After defeating the leaders of both the Brontaur and the Cregor, Merslin, Lilia, and Brita returned to the village of the ancient humans with the heads and weapons of their fallen foes. Elder Edrick welcomed them with pride and gratitude.
Edrick: "Your courage and wisdom shine brightly. You are now free to explore our village."
As Merslin and Lilia walked through the settlement, they observed the way of life of the ancient humans. Yet, something felt off. One strange detail stood out above all.
Lilia (whispering): "It's odd… I haven't seen a single child."
Merslin (quietly): "You're right. Something's wrong. Let's ask Edrick."
They approached the elder carefully.
Merslin: "Edrick, while exploring the village, we noticed something unusual—there are no children anywhere. May we ask why?"
Edrick fell silent for a moment. Then, with a heavy sigh, he spoke.
Edrick: "We, the ancient humans, have long lived as a proud warrior race. But many years ago, a curse befell us. Since then… no children have been born."
Merslin and Lilia exchanged shocked glances, trying to mask their disbelief.
Merslin: "A curse? How could that happen?"
Without a word, Edrick led them to a sacred sanctuary filled with murals and ancient scrolls. He pointed to one of the murals.
Edrick: "These walls tell our history. As descendants of Titans, we possessed great strength and wisdom. But we were cursed by one of the old gods—and since then, new life has not entered our people."
Merslin studied the mural carefully, trying to identify the cause of the curse.
Merslin: "An ancient god's curse... Is there any way to break it?"
Edrick shook his head slowly.
Edrick: "We've tried all we could, but failed every time. Now, we need your help to find a new path—perhaps a forgotten answer."
Lilia: "We'll do everything we can. Let's find the clues together."
Merslin: "With our combined strength, we can overcome any obstacle. Let's begin the journey to lift this curse."
Edrick placed a hand over his heart.
Edrick: "Your help means more than words can express. Let us begin the search together."
****
Episode : Clues in Myth and Mural
Together, Merslin, Lilia, Brita, and Edrick set out to find the truth behind the curse of the old gods. They combed through the ancient texts and murals that preserved the wisdom and legends of their people.
Edrick: "These scrolls and carvings tell of the old gods and the Titans. They gave us great power—but they also left behind a curse."
Merslin (studying the mural): "There may be hidden clues in this artwork…"
Lilia (reading a scroll): "Here—names of old gods. Stormrak and Voltar. Both seem to play a key role in these myths."
Edrick: "Yes. Stormrak is remembered as a betrayer. Voltar tried to protect us, but failed. Their conflict is central to the origin of the curse."
Merslin: "According to this scroll… Stormrak invoked divine power to place a curse on your people. Voltar fought to undo it—but did not succeed."
Lilia: "Then our task is to learn why Voltar failed—and find a way to succeed where he could not."
Edrick (thoughtfully): "Stormrak's power was immense. But there must be a way to counter it. Somewhere, a key to the ritual exists."
Lilia: "This journey will teach us more than just history. Wisdom and courage will be what breaks the curse."
Merslin: "You're right. We'll face this together. Let's keep searching for answers."
They poured over every detail in the documents—rituals, incantations, and notes from generations past. Some scrolls spoke of ancient rites and lost temples.
Lilia: "According to this scroll, a specific ritual is needed to lift the curse. It requires rare components—and a sacred site."
Edrick: "Yes. We must find both the materials and the place to perform it."
Merslin: "We'll track them down. Let's continue our journey—to break the curse once and for all."
***
Episode : In Search of the Sealed Voltar
Merslin, Lilia, and Brita split up to speak with villagers and merchants, hoping to uncover any information about the ancient gods and the sealed warrior Voltar. Merslin approached a merchant with a serious expression.
"We need to find Voltar to break the ancient god's curse," he said. "Do you know anything about him?"
The merchant looked puzzled. "Voltar? Never heard of him. And why are you so interested in these ancient gods anyway?"
Merslin remained calm. "We're trying to understand the myths and legends that surround the curse. It's affecting this world more than you realize."
Elsewhere in the village, Lilia approached a local resident. "Do you know anything about Voltar?" she asked.
The woman thought for a moment before replying. "The old tales say Voltar fought to break the gods' curse. They say he's sealed away in a place guarded by powerful magic… and a brutal tribe of trolls. No one dares go there."
