Journey from Green Day Town
The next morning, Fa, Arya, TISK, and Salsa bid farewell to Green Day Town and set off toward the hills in the southeast. Sunlight spilled across the streets, the glow of the magic lanterns gradually fading as the townsfolk began their day. Carrying fresh supplies and renewed resolve, they left the lively little town behind, following a winding path through dense forests and rolling hills.
The unique charm of this world revealed itself along the way: machinery and nature blended in wondrous harmony. Automated mechanical birds darted between the trees, wind-powered magic towers rose from distant peaks, and rune-driven boats drifted along the rivers. The four travelers marveled as they walked.
"The way machinery and nature combine here is perfect," Arya said in awe. "In my homeland, magic and nature coexist, but I've never seen technology this advanced."
TISK nodded. "These machines aren't just practical—they're works of art."
Salsa leapt onto a boulder, her ghostly blue eyes scanning everything with curiosity. "This world is incredible. I never saw anything like this inside the old castle."
Fa smiled. "This is why we travel—not just to find the Star Shards, but to discover the secrets of this world."
Encounter with the Adventurers
Around noon, the group stopped to rest in an open area among the hills. As they prepared to eat their rations, a battered party of five adventurers approached. Their gear was damaged, their bodies covered in wounds—they had clearly just survived a fierce battle. The leader was a tall, broad-shouldered man whose eyes still burned with determination despite his exhaustion.
Fa stepped forward. "Are you all right? Do you need help?"
The captain looked up, shook his head, and answered in a hoarse voice. "Thank you. Just some light wounds. You're heading to the ruins in the southeast, aren't you?"
Fa nodded. "Yes, we came from Green Day Town. We'd like to explore the area. May I ask what you know about these ruins?"
The captain gave a weary smile. "They're dangerous. Legend says people have found treasures there that fuse technology and magic. Every month, parties go looking, but most return empty-handed—or never find the real location at all."
"How did you get hurt?" Arya asked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
The captain introduced himself. "I'm Rayne. We're an experienced crew, so we decided to investigate. Using clues gathered from the explorers' camp, we found an entrance hidden inside a cave—a massive stone door covered in complex magical runes."
Their beastkin mage continued, "We felt an intense magical pulse. We tried pouring power into the ancient runes and patterns, but the door seems to wield some lost combination of magic and technology. It reflected our magic right back at us and wounded us. In the end, we had no choice but to retreat."
Fa thought for a moment, then said, "Do you need rest or healing? We have herbs and bandages."
Rayne nodded gratefully. "We'd appreciate that."
The two parties sat together around a campfire. Fa's group tended the adventurers' wounds and shared food and healing potions while exchanging information.
Rayne took a drink of water and continued. "The ruins lie in the heart of these hills. The entrance is hidden in a mechanized forest—some trees are natural, others made of metal and carved with runes. There's an explorers' camp nearby where lots of adventurers gather. You can get useful intel there."
Fa nodded sincerely. "Thank you for the advice. Good luck to you all."
Rayne stood and clasped Fa's hand. "And to you. The southeastern hills are full of both opportunity and danger. I hope you find what you're looking for."
After parting ways, Fa's party packed up and headed for the explorers' camp.
The Bustling Explorers' Camp
After half a day's trek, they reached the camp nestled in the center of the hills, surrounded by dense forest and steep peaks. Tents and makeshift buildings lined the paths, and adventurers from all over the world filled the streets—wearing strange gear, carrying all manner of weapons, their faces bright with anticipation and excitement.
In the center stood a huge holographic notice board projecting missing-person notices, quest postings, and clues about the ruins.
"This confirms the ruins really exist," Fa said to the others. "We need more leads."
They entered the adventurers' tavern tent. The place was loud with voices—people drinking, laughing, and trading information. Fa found an empty table and asked the barkeep about the ruins.
The barkeep was a burly middle-aged man. He wiped a copper mug and leaned in, voice low. "You kids want to know about the ruins too, huh? That stone door has tasted plenty of adventurers' blood." He tapped a rhythm on the counter with beer-stained fingers. "Three months ago an elf mage tried his homemade star-disc rune on it—got blasted so hard half his face was burned. He's still lying in the camp infirmary with a fever."
TISK frowned. "But we heard some people have found treasure."
"Treasure?" The barkeep snorted and jerked a thumb toward the holographic board. "Everyone calls it the 'Door of Retribution.' Plenty have been hurt by it. The runes on that door devour impurities—tainted magic, touches fueled by greed, all of it gets thrown back." He lowered his voice further. "Follow the map on the board through the mechanized birch forest. When you hear the buzzing from the metal trees, you're close. Whatever you do, don't touch the runes carelessly. That thing chooses who it lets in."
Trial of the Mechanized Birch Forest and the Awakening of the Stone Door
Beyond the camp's eastern barbed-wire fence lay a surreal forest—half organic, half machine. Glowing cables coiled around tree trunks; leaves were forged from thin iron plates that chimed like bells in the wind. Mechanical squirrels with ruby eyes scanned their bags and suddenly the forest hummed to life—TISK's warhammer had scraped the bark and triggered the defense system.
