The rumors about Tirath spread through Eldrida like a storm. At first, they were just discreet whispers, but soon they turned into animated conversations in markets and taverns.
What was once mere curiosity became the main topic among the residents: who would be capable of clearing the ruin alone?
Voices in the market were louder than usual as vendors exchanged speculations while setting up their stalls.
— Did you hear? The Ruins of Tirath were cleared! — exclaimed a merchant, his eyes shining with excitement.
— Cleared? You must be joking! — replied a woman, arranging a basket of fruit. — That place is a war zone! It has to be some Gold Adventurer.
— But just one? — questioned a young man, shaking his head. — That is almost impossible!
— Impossible, no… but extremely difficult! — retorted an older man with a mischievous smile.
The conversation remained light, as if everyone were trying to downplay the gravity of what might have happened. Yet, inside, everyone shared the same curiosity—a restless desire to know more about whoever had done it. The idea of someone delving so deep into such a dangerous place and coming out was, at the very least, intriguing.
Meanwhile, at the castle, King Haldebrand watched the city from his office window.
Already in his forties, he exhibited a lively energy and determination that defied his age. His presence was imposing: broad shoulders, upright posture, natural authority. His short hair, a mix of gray and dark brown, was neatly aligned.
His silver eyes, bright and sharp, reflected the experience accumulated over the years, while the lines around his mouth and eyes betrayed both wisdom and the burdens he had carried.
— Why has no one brought me the true story? — he murmured, his eyes sweeping over the movement in the markets below. — Someone cleared the Ruin… and if this person is as skilled as they say, I need to know who it is.
With a slight smile, he turned toward the door at the exact moment Lysandra, leader of the Mages' Guild, entered the room. Her long black hair glistened under the sunlight streaming through the window, highlighting her slender and elegant figure.
Her golden eyes, shining with enigmatic intensity, seemed to pierce through layers of anyone who dared to sustain her gaze. Lysandra was tall and striking, dressed in a fluid dark gray robe that wrapped around her body with grace, decorated with magical symbols that pulsed with contained power. The combination of beauty and authority emanated immediate respect, as if the very air around her carried expectation.
— It seems the news is flying — Lysandra said with a conspiratorial smile. — What do you think of this story of a lone hero clearing the Ruins of Tirath?
— I would love to know who this "hero" is — Haldebrand replied, laughing. — But I am starting to think the city is more interested in fantasies than in reality.
— And who wouldn't be? — Lysandra pondered, leaning slightly over the table, visibly intrigued. — It is a captivating story. Not just for the citizens… but for us as well. It could be the opportunity the Eldria Mages' Guild needs for the inter-kingdom tournament.
— But what do you think actually happened? — Haldebrand asked with genuine curiosity. — It is a difficult task, and the idea of a single adventurer accomplishing this… is impressive, to say the least.
— Impressive, but also dangerous — Lysandra replied, becoming more serious. — If someone succeeded, there could be consequences. Gold Adventurers are powerful… but alone, they can be even more unpredictable.
The voices of the city echoed from afar, but inside the castle, the atmosphere was one of anticipation. The king and the guild leader exchanged glances. Both knew that if there really was a "hero" behind the clearing of the ruin, it was only a matter of time before this story appeared before them.
— If a hero really exists, I imagine he won't resist a good chance to show off — Haldebrand said, laughing. — And when that happens, I will be ready to discover who had the audacity to challenge Tirath.
With that, the curiosity surrounding the identity of the alleged hero only increased, while Eldrida waited anxiously for the revelation of a new chapter in its history. What started as a simple rumor was now a riddle that caught everyone's attention, from humble merchants to powerful leaders of the realm. The city, vibrant and curious, prepared for the possibility of a new legend being born among them.
At the Guild, the atmosphere pulsed with rumors about the Ruins of Tirath. Elara was at her post, listening attentively while adventurers discussed the news with enthusiasm.
— You won't believe it — said a tall man with a scar on his face, gesturing excitedly. — They say a single adventurer cleared the Ruins of Tirath!
Elara frowned, unable to contain her curiosity.
— Just one person? What audacity! Who would have the courage to face that alone?
Galdor, a laid-back member of the guild always ready with a joke, approached and made a dismissive gesture with his hand.
— Just one person? Ah, that's an exaggeration. Either someone is trying to sell a story… or it's impossible. But I heard someone signed up for the mission alone.
Elara shook her head, thoughtful.
— So you think it's just a rumor?
Galdor laughed.
— It seems so! An adventurer conquering the ruin alone? That sounds more like a plot from a children's book. The last time I saw a dungeon of that level, there was more than one group trying.
At that moment, Lysandra, the respected leader, entered the hall. Her presence commanded attention immediately, and all eyes turned to her. The respect—and admiration—were palpable, even though the environment carried the slight relaxation typical of the guild.
Elara straightened up, smiling.
— Leader Lysandra! We were talking about the Ruins of Tirath. It seems someone cleared everything alone!
Lysandra raised an eyebrow, her expression showing a mix of skepticism and curiosity.
— And who might that be?
Galdor intervened with sarcasm.
— What if it's that young man who appeared here that day? He seemed different… but he didn't look like he was from here, you know?
Elara joined the conversation, trying to bring more enthusiasm:
— A Silver Rank youth! His name is Aslam.
Lysandra, observing the two, noticed a subtle tension. Something there wasn't entirely clear.
— Silver Rank? Alone? You are joking with me — Lysandra said.
Galdor shrugged, but Elara seemed genuinely intrigued.
— Who knows… maybe this boy has something special. We can wait to see if he returns.
Lysandra followed the exchange of glances, noting the discreet tension. Even trying to keep the tone light, there was a subtext that interested her.
— And what else do you know about him?
Galdor and Elara exchanged a quick look. Then Galdor replied, smiling:
— Just rumors, leader. But who knows if this "hero" will really return? The city will get even bigger with this.
Galdor crossed his arms, restless. His usual skeptical tone seemed to lose strength as he thought it over. Aslam was his friend, even if they had met recently, but… Tirath was another story.
— If he really went alone... — he murmured, concern appearing on his face. — Maybe something went wrong. Maybe… — he hesitated, thoughtful, and then shook his head. — That idiot might be hurt inside.
Elara, equally worried, approached Lysandra. Her normally cheerful face carried a rare seriousness.
— I agree with Galdor. If Aslam went in there alone, he could be in danger now. The Ruins of Tirath are too dangerous for anyone… even someone as skilled as him.
Lysandra, who until then had been evaluating everything with skepticism, seemed to reconsider the gravity of the situation. She knew that, however impressive the rumors were, the ruins were treacherous. And Aslam, from what she heard, was not from Eldria; any foreigner could underestimate the local dangers.
— We will send a rescue team, not just for him, but for all low-rank adventurers — Lysandra said, making the decision firmly.
Before Elara could respond, a calm voice—almost casual—came from the guild entrance, taking everyone by surprise.