Meanwhile, Brita questioned another merchant. "Have you heard of the place where Voltar is sealed?"
The merchant nodded solemnly. "East of here lies a ruined site said to hold Voltar's prison. But beware—the trolls that guard it are merciless. They kill any who trespass."
Not all accounts aligned.
"I heard something different," said a skeptical villager. "Some say Voltar was the one who brought disaster, and that it was Stormlac who fought to protect us."
Lilia responded with measured calm. "Myths often carry conflicting truths. The only way to know what really happened is to see it with our own eyes."
Clues in the Ruins
Guided by the clues they'd gathered, the group headed east toward the ancient ruins. There, they pored over weathered murals and timeworn scrolls, searching for anything that might lead them to Voltar.
"These murals and records depict the story of the gods and the Titans," Brita explained. "They gifted us great power… but also cursed us."
Merslin studied the murals. "These legends might hold the key to lifting the curse."
Lilia opened a scroll. "Here—names of ancient deities: Stormlac and Voltar. They were central figures in this mythology."
Brita nodded. "As a descendant of the ancients, I've grown up with these tales. If we want to break the curse, we must find Voltar. And we may have to confront Stormlac to do it."
Merslin agreed. "Stormlac betrayed the others. Voltar tried to stop him, but failed. This curse… it began with them."
Lilia's eyes widened as she read. "Here it is—Stormlac invoked the curse using the power of an ancient god. Voltar tried to reverse it… but something went wrong."
Brita's voice was firm. "We need to find out why Voltar failed. Understanding that might be the key to succeeding where he couldn't. This curse affects us all."
She paused, then added, "According to this scroll, Voltar is sealed in the territory of the troll clans. They're said to guard the site with every means at their disposal."
Merslin frowned in thought. "That won't be easy. Trolls are skilled in both brute force and strategy. We'll need to be careful."
"No matter the danger," Brita said, "we must reach Voltar. I believe he still holds the key to ending this curse."
Merslin met her gaze and nodded. "Together, we can face anything. Let's prepare to face the trolls—and find Voltar."
*******
Episode : Confrontation with the Troll Tribe
Guided by the villagers' and merchants' information, Merslin and his companions journeyed east to the ancient ruins. There, they poured over weathered scrolls and murals, seeking any clue to Voltar's sealed resting place.
Merslin studied one mural and said, "This depicts the battle between Voltar and Stormlach. See how Voltar is portrayed as a hero?"
Lilia pointed at a neighboring panel. "But here, Stormlach stands as a guardian—protecting these lands from the gods' curse."
Brita, grave and thoughtful, added, "As descendants of the ancients, we know these myths have many interpretations. Both Voltar and Stormlach fought for their beliefs. Understanding their truth is crucial."
Lilia nodded. "Right—good and evil aren't absolute. They depend on perspective."
Merslin frowned in deep thought. "We must uncover their real story. It may hold the key to breaking the curse."
With that resolve, the trio pressed on beyond towering cliffs into a dense forest, where a gathering of troll warriors had assembled. Though trolls normally shunned outsiders, the urgency of choosing a new chieftain allowed Merslin's group safe passage.
At the center of a clearing stood Karg, the tribe's current chieftain, facing the challenger favored by those who sought contact with outsiders. Two camps stood tense: one seeking change, the other clinging to isolation.
Karg roared to his opponent, "Your challenge ends here. I will win this fight and lead the tribe!"
The challenger replied calmly, "Our tribe needs new leadership. Through contact with outsiders, I will bring us prosperity."
As Karg and his rival prepared to clash, Merslin and his friends watched from the edge, weighing their options.
The two trolls charged and tested each other's strength and skill. Karg's massive frame and powerful muscles absorbed blow after blow, his wounds knitting shut almost as soon as they opened. Both Merslin and Lilia exchanged impressed glances at his fearsome resilience.
The challenger countered with speed and strategy, striking swiftly—but Karg's raw power and recovery proved overwhelming. Gradually, Karg gained the upper hand.
Yet his opponent refused to yield, pressing the attack. Their duel grew ever more intense as the assembled trolls watched in hushed awe.
Merslin leaned close to Lilia and Brita. "We shouldn't intervene—let them prove themselves."
