Guided by King Baeldrak, Rian and Ria entered the most secret location in the Gnome Kingdom: the Baeldrak Research Lab. The interior of the lab was filled with advanced machinery and sparkling magical devices, and Gnome technicians bustled about, conducting various experiments.
Rian and Ria met the lab's director, Dr. Zabonik. Zabonik was a brilliant scholar of the Gnome Kingdom, an expert in ancient artifacts and the technology of the Titans. He greeted Rian and Ria warmly and gave them a brief overview of the lab's main projects. Rian and Ria were about to ask for information on the Crystal Core, but Zabonik spoke first.
Zabonik: "I heard you came in search of the Crystal Core. But before that, is there anything you know about the Noktus?"
Rian and Ria were momentarily taken aback, but they quickly decided to provide what information they had.
Rian: "We are also investigating the Noktus, but for now, all we know is that they are an alliance of Blood Elves and Blight Elves."
Zabonik listened to their answer and paused in thought. His expression was grave, and the other Gnomes in the lab were also moving about busily, as if on the verge of a momentous decision.
Zabonik: "The Noktus are not a simple alliance. They seek more than just reclaiming their past glory. They harbor the ambition to conquer all of Elysium, and they are especially trying to get their hands on the power of the ancient Titans. The Crystal Core is merely one part of their plan."
Hearing Zabonik's words, Rian and Ria realized that a greater threat was approaching. They understood that their purpose here was not simply to find the Crystal Core. They asked Dr. Zabonik for more information.
Ria: "In that case, what more do we need to know? If there is anything we need to stop what the Noktus are planning, please, tell us everything."
Just then, the lab door opened and Brondin and Pinweazle appeared. They approached with serious expressions, as if they had something important to say.
Brondin: "Dr. Zabonik, you were speaking of the Crystal Core. I believe it is time we spoke of the legends we know, and the true power of the Crystal Core."
Rian and Ria were surprised by their sudden appearance but quickly composed themselves to listen. Pinweazle spoke first.
Pinweazle: "The Crystal Core is not just a simple fuel source or an engine. According to the old legends of the Dwarves and Gnomes, the Crystal Core has the power to breathe life into inanimate objects. When Brondin and I found the ancient golem in Shadow Vale, we realized it was no simple machine."
Brondin nodded and continued.
Brondin: "That's right. The ancient golem we discovered was not a mere lump of stone and metal, but a being that held the potential to gain true life once a Crystal Core was inserted. According to legend, this power goes beyond simple movement; it holds the possibility of granting a self and a will."
Rian listened to his words and nodded with a serious expression.
Rian: "So if the Noktus get their hands on the Crystal Core, they could do more than just operate golems—they could actually create living beings. Is that their real goal?"
Pinweazle nodded in response.
Pinweazle: "Yes, that's right. The Noktus are trying to use the Crystal Core to breathe life into ancient, inanimate things. If they succeed, their army will be more than just weapons; it will be an army made of true living beings."
Zabonik looked at Rian and Ria and spoke in a resolute voice.
Zabonik: "Fortunately for you, however, you already have a Crystal Core. What you must do now is uncover the true secrets of this core and protect it completely so they can never approach it."
Listening to their explanations, Rian and Ria felt an even heavier weight of responsibility. They realized that since they already possessed a Crystal Core, uncovering its secrets and keeping it safe was the only way to protect the future of Elysium. As the guardians of Elysium, their mission was just beginning.
****
Episode 12: In the Noktus Research Lab
The Noktus research lab was secretly nestled deep in the mountains, within a rocky peak. It was a massive structure of cold stone and metal, and in the dark, gloomy atmosphere, devices fusing ancient magic and machinery operated ceaselessly. The inside of the lab felt like a vast weapons factory preparing for war.
At the center of the lab was a giant workshop. Here, dozens of researchers and mages moved busily, constructing various types of golems. From massive combat golems, to fast and agile scout golems, and shield golems specialized in defense—diverse forms of golems, each designed for a different purpose, stood in rows.
Sadril and Mericis walked through the workshop, directing the golem construction process. The expressions on their faces were grim, and their eyes held the strong will to conquer Elysium.
Sadril: "The combat golems' movements are still too sluggish. In this state, they won't be very effective on the battlefield. We need to improve their attack power and speed simultaneously." Sadril tested the strength of a giant combat golem by pulling on its arm. The golem's metal arm moved with difficulty, displaying great power, but it still fell short of the desired level.
Mericis: "The scout golems are fast enough, but their durability is too low. They could be easily destroyed in battle. They need to be designed so the shield golems can protect them." She watched the movements of a small scout golem, pointing out its flaws. The golem's movements were fast and agile, but its lack of defense made it vulnerable to easy destruction.
Meanwhile, in one corner of the lab, magic golems were under construction. These golems, a combination of intricate Dwarven technology and Gnomish magic, could use a variety of spells. Capable of playing tactically important roles like generating barriers and controlling enemy movements, these golems were not yet complete.
Sadril: "The magic golems will play a crucial role on the battlefield. They can control the enemy's movements or generate barriers to protect our allies. But the Crystal Core isn't fully unlocking their potential." Sadril watched a golem being worked on, checking for unresolved issues. Mericis observed the unstable energy of the Crystal Core and ordered the researchers to make improvements.
Mericis: "The Crystal Core is not a mere power source. We must fully draw out the Titan's power held within it. According to ancient legends, the Crystal Core has the power to grant life and a self to inanimate objects. If we cannot perfectly realize that, we cannot create the true warriors we desire." She ordered the researchers to insert a replicated Crystal Core. As the core was set in the center of the golem, a dark light spread, and the golem slowly began to move. However, its movements were still mechanical, lacking a sense of life force.