"Don't move!" Fa grabbed TISK's hand just in time. Lightning runes glowed on the trunk. "These trees are living security systems powered by natural magic." She raised both hands palms-up and released harmless magical energy. The trembling leaves slowly calmed.
After three hours of cautious trekking, they reached the metal trees. Chanting and clanging echoed ahead. Rounding a bend, they saw it: an imposing stone door set into the cliff face. The frame was carved from black granite, its surface covered in flowing magical circuits and gear patterns. Faint silver-blue light leaked from the seams.
More than twenty adventurers crowded around it. Some traced runes with glowing staves, others tried prying it open with mechanical arms—only to be flung back with pained grunts the moment they made contact.
"Look! Another one got blasted!" Salsa pointed at a human archer slumped against a rock, smoke rising from his ruined bracer.
Arya frowned. "Their magic is laced with greed—the 'impurities' the barkeep mentioned must refer to mindset."
TISK scratched his chin. "But even pure intent isn't enough. Look at that holy knight in the center—he's tried a dozen times with holy water and still nothing."
Fa silently studied the door's runes. Suddenly her Star Eye pulsed—a reaction stronger than anything since its awakening in the Golden Merchant Fortress. As she gazed at the door, starlight flickered in her silver-blue pupil. The star-orbit patterns on the door began to rotate slowly, resonating with the light in her eye.
"Fa! Your eye!" Arya cried.
The surrounding adventurers turned in shock. The runes on the door came alive, flowing like liquid. The gear patterns spun in reverse. Silver-blue light surged from the cracks and coiled around Fa alone, completely ignoring everyone else.
Summoning of the Star Eye and Spatial Leap
"Danger!" The holy knight shouted and lunged to grab Fa, but a gentle force field repelled him the instant his fingers brushed her.
The stone door let out a deep resonant hum. The entire mountain trembled faintly. The runes blazed, recognizing their master, and gently lifted Fa into the air. Salsa leapt to grab her ankle, but Fa's body was already turning translucent, merging with the light.
"Don't panic!" Fa managed to stay conscious. An ancient whisper echoed in her mind. "The door… is recognizing my magic!" She turned to her companions as starlight burst from her eye, forming a ring that enveloped Arya, TISK, and Salsa. "Grab my hand!"
The next instant, the door erupted in blinding solar brilliance. When the other adventurers opened their eyes, the space in front of the door was empty.
The holy knight collapsed to the ground, murmuring, "I've never seen a reaction like that… Could the door choose its own master?"
Fa felt as if she were traveling between stars—countless streaks of light rushing past, the sound of turning bearings and lingering magical chants in her ears. When her feet touched solid ground again, coolness rose from below.
They stood on a platform floating in mid-air. Beneath them yawned an endless starry abyss; above, the vaulted ceiling glittered with countless glowing crystals like a frozen galaxy.
The stone door had vanished. In its place stood five towering archways. The two on the left bore burning gears and flowing magic circuits; the two on the right displayed blooming silver lotuses entwined with circuitry. The central arch was the grandest—starlight and screws formed a double-helix pattern together. Powerful magical pulses emanated from beyond it.
"We… really got inside?" TISK's voice shook as he gripped his warhammer.
Arya scanned the saturated magical atmosphere. "The barkeep was right—the ruins do choose people. But he didn't know the qualification isn't reputation or skill. The door was looking for the right key. Fa's Star Eye is that key."
Salsa pressed her nose to the central arch and sniffed. "I smell it… a scent connected to Fa!" Her tail swished excitedly. "It's coming from deep inside!"
Fa took a deep breath, gazing at the double-helix symbol—the perfect embodiment of star realm and machinery, the very core of the "fusion of technology and magic" they sought. She turned to her companions with a resolute smile.
"Remember the barkeep's warning: the ruins devour impurities. From now on, every step must be taken with focus. No matter what we face, remember our original purpose—not treasure, but truth."
As they stepped through the central arch, every crystal in the ceiling ignited. Countless points of light converged into a star map beneath their feet, forming a path of light and metal. From the depths came the roar of machinery awakening and the hum of magic circles unfolding.
The secrets of the ruins were about to be revealed through the resonance between the Star Eye and the stone door…
Revelation of the Star Eye and the Call of Inheritance
The moment they crossed the central arch, time seemed to freeze. The air thick with magical fluctuations and the distant sound of machinery fell silent. Arya, TISK, and Salsa froze mid-step, turned into lifelike statues.
Fa alone could still move. She reached for Arya but was gently pushed back by an invisible barrier.
Then a familiar yet alien figure materialized from motes of light. He wore a silver-white robe woven with star-orbit patterns, a diamond-shaped purple crystal embedded in his forehead. His eyes held profound wisdom and enigmatic light that resonated with Fa's Star Eye.
Fa's throat tightened. The oppressive aura instantly reminded her of the mysterious figure who had appeared briefly in Thunderclap Valley and left a cryptic prophecy.
She instantly went on guard, gripping her dagger tighter. "Who exactly are you? Why are you here?"
The man raised both hands to show he meant no harm. "I am Klich, guardian of the Heart of Stars. I have been watching your journey from the shadows because you carry a unique power—the Star Eye."
