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Daniel couldn't help but smile as they followed the others toward the forward camp. Even though it was a real world now and not some game, he feel's that he can save the world if he can gather his companion just like in the game.
Before leaving the battlefield, Daniel activated his Perception skill once more, his vision sharpening to reveal hidden objects glowing faintly in the dim light. Near a pile of rubble, a leather pouch shimmered—[50 Gold Coins Acquired]. Further away, partially buried in snow, lay a staff carved with intricate runes. When his fingers closed around it, golden text scrolled across his vision:
[Acolyte Fire Staff Acquired]
[Fire Damage: 18]
[+6 Willpower]
The staff hummed with latent energy, its surface warm to the touch despite the freezing temperatures. Daniel swapped it with his current ice staff, feeling an immediate surge of power as the new weapon attuned to his magic.
Cassandra surveyed their surroundings. "We should head down to the riverbanks," she said, pointing toward a narrow path winding downward. "The road ahead is blocked."
Solas nodded gravely. "We must move quickly. Every moment we delay, the Breach grows stronger."
As they descended toward the banks, Daniel's Perception skill pinged again—a fallen soldier lay half-concealed beneath a collapsed wooden beam. With a grimace, he searched the body, finding [11 Gold Coins] and a small, crudely carved figurine. The interface identified it as:
[Figurine of Maferath the Betrayer]
[Historical Artifact - May Be Valuable To Collectors]
The crude depiction of the ancient Tevinter warlord felt unnaturally heavy in his palm. He pocketed it quickly, suppressing a shudder.
The riverbanks were eerily quiet, the only sounds being the distant groans of the Breach and the crunch of snow underfoot. That silence shattered when four demons materialized from the swirling mist—two wraiths floating ominously above two shades, one of which wore tattered remnants of golden armor that gleamed dully in the green-tinged light.
The battle was fierce. Daniel focused his fire staff on the armored shade, flames licking hungrily at its corrupted form. Cassandra engaged the other shade with her customary ferocity, while Solas and Varric handled the wraiths. When the last demon fell, dissolving into acrid smoke, Daniel's interface updated:
[+40 EXP Gained]
[Golden Armored Shade Bonus: +30 EXP]
Panting, Daniel wiped sweat from his brow. The golden-armored foes clearly offered greater rewards—something to remember for future encounters.
Nearby, a small house burned with unnatural green flames, the structure mostly collapsed but still smoldering. Against Cassandra's protests, Daniel ventured inside, his Perception skill guiding him to a locked chest beneath the debris. A well-placed fire spell melted the lock, revealing:
[118 Gold Coins Acquired]
[Aquamarine Gemstone Acquired]
Emerging from the ruined house, the group surveyed their options. To their right, a path continued along the frozen river. To the left stood a miraculously intact house, while ahead, a set of crumbling stairs promised ascent toward the forward camp.
"Let's check the right path first," Cassandra decided. "There may be survivors."
As they followed the winding trail, Daniel's Perception kept alerting him to elfroot and iron—[3 Elfroot and 3 Iron Acquired]. The path eventually led to a steep staircase carved into the hillside, ascending to a shallow cave where a campfire still smoldered. Three shades lurked in the shadows, one adorned with that same distinctive golden armor.
The fight was brutal in the confined space. Daniel focused all his fire magic on the armored foe, the cave amplifying the heat until sweat poured down his face. When the final demon fell, his interface chimed:
[+30 EXP Gained]
Among the carnage, a fallen templar's body caught Daniel's eye. Searching it revealed:
[Lifeward Amulet Acquired]
[+50 Lifeward Heal]
[Effect: Shatters to heal critical injuries when wearer is near death]
The amulet pulsed with a faint blue light as Daniel fastened it around his neck, its cool metal a comforting weight against his skin.
As they turned toward the intact house they'd passed earlier, Solas fell into step beside Daniel. "You are Dalish," he observed, "yet clearly far from your clan. Did they send you here?"
Daniel met the elf's knowing gaze. "What do you know about us? The Dalish?"
Solas's expression was unreadable. "I have traveled extensively across Thedas. Our paths have crossed with your people on more than one occasion."
"We're of the same people," Daniel pointed out.
"The Dalish I met felt quite differently," Solas replied, a hint of something unidentifiable in his voice.
Varric chuckled from behind them. "Can you elves play nice for just once?"
The standing house proved empty of survivors but rich in loot. Daniel's Perception skill highlighted:
[120 Gold Coins Acquired]
[Silver Bracelet Acquired]
[2 Blue Vitriol Acquired]
The bracelet was finely crafted, possibly a lover's token, while the blue vitriol crystals hummed with magical energy—valuable alchemical components, according to his interface.
