)
• Golem Enhancement (Lv.1)
• Golem Repair (Lv.1)
• Artifact Making (Lv.1)
• Enchantment (Lv.1)
• Repairing Artifacts (Lv.1)
---
> [Leo Makjin – Status Window] Race: Human
Class: Golem-Mancer
Title: Golem Maker
Level: 2
HP: 135 / 135 (+5 from +1 VIT)
MP: 95 / 95 (+10 from +2 INT)
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 14
Vitality: 12
Luck: ?
Skills: • Survival Instinct
• Golem Crafting (MAX)
• Golem's Dimensional Pocket (Lv.1)
• Summon Golem (Lv.1)
• Golem Enhancement (Lv.1)
• Golem Repair (Lv.1)
• Artifact Making (Lv.1)
• Enchantment (Lv.1)
• Repairing Artifacts (Lv.1)
---
> [Subsystem: Golem Architect]
Status: Locked
Note: Only accessible via the Labyrinth of the Nara Tree.
> [Main Quest Updated – Legacy of the Golem Makers]
New Objective: Reach the Labyrinth beneath the Nara Tree and activate the Core Resonance Node. Only the true Inheritor may access its core. Unauthorized entry will trigger system defenses.
---
Adamuz's light flickered. "The sands of my time hath fallen. Kindle the flame once more, Inheritor… restore what was lost."
He crumbled into radiant dust, fading into the ether.
Leo stood in silence, armored in will and soul.
The final forge was lit. The first battle yet to come.