Sadril: "This is still not enough. What we want are true living beings that can make their own judgments and carry out combat. We cannot achieve our goal with simple machines." Mericis unfolded a large document that lay in the center of the lab. On it, the technology of the ancient Elves and Titans was recorded in detail, clearly revealing the true creation that the Noktus aimed for.
Mericis: "We will use these records to create a more perfect Crystal Core. If the guardians of Elysium try to protect their core, we will find it and breathe life into this army. Create the perfect golems so they cannot stop us." Sadril turned to the researchers and ordered them to focus even harder.
Sadril: "We cannot tolerate failure. Reduce all mistakes and create more perfect golems. Until they become the true weapons that will bring down Elysium." The lab was once again bustling with activity. The researchers repeated their experiments, striving to improve the Crystal Core and perfect the golems. Their goal was clear—to create the true living beings that would conquer Elysium.
The various types of golems slowly rose and opened their eyes, moving to fulfill their respective roles. With the creaking of metal, the entire laboratory vibrated. Sadril and Mericis watched the scene and smiled. Their plan was slowly coming to fruition, and the future of Elysium was in their grasp.
**
Episode : In Search of New Clues
Rian and Ria were strolling through the Gnome Square, located in the heart of the Gnome Kingdom. It was a bustling place where various races gathered, with unique Gnomish shops that blended machinery and magic lining the streets . Beneath the giant clock tower in the center of the square, countless Gnomes were gathered, tending to clocks and mechanical devices, as Rian and Ria made their way through, searching for information on the Noktus.
Ria spoke with a Gnomish merchant handling a mechanical device in his shop, but their interests were mostly in new machine parts or magic items. Rian looked around, continuing to gather information, but he heard no specific stories related to the Noktus.
Ria: "Looks like we're not getting any useful info here. There doesn't seem to be any specific news about the Noktus."
Rian nodded and said.
Rian: "Still, we had to try. The Gnomes are so focused on machines and magic, they don't seem to have much interest in this kind of political stuff."
They left the square and headed for the market's back alleys. The back-alley market was a place where various rumors and secrets were exchanged, and clandestine information often circulated. Here, Rian and Ria moved cautiously, seeking out informants.
The back alleys were narrow and dim, with merchants selling fake artifacts and Gnomes selling suspicious herbs gathered here and there. Rian and Ria spoke briefly with various merchants to try and dig up information, but all they could hear were fragmented rumors.
Rian: "We can't keep spending our time like this. There's almost no information on the Noktus, and it doesn't look like we'll find a way to solve the limitations of this experimental Crystal Core we have."
Rian took the experimental Crystal Core from his pocket. This core, which they had received from the Gnome Kingdom's research lab, was incomplete and failed to perform properly. Ria thought for a moment, then looked at Rian and spoke with decision in her voice.
Ria: "If we want to get a more powerful Crystal Core or find more info, we have to go to Altechna, the great power of the continent of Celesta. Altechna is the main market where materials for Crystal Cores and Golems are traded. We should be able to get all the information we need there."
Altechna was a great power on the continent of Celesta, boasting the most advanced civilization and known as a center where information and resources gathered. While the Dwarf and Gnome Kingdoms were skilled at making materials for Crystal Cores and Golems, all the trading they required was done in Altechna. Furthermore, there were rumors that suspicious deals related to the Noktus had recently been taking place there.
Rian: "You're right, going to Altechna is the smart move. There will be plenty of informants and scholars there, which will help us track the Noktus's movements. We might even find out the true power of our Crystal Core there."
Rian and Ria decided to head for Altechna and began to look for a means of transport. They initially planned to take an airship made by the Dwarves and Gnomes, but a few problems arose when they tried to book a flight.
The airship terminal was already crowded with people, and the seats were almost fully booked. Also, the airship had been spotted several times by Noktus aerial reconnaissance recently, so its route was being changed due to safety concerns. They also heard that the airship's departure was often delayed to avoid Noktus patrols.
Port Manager: "I'm sorry, but the airship is currently fully booked. And due to recent Noktus reconnaissance, there's a high chance of departure delays. The schedule could change continuously if an emergency arises."
Hearing about the airship's situation, Ria began to think of an alternative. She remembered hearing rumors about Gnomish mechanical carriages. A mechanical carriage was slower than an airship, but it could travel more stealthily and had the advantage of being able to evade Noktus reconnaissance.
Ria: "The airship doesn't seem safe. Let's use a Gnomish mechanical carriage instead. It might not be as fast as an airship, but we can travel stealthily and avoid the eyes of the Noktus."
The mechanical carriage, powered by complex gears and a steam engine, could travel without issue even on rough terrain thanks to its wheels. Rian agreed with Ria's opinion and decided to go to Altechna by mechanical carriage.
Rian: "Okay, the mechanical carriage will be safer. The airship is too conspicuous, and in this situation, we need to hide our location."
They quickly booked a mechanical carriage and began preparing to head for Altechna. Leaving the bustling markets and back alleys of the Gnome Kingdom behind, they finished their preparations to advance toward the center of the continent of Celesta. Rian and Ria reaffirmed their mission as the guardians of Elysium and resolved to set out in search of more information.
The Altechna that lay before them was a place full of great cities and hidden secrets. Here, Rian and Ria would search for new clues and seek a way to thwart the ambitions of the Noktus. Their journey was now entering a new phase.