As they finally turned toward the stairs leading to the forward camp, the Breach gave another violent pulse, sending a shockwave that made the ground tremble. Daniel's mark flared in response, pain lancing up his arm.
"Time is running out," Solas murmured, his gaze fixed on the swirling vortex above.
Cassandra tightened her grip on her sword. "Then let's not waste another moment."
The group ascended the final path toward the forward camp, the air growing thicker with the scent of smoke and blood. Varric broke the tense silence with a sudden question, his tone deceptively casual.
"So, kid—are you innocent?"
Daniel kept his eyes on the treacherous path ahead. "I don't remember what happened."
Varric barked a laugh. "That'll get you every time. Should've spun a story."
Cassandra shot the dwarf a glare. "And what would you have done, Varric?"
"Made it more believable," Varric said with a wink. "And less prone to result in premature execution."
Before Cassandra could retort, they reached another set of stairs carved into the hillside. At the top, the path widened—only to reveal four demons blocking their way: two wraiths floating ominously above two shades, one of which wore the now-familiar golden armor.
The fight was brutal but efficient. Daniel focused his fire magic on the armored shade, the flames roaring to life with renewed intensity. Cassandra engaged the other shade with practiced precision, her sword flashing in the dim light. Solas and Varric handled the wraiths—ice spells and crossbow bolts flying in perfect tandem.
When the last demon dissolved into smoke, Daniel's interface updated:
[+40 EXP Gained]
[Shadow Essence Acquired]
[Use: Research material for demonic studies]
The Shadow Essence was a swirling, dark orb that pulsed faintly in his palm. Solas eyed it with interest. "Fascinating. This could prove valuable in understanding the Breach's nature."
They pressed onward, the path winding higher. The scenery grew grimmer—burned-out carriages littered the road, their skeletal frames still smoldering. Bodies, both human and demon, lay frozen in grotesque poses.
Cassandra's jaw tightened as she surveyed the carnage. "I hope Leliana made it through this."
Varric adjusted Bianca on his shoulder. "Leliana's resourceful, Seeker. If anyone survived, it's her."
Solas nodded. "We'll see for ourselves soon. The forward camp is just ahead."
True to his word, a final staircase came into view, leading up to what could only be the camp's entrance. But as they climbed, the sounds of battle reached them—steel clashing, men shouting, and the unmistakable shrieks of demons.
At the top, chaos unfolded. A rift pulsed violently near the camp's gates, disgorging waves of shades and wraiths. Inquisition soldiers fought desperately, their formations crumbling under the onslaught.
"Another rift!" Cassandra snarled, already drawing her sword.
Solas' voice was urgent. "We must seal it—quickly!"
A bloodied soldier spotted them and cried out, "They just keep coming! Please, help us!"
Without hesitation, the group charged into the fray. Daniel's fire staff blazed to life, flames lashing at the nearest shade. Cassandra carved through the demons with relentless efficiency, her blade a silver blur. Solas' barriers shimmered over wounded soldiers, while Varric's crossbow bolts found their marks with deadly precision.
When the last demon fell, Solas grabbed Daniel's wrist. "Hurry—use the mark!"
Daniel thrust his palm toward the rift. The Anchor flared, green energy lancing out to connect with the tear in reality. The rift shuddered, its edges writhing, before snapping shut with a thunderous crack.
[+401 EXP Gained for Sealing the Rift]
Cassandra turned to the stunned soldiers. "The rift is gone. Open the gate!"
The heavy gates groaned as they swung inward, revealing the forward camp in all its organized chaos. The camp sprawled across a massive stone bridge, packed with soldiers, healers, and Chantry clerics who prayed over the wounded or prepared poultsices. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and blood, the murmur of prayers blending with the moans of the injured.
As they moved through the camp, Daniel's Perception skill pinged—a chest near a makeshift barrack glowed faintly. Inside, he found:
[Morning Star Acquired]
[Damage: 44]
[+4% Sunder on Hit]
The mace was crude but sturdy. Daniel tucked it away, thinking Cassandra might appreciate a backup weapon.
Their path led them to Leliana, who stood arguing with a man in ornate Chantry robes. The moment they approached, the man's lip curled in disdain.
"Ah. Here they come."
Leliana's shoulders relaxed slightly. "You made it." She gestured to the man. "Chancellor Roderick, this is—"
"I know who he is," Roderick snapped. His beady eyes locked onto Daniel like a predator sighting prey. "As Grand Chancellor of the Chantry, I order you to take this criminal to Val Royeaux for immediate execution."
