Arlen arrived at the edge of the Far Northern Wastes, where the sky loomed gray and endless snow stretched as far as the eye could see. The Obsidian Gate itself was a fortress-town carved from black volcanic stone, huddled against the biting cold. Its towers and walls glittered with frost and mysterious runes, and every building seemed built for defense against both the elements and wandering monsters of the tundra.
Upon entering, Arlen made his way to the local Adventurer's Guild—a stark, imposing hall warmed by enchanted braziers and filled with the murmur of hardened explorers. He checked in, updating his profile to reflect his mastery of mind, echo, and elemental magic (while still keeping the deepest secrets of his shadow skills close). The guild staff, well-acquainted with legends of the Shadow Seekers, greeted him with a mix of respect and awe; few adventurers ever reached this final threshold.
Eager to understand the town and its people, Arlen took on a variety of guild jobs. He aided in monster hunts beyond the walls, helped repair magical wards against spectral invaders, and guided newcomers through deadly ice storms. Each mission brought him into contact with locals—stoic blacksmiths, enigmatic rune-mages, and weathered hunters—whose resilience and camaraderie reminded him of the world he was protecting.
Between jobs, Arlen focused on the last skills he would need for the Obsidian Gate's labyrinth:
Swordplay Mastery: He trained daily with master duelists in the fortress, pushing his technique until blade and body moved as one, no matter the opponent or conditions.
Advanced Shadow Seeker Magic: In the coldest nights, he meditated in shadowed sanctuaries, unlocking the final rituals and spells—melding all he had learned about shadow, echo, and elemental energy into one seamless, powerful art.
The System tracked his progress, each day bringing him closer to true mastery:
Sword Mastery (Mastery: 100%)
Advanced Shadow Seeker Magic (Unlocked; Progress: 24%)
As Arlen stood before the looming entrance of the Obsidian Gate's labyrinth, his heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and resolve. He was ready—body, mind, and soul—to face the ultimate trial, and to claim the final secrets of the Shadow Seekers for himself and for the future of the world.