Arlen's journey led him through dense, ancient woods, the air humming with the quiet power of the Forest of Old Roots. Towering trees twisted overhead, their roots forming natural arches, while moss and wildflowers carpeted the ground. When he finally reached the town near Ironroot Catacomb, he found a place both wary and welcoming—its people respectful of the forest's dangers and fiercely proud of their heritage.
The town was built from dark, sturdy timber and stone, with roofs draped in living vines. Hunters and herbalists traded rare finds at the market, while children played near the edge of the woods, watched carefully by elders who spoke in hushed tones of the labyrinth's mysteries. Every building seemed to blend with the forest, and Arlen sensed magic woven into the very walls.
Arlen spent his first days talking to townsfolk and listening to stories in the bustling taverns. He learned that the Ironroot Catacomb was both feared and revered—a place where only the brave or the desperate dared to enter. A few older residents recalled legends of the Shadow Seekers: guardians who once kept the forest safe, masters of both nature and shadow magic, and rumored to have left behind hidden sanctuaries full of secrets and lost arts.
At the local Adventurer's Guild, Arlen checked in and updated his profile, careful as always to keep his shadow skills discreet. The guild offered a variety of jobs tailored to the forest's unique dangers: hunting magical beasts, gathering rare herbs, escorting travelers, and clearing dangerous traps along woodland roads. Arlen accepted several of these quests, knowing he'd need both coin and better gear to tackle the Ironroot Catacomb.
Each job tested and strengthened his new skills, from trap disarming to blending elemental and sword magic in battle. Gradually, Arlen earned the respect of the townsfolk and guild members, upgrading his gear with enchanted leathers and a finely balanced blade crafted by a local blacksmith.
With new allies, improved equipment, and fresh knowledge of the town and its legends, Arlen felt ready to face the labyrinth—and uncover the next chapter of the Shadow Seekers' legacy.