The words hung in the air like a death sentence.
Cassandra's hand flew to the hilt of her sword as she took a threatening step toward Chancellor Roderick. "You order me?" Her voice was a whip-crack of fury. "You are nothing but a glorified clerk! A bureaucrat!"
Roderick's face purpled with rage. "And you are a thug!" he spat. "A thug who supposedly serves the Chantry!"
Leliana's voice cut through the tension like a knife, her tone deceptively calm. "We serve the Most Holy, Chancellor. As you well know."
"Justinia is dead!" Roderick shouted, spittle flying from his lips. "We must elect a new Divine, and obey *her* orders on this matter!"
Daniel couldn't stay silent any longer. He stepped forward, ignoring the pain still pulsing through his marked hand. "What about the Breach?" His voice carried across the gathered soldiers and clerics. "Isn't that the real threat right now?"
Roderick whirled on him, his beady eyes burning with hatred. "You were the one who did this!" He turned back to Cassandra, jabbing a finger toward the swirling vortex in the sky. "Call a retreat, Seeker. Our position here is hopeless!"
Cassandra's jaw clenched so tight Daniel could see the muscles twitching. "We have to stop this before it's too late."
"How?" Roderick scoffed. "We won't survive long enough to reach the temple, even with all your soldiers!"
"The temple is the quickest way," Cassandra insisted.
Leliana placed a hand on Cassandra's arm. "But not the safest. Our forces could create a distraction while we go through the mountains."
Cassandra shook her head. "We lost contact with an entire squad we sent there. It's too risky."
Roderick threw up his hands. "Listen to me! Abandon this madness before more lives are lost!"
At that moment, the Breach gave another violent pulse. Daniel cried out as the mark on his hand flared to life, green energy crackling up his arm like liquid fire. He dropped to one knee, clutching his wrist as waves of agony threatened to overwhelm him.
When the pain subsided enough for him to breathe again, Cassandra was kneeling beside him, her dark eyes searching his face. "How do you think we should proceed?"
Daniel blinked up at her, stunned. "Now you're asking my opinion?"
Solas stepped forward, his staff clicking against the stone. "You are the one with the mark."
Cassandra nodded grimly. "And you are the one we must keep alive. Since we cannot agree..." She left the implication hanging in the air.
Daniel pushed himself to his feet, wiping sweat from his brow. His mind raced. He knew the game's plot—knew the mountain path was dangerous but ultimately the right choice. But this wasn't a game anymore. Real lives hung in the balance.
"We take the mountain path," he said at last, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "And remember to work together. You all know what's at stake."
Cassandra studied him for a long moment before nodding. She turned to Leliana. "Gather everyone in the valley. Everyone."
As they moved to leave, Chancellor Roderick blocked their path, his face twisted with fury. "On your head be the consequences, Seeker," he hissed.
Cassandra didn't break stride as she shouldered past him. "I know the weight of my decisions, Chancellor. Do you?"
The path to the mountains was treacherous, the narrow trail winding along sheer cliffs slick with ice. The higher they climbed, the more the wind howled around them, carrying with it the distant screams of demons and the ever-present rumble of the Breach.
Varric whistled as he peered over a particularly steep drop. "Well, this is just peachy. Remind me again why we didn't take the nice, safe road through demon central?"
Solas, walking ahead with his staff lighting the way, didn't turn around. "Because the 'nice, safe road' would have had us walking directly into an army of demons with no element of surprise."
"Ah, right. Because this is so much better." Varric patted Bianca. "Don't worry, sweetheart. If we fall, I'll land on the Seeker. She's got enough armor to cushion our fall."
Cassandra shot him a glare over her shoulder but said nothing. Her attention was fixed on the path ahead, her body tense with readiness.
Daniel kept close to the cliff face, his fingers brushing the rough stone for balance. The mark on his hand still throbbed, a constant reminder of the ticking clock hanging over their heads.
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Name : Daniel Carter
Race: Elf
Level 1 : 621/1000 EXP
Professions: Mage
Gold Coins: 463 Coins
Weapon: Acolyte Fire Staff
Armor: Mercenary Coat and Templar Scribe Scowl
Accessories: Lifeward Amulet
Inventory: Acolyte Ice Staff and Morning Stat
Crafting Materials: 5 Elfroot, 4 Iron, and 2 Blue Vitriol
Valuables: Aquamarine, Silver Bracelet, Figurine of Maferath the Betrayer, and Shadow Essence
Potions: Lesser Health Potions x8
Skills: Chain Lighting and Flashfire