Minutes passed in fierce combat, neither gaining a decisive edge. Then Karg's eyes flicked toward the newcomers.
"They're here! The humans who pledged to help us!" he shouted.
The challenger paused mid-strike to regard Merslin's group. "Who are these outsiders meddling in our fate?"
Karg lifted a massive hand in welcome. "Come forward! We need your aid."
Merslin stepped into the clearing, resolve shining in his eyes. "Very well. We will help you."
Karg's loyalists eyed them warily, while the pro-contact faction's leader spoke up.
"Our tribe has long shunned outsiders," he admitted. "But we need change. I believe alliances can bring us prosperity."
Merslin inclined his head. "We've come to break Voltar's seal. If you aid us, we will aid you."
The leader nodded. "Agreed. But first, we must resolve our own conflict."
Together, Merslin's party and the pro-contact leader withdrew to a nearby council ring. There, the leader laid out the tribe's divide.
"Our people stand at a crossroads. We must choose a path forward through alliance. We need your wisdom."
Merslin returned the nod. "We seek truth. Our goals align—let us unite and save this world."
After a brief consultation, Karg and the challenger's representative turned to Merslin.
"We need your strength and insight to end our strife," Karg said. "Help us heal our tribe—and find a new way together."
Merslin squared his shoulders. "We will do so."
At Karg's request, they sought out Targan, the tribe's revered shaman—neutral in the leadership contest but respected for his power.
Targan greeted them as they arrived. "Travelers borne upon the wind—what brings you here?"
Merslin replied, "We came seeking the magic of Voltar's legend. Yet now we aid Karg in his bid for leadership."
Targan nodded. "Then your abilities must be tested. Follow me."
In the cavern's heart, Targan explained, "To earn our trust, you must pass two trials: the Trial of the Spirits, then the Trial of the Elements."
First, Targan summoned a Fire Spirit, its form a living blaze. Its voice crackled through the chamber:"I will test your courage and skill. Control my flame, and prove your mastery."
Merslin stepped forward, magic shield raised, and braved the searing heat. Lilia and Brita joined, weaving wind and water magic to temper the blaze—Lilia directing gusts to shape the fire, Brita summoning currents of water to calm it, while Merslin used earth's strength to contain its spread. The Fire Spirit watched, then bowed its flame in acknowledgment: "I see your courage and cooperation."
Next, Targan led them to the Elemental Trial. "Here, the four elements rage in chaos. Bring them into harmony, and you will earn our blessing."
The chamber swirled with fire, water, wind, and earth in discord. Merslin stabilized the ground with earth magic; Lilia calmed the winds; Brita smoothed the waters; Merslin then guided the fire into a steady flame. As balance returned, the four Elemental Spirits emerged and proclaimed, "We honor your wisdom and teamwork."
Targan smiled. "Your resolve and skill are clear. We accept you. I will lend my power to Karg."
Days later, the duel between Karg and the challenger resumed before the assembled tribe and Merslin's party. The stakes had never been higher.
Approaching Karg, Targan murmured an empowerment spell—his hands weaving runes. "Draw forth your fury! This magic will amplify your strength."
Karg nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Targan. With this power, I will prevail."
The challenger too received a boon from his own supporters. "This time, I will not fail," he vowed. Yet none matched Targan's gift.
When the duel began, Karg's rage-fueled might and speed surged. The challenger fought desperately to withstand the onslaught.
Blows thundered back and forth—Karg's fists against the challenger's spear. Neither yielded until the final moment. With a mighty leap, the challenger hurled his spear downward—Karg twisted aside at the last instant, then countered with a crushing punch that sent his rival sprawling.
Panting, the challenger conceded, "You have won, Karg."
Karg extended a hand. "We stand as one tribe. I honor your courage."
Helping his opponent upright, he added, "Your valor deserves respect. Lead us well."
Thus reaffirmed as chieftain, Karg turned to Merslin's group. "Your help made this possible. I will now guide you to Voltar's sealed temple—but beware, the dangers within are great."
Merslin bowed. "We will face them, whatever the risk, to break the curse."
Karg exhaled. "Then follow me."
And so, Merslin, Lilia, and Brita set off with Karg into the depths, ready to confront the trials that awaited at Voltar's temple and uncover the truth that would free their world from ancient darkness.