Liam and his friends entered the tower confidently. A few people occupied the lower floor, looking up from their books. When they spotted the newcomers they didn't try to stop them and even showed some kind smiles. It could be seen that the group's reputation had become quite outstanding.
Nodding back, the four friends approached the stairs. Walking up in teams of two they soon arrived in front of the door to Therim's study. Before they even knocked, a voice came from inside.
"Come in."
Liam opened the door and entered the study, his gaze immediately falling on Therim. The middle-aged mage stood at the centre of the room with his head bent, his expression thoughtful. A large magic circle was painted on the floor around him. It was incredibly intricate, constructed from thousands of runes, leaving the players feeling dizzy. Therim emitted the aura of a scholar as he changed runes with a flick of his finger, constantly working on the magic circle, but obviously never satisfied.
"Didn't we just meet him in Svebrial? How come he arrived here so quickly, preparing such a scene?"
Balm made a joke, her voice a whisper. She curiously studied the magic circle, regarding it as a puzzle which could be solved. However, even Therim was stuck, so what could the players do? Soon, the NPC let out a sigh and closed his eyes, stopping his brain from being absorbed in the study of the magic circle.
When Therim opened his eyes again, his attention fell on the players. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Adventurers, what did you visit me for?"
"Sir. I came because of the case of the void dweller's leg.", answered Liam respectfully. Therim froze for a moment before lightly shaking his head.
"The void dweller's leg. I remember. What a pity. If it were before the war, we would have been able to encircle the culprit. But we were too preoccupied with preparations. They took the opportunity to flee."
"So you know who the culprit was?"
"Of course. It was an old rival of mine. An experienced archmage going by the name of Cantar Jourtale. He vied for the position of guardian, competing with me. Even after losing, he didn't give up. Do you know how one becomes a guardian?"
"Yes."
"No."
Liam instinctively answered positively while his friends shook their heads. Therim paused for a moment before deciding to explain:
"First, obviously, a certain level of strength is indispensable. Other than that, one needs merit. Merit comes from doing good deeds for the kingdom or the order faction as a whole. Slaying enemies is not the only way to earn merit. Furthering knowledge, bettering the life of the people, or creating powerful items all allow one to achieve merit."
"However, even after achieving more merit than your rivals you still need something else. Recommendations. For recommendations, the most important is the recommendation of the former guardian should they still be among us. Below that rank the recommendations from the country's ruler, other guardians, and important members of the order faction no matter where they are from."
Everyone listened curiously. Those present were all interested in the game's lore, especially Silver Blade. Even Liam raised his brows lightly. He knew that what Therim was explaining was not unimportant. Thus, he even hinted at Silver Blade to record everything and show it to the others later, which only stoked the tank's interest even more.
Therim also noticed that everyone listened closely and felt even more fond of the adventurers as he continued talking:
"Back then, in terms of merit I was even a step behind my rival Cantar Jourtale. Well, mainly because he is a few years older than me. However, I had the recommendation of the king and the former guardian, as well as some other important figures, which secured me the guardian position."
"Cantar never came around to accept it. At first he created a big ruckus trying to sabotage me multiple times, but over the years, as I stabilized my position, became stronger, and earned more merit, Cantar became quiet. Yet he never stopped planning. From what I can tell, this time it was his attempt to cause chaos in the kingdom in order to paint the king and me as incompetent. The nobles wanted to force the king to abdicate so one of theirs could take the throne. And the new king would support Cantar in snatching the position of a guardian."
"Hah, how can he be so blinded? Did Cantar really think he could get away with that? Causing chaos in the kingdom would diminish his merit greatly. Even if I give up the guardian position, it might not be Cantar's turn."
Therim shook his head, genuinely not comprehending the plan of his adversary. Meanwhile the friends digested the story, feeling as if they learned a lot about the workings of the order faction. However, Silver Blade still had a question left. She didn't understand why the title of a guardian seemed this desirable. Was it purely because of prestige? Or were they privy to remuneration from the kingdom?
Silver Blade glanced at Liam, who looked back, raising a brow. Silver Blade asked her questions in the chat. Liam pondered a moment before shaking his head.
[Bleary Mirage: Do you really want me to spoil you?]
[Silver Blade: No…]
Liam chuckled faintly. He knew Silver Blade was curious about the lore, but she was also someone who wanted to discover it on her own. Thus, Liam kept his secrets to himself. He turned towards Therim, trying to divert the mage back towards the original topic:
"So now you are sure that Cantar is behind this leg of a void dweller?"
"Yes, no doubt. Do you remember the person who attacked you during your investigation? You identified them as Autumn. Autumn is a student under Cantar. Used to be his favourite student. However, before Cantar escaped, the royal guards had already captured Autumn. In hindsight, this might be the reason for Cantar's timely escape. However, even I was surprised that he would leave his favourite student behind like this."
"So, do we know where Cantar went?"
"Unfortunately, not. Autumn might know, however. Because of the war I didn't come around to interrogating him yet. Perhaps you can give it a try."
Finally, after all the talk, a quest was generated. It was still a unique quest called 'A strange creature'. Liam didn't hesitate to accept it. The first step was obviously to interrogate Autumn.
"Good. I trust in your capabilities. Here, adventurers, show this and the guards will allow you to enter the dungeons."
Therim flicked his wrist and a small token showing a golden staff appeared out of nowhere. Liam took it, thanked the mage, and the group left the study.
"Woah, that was quite the lengthy talk.", commented Balm as soon as they left. Silver Blade nodded in agreement but there was a smile on her face:
"I feel like we learned a lot."
"Yes, the workings of this world are unfolding in front of our eyes.", agreed Radiant Shield.
The friends kept discussing the information they just received while making their way to the dungeons. They approached the west of the city where many military-related buildings were situated. From barracks to blacksmiths, everything providing supplies to the army could be found here.
There was a large building completely constructed from sturdy stone with soldiers patrolling around it. When the friends approached, two guards barred their way but upon seeing Therim's token they immediately stepped aside.
Entering the buildings they were hit with a bleak atmosphere. There was an area for the wardens at the front and a row of jail cells at the back. The group confidently approached the cells, looking at them one by one. The people in the cells didn't appear as fierce as expected. Despite being clad in rough prison clothes, they were decently well fed, and their eyes had no signs of despair.
As the friends were somewhat puzzled a man in sloppy armour approached with a halberd resting on his shoulder, his posture quite lazy.
"Head Warden Lirro. Can I help you?"
"Thank you, kind sir. We are here on the behest of Therim. We are tasked with interrogating someone called Autumn."
Radiant Shield spoke with a harmless smile. But what he got as an answer was a scrutinizing gaze.
"And who are you? Do you think I will just let you speak to my prisoners?"
Radiant Shield was stunned. They had already made it in. What more did this head warden want? The next moment Silver Blade stepped forward, more or less repeating Radiant Shield's words. Immediately the head warden's attitude changed.
"Oh, the mighty guardian sends you? Of course. Follow me."
Radiant Shield's brow twitched as he cursed the damned charisma attribute. Although it didn't play a huge role in most situations, but such an unapproachable, lazy character like the head warden still seemed to be influenced a lot by the hidden attribute.