"Star Eye?" Fa repeated, confused.
Klich's gaze softened. "The Star Eye is an ancient and immense power that originated at the birth of this world. It is more than just several kinds of magic—it is the bridge connecting technology and magic. Your Star Eye is its vessel, capable of awakening dormant ruins and unveiling sealed historical truths."
Fa was still puzzled. "Why appear here, now?"
Klich gestured at the floating platform and the crystal ceiling. "This ruin is one of the birthplaces of the Star Eye—its source. I brought you here so you may understand your mission."
Unveiling the History of the Star Eye
Klich waved his hand. Space warped, and ancient images appeared around them.
Fa watched a glorious civilization: towering mechanical spires intertwined with flowing magic circles, people living in peace and prosperity through the perfect fusion of science and sorcery.
Then everything shattered. A dark force emerged from the void, attempting to devour all light and life.
Only one thing could resist it—the Heart of Stars, condensed from pure stellar power, possessing boundless energy capable of purifying darkness and maintaining worldly balance.
Yet the darkness did not retreat easily. In a cataclysmic war, the Heart of Stars was shattered into twelve fragments scattered across the world.
To protect those fragments from falling into evil hands, the Star Eye was born.
"The Star Eye is the inheritor of the Heart of Stars," Klich explained. "It grants its bearer special abilities to resist the invasion of dark forces. Your Star Eye continues that lineage."
He continued gravely, "Those forces come from extradimensional beings—greedy and brutal. They seek to conquer this world and seize the power of the Star Eye. In the ancient war, bearers of the Star Eye fought them to the death and finally sealed them away at the cost of their own strength."
Fa's heart stirred. She recalled the encounter with the blood elf elder in the Golden Merchant Fortress. "The blood elves?"
Klich nodded. "Yes. The seal is weakening. Their organization is trying to locate the bearer of the Star Eye and steal that power."
Fa clenched her fists. "What must I do?"
Klich smiled reassuringly. "You are not alone. There are five inheritors in this world, each holding a portion of the Heart of Stars' power. You must find them, receive their inheritance, and fully awaken your Star Eye. Only then can you truly confront the blood elves and protect this world."
"Inheritance?" Fa felt the unprecedented weight on her shoulders. "Who are these five inheritors? How do I find them and obtain their inheritance?"
Klich shook his head. "They are solitary by nature and live in seclusion across the world. You must rely on your own strength and wisdom to find them. Each will grant you part of their power and knowledge to help you grow."
Fa took a deep breath. "Where do I start?"
Klich extended his palm. Warm light flashed, and an ancient stone tablet appeared before Fa. Its surface was covered in intricate runes that emitted faint magical pulses.
"This is the Tablet of Inheritors," Klich said. "It will guide you to one of them."
He paused, his tone turning solemn. "But remember—the trials are extremely difficult. They will test your wisdom, courage, and character. Failure may cost your life, or even the fall of your soul."
Fa gripped her fists, determination blazing in her eyes. She thought of everything they had overcome—the mechanical guardians in the ancient castle, the monstrous beasts in the laboratory, the brief warmth of Green Day Town. The road had never been easy, but every trial had made her stronger.
"I understand," she said. "For the sake of this world, I accept the challenge."
Klich nodded with approval. "Good. Your resolve is the foundation of success. One last piece of advice before you go: maintain a pure heart. Do not let greed or selfish desire cloud your mind. Only those who remain focused can go far."
Fa nodded solemnly and silently vowed to remember.
Awakening of Companions and the New Journey
Klich waved his cloak again. Time resumed.
Arya, TISK, and Salsa regained movement and stared at Fa and Klich in shock and confusion.
"Fa, what just happened?" Arya asked urgently, her longbow still trembling slightly.
Fa took a deep breath to calm herself. "This is the guardian of the Heart of Stars. He told me the history of the Star Eye and our mission. We must seek the trials of the five inheritors to fully awaken the Star Eye and protect this world."
TISK frowned and slammed his warhammer into the ground. "Trials? Sounds dangerous. Just how strong are these five?"
Salsa leapt onto Fa's shoulder, worry in her blue eyes. "We'll always be with you, Fa. But this sounds like a tough fight."
Fa smiled and gently stroked Salsa's head. "Thank you. With you all here, I'm not afraid. We're a team—no matter what comes, I won't let any of you face it alone."
Klich began drawing a teleportation circle. "My task is complete. Step onto the array, and the revelation of the Star Eye will guide you forward."
As soon as he finished speaking, powerful magic enveloped them. The surroundings distorted—the floating platform and crystal ceiling blurred and collapsed.
When they opened their eyes again, they stood in a vast desert beneath a scorching sun. Endless yellow sand stretched to the horizon, broken only by several massive pyramids radiating ancient, mysterious auras. The air was thick with oppressive magical pressure, and not a single living creature could be seen.
"Why the hell did he dump us in a desert?!" TISK roared.
Fa pulled out the Tablet of Inheritors. The runes on its surface began to glow, pointing northeast.
She took a deep breath, gripped the tablet tightly, and started walking toward their destination with her companions at her side.