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Chapter 3 - Secrets of the Ruins

The forest around the ruins was quiet, almost unnaturally so. Lioren and Rattle stepped carefully over cracked stones and fallen pillars, the blue glow from the central pedestal pulsing faintly with a rhythm like a heartbeat. Dust motes danced in the sunlight, and faint whispers of old magic seemed to drift through the air.

Rattle rattled his bones nervously. Master, I don't like this. It's too quiet. Too… perfect. Something's bound to jump out at us.

Lioren grinned. That's exactly why we're here. Every challenge, every trap, and every surprise is a lesson. Besides, we've faced bandits. This will be easier.

Rattle groaned. Easier? You call a glowing pedestal in an abandoned ruin easier? I call it suspicious and probably deadly.

They entered the courtyard fully, and Lioren examined the pedestal. Ancient runes etched into the stone shimmered faintly, responding to the magic in his hands. He knelt, tracing the carvings carefully. Some of the symbols twisted and shifted as if alive.

"This is incredible," Lioren whispered. "These runes… they're old. Really old. And they're still… active."

Rattle rattled his jaw. Yes, amazing. Also probably cursed. Also probably trying to kill us. And don't forget probably cursed.

Ignoring Rattle's commentary, Lioren drew a small protective circle around himself in the dirt. The glowing lines hummed faintly as he chanted an incantation, testing the energy in the pedestal. A spark of magic shot from the stone, and a ghostly skeleton of a massive beast appeared, swirling in blue light.

Rattle's bones rattled in alarm. Master! That's not on the brochure! That's a huge skeletal creature!

"It's… beautiful," Lioren breathed. His excitement outweighed his fear. This was his first glimpse of something truly ancient, a relic of powerful necromancy.

The spectral skeleton coalesced, forming what looked like a dragon, but smaller than the legendary Bone Dragon he had only heard whispered about in old tales. Its bones glowed faintly blue, and it tilted its head, observing him with an intelligent, almost curious gaze.

Rattle groaned. Master, I said probably cursed. I didn't say majestic or inspiring.

"Stay calm, Rattle," Lioren replied. He raised his hand slightly, testing his ability to communicate with it. "I'm not here to destroy you. I want to learn from you."

The skeleton dragon hissed softly, a sound like bones scraping together. Then, unexpectedly, it lunged.

Lioren's heart jumped. Instinctively, he summoned two small skeleton warriors from the ground. They swung their jagged swords at the spectral dragon, but the ghostly beast passed through them as if they were air.

Rattle rattled furiously. Master, I told you this was cursed! Now it's attacking!

Lioren ducked just as a claw swiped where his head had been moments before. The spectral dragon didn't aim to kill yet; it tested him, its movements probing, calculating. Lioren realized it was like a puzzle—he had to respond correctly, not with brute force, but with strategy.

He took a deep breath and focused his magic. Tracing runes quickly in the dirt, he created a glowing net of magical energy. The spectral dragon collided with it, bones rattling loudly, its head tilting curiously as it examined the net. Lioren adjusted the runes, allowing the creature to move in certain directions, guiding it without harming it.

Rattle muttered in disbelief. Master, you're… genius? Or incredibly lucky. I can't tell which.

After several tense moments, the spectral dragon finally froze, circling in place and lowering its ghostly head. Lioren smiled, exhaustion and exhilaration flooding him. He had communicated, not with words, but through magic. He had passed the test.

Rattle clattered his jaw slowly. I have to admit… that was impressive. But also terrifying. Next time, maybe we start with something smaller, like a haunted cat or a possessed chair.

Lioren chuckled. You're lucky I like your sarcasm, Rattle. Otherwise, I'd be annoyed.

He studied the pedestal again. The glow dimmed slightly, as if acknowledging his success. Lioren's mind raced with ideas. He could learn so much from ruins like these. Ancient necromantic energy, puzzles, and creatures that tested both skill and wit. This was exactly the kind of training he needed to grow stronger, to prepare for the larger challenges awaiting him outside the village.

Rattle rattled thoughtfully. Master, I hate to say it, but I think we're going to need a bigger backyard. Or a village. Or maybe an entire army.

Lioren laughed. One step at a time, Rattle. First, we learn. Then we grow. And one day, all of this, and more, will be under our control.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the mossy stones, Lioren packed up his things. The ruins had revealed their first secret and tested him in ways the village never could. He knew this was only the beginning.

Together, he and Rattle walked back through the forest, bones and magic clattering softly behind them. Adventure awaited, danger lurked, and the world outside the village had already begun to show its teeth. But Lioren felt ready. Every misstep, every magical spark, and every sarcastic remark from Rattle had prepared him for what was to come.

The forest seemed quieter as they left, but Lioren could feel the energy of the ruins lingering. Somewhere out there, ancient magic waited. And he would be ready.

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