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7.1 Rise of Darkness

  Chapter 1: The Oracle of Delphi

  The air was crisp as Leo and his team approached the ancient ruins of Delphi, nestled high on the Greek mountainside. The sunlight filtered through the olive trees, casting dappled shadows over the crumbling stone columns and pathways that had once held crowds in a world long past. Leo felt a strange connection to this place, as though he were walking paths he had once known, seen only in fragments of his dreams.

  Cipher glanced around, his gaze intense. “The clue led us here, but I’m not seeing anything that screams ‘next key.’”

  “Patience,” Zara said softly, her eyes scanning the landscape as if looking for something hidden just beneath the surface.

  Their clue had been cryptic, leading them only to “the oracle where whispers find ears unafraid.” It was Nexus who suggested Delphi, the home of the ancient Oracle who had once whispered prophecies to seekers of knowledge and power.

  As they walked deeper into the site, they reached a darkened entryway carved into the mountainside, partially obscured by centuries of overgrown vines. Leo’s pulse quickened as they descended into the cool, dim passage. It led into a large chamber, where a statue stood at the center, its face carved with an expression of quiet wisdom. The air was heavy with an ancient stillness, and, though silent, the room felt alive, as though watching their every move.

  Leo took a step closer to the statue, his heart pounding. As he looked into its stone eyes, a faint whisper tickled the edge of his mind. He strained to listen, feeling the words settle over him like a distant memory.

  “You are the prince of knowledge, with power beyond time,” the statue seemed to whisper, its voice low and ghostly. “But you must seek within to understand it.”

  Leo’s brow furrowed, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in his gaze. “What does that mean?”

  From the shadows, a smooth, deliberate tapping echoed through the chamber, the sound of wood on stone. Leo turned sharply, and his heart skipped a beat. A man emerged from the darkness, dressed in a sleek, dark trench coat, a long brimmed hat, and a cane in hand. He moved with a deliberate, calm authority, and though his presence was somehow familiar, there was an aura about him that put everyone on edge.

  Leo’s eyes narrowed. He recognized this man from his encounters in the real world—the mysterious man who was lurking in the shadows, who followed him home, and who scared Leo when he asked him about hearing voices.

  The man’s expression was a blend of warmth and mystery, his tone light as he spoke, “Ah, the Oracle. I knew you’d be able to hear the whispers, Leo. I’m glad you made it to the base safely.”

  Leo’s instinct kicked in, and he dropped into a defensive stance, his teammates mirroring him. The man only smiled, his calm demeanor unaffected by their wariness.

  “My apologies,” he said, raising a hand, “I’m Steve McCall. But most call me Mack, or… if you prefer my game alias, Mackiaveli.” He paused, allowing the name to sink in. “And yes, I’m a Wesirian, here to guide you.”

  The team exchanged stunned looks, their defensive stances easing but not fully dissipating. Mackiaveli was a name that even the most seasoned players whispered with a mix of reverence and disbelief. Known as a ghost in the gaming world, he had been rumored to exist in games decades before Stone Chronicles was even released, guiding certain players and disappearing without a trace.

  Forge’s voice was low, a mixture of awe and skepticism. “You’re Mackiaveli? The guy everyone thinks is an NPC?”

  Mack nodded, his smile widening slightly. “I’ve heard the rumors myself. But as you can see, I’m as real as you are.”

  Zara’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Then what are you doing here? Why reveal yourself to us?”

  Mack tilted his head, regarding each of them thoughtfully. “Because I believe in this mission. I’ve been around for longer than any of you can imagine, and there are things you’ll need to know if you’re going to find the next key. And more importantly… there are things you’ll need to understand about yourselves.”

  He looked at Leo with an intensity that made him uncomfortable, as though he could see into the depths of his mind.

  “You heard the whispers, didn’t you?” Mack asked, his voice barely more than a murmur. “You understood the Oracle’s call.”

  Leo swallowed, nodding. “It… it said something about being a ‘prince of knowledge’ and having power beyond time. What does that mean?”

  Mack stepped closer, tapping his cane thoughtfully on the ground. “It means you possess an ancient power, one that has been passed down through generations. The Oracle of Delphi doesn’t simply reveal truths to anyone who visits—it calls only to those who have a connection to it. To its knowledge. To its legacy.”

  Nexus, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, “And you’re saying that Leo has… this legacy?”

  Mack nodded. “He’s part of a lineage that carries ancient knowledge, hidden in symbols, myths, and whispers. The Wesirians have always believed in this knowledge, protected it. And now it’s waking up in him, calling him to seek the truth that others have tried to bury.”

  A new whisper filled the chamber, and the statue’s stone lips seemed to move, releasing a low, cryptic riddle:

  “Where moonlight bathes silver and shadows bind, your journey continues where gods fell blind.”

  Mack’s gaze sharpened as he listened, his expression solemn. “The Oracle’s riddles aren’t straightforward, but with time, Leo… you’ll learn to understand them.”

  As the whisper faded, the entire team turned to Leo, their expressions a mix of awe and trust. It was clear that his role was evolving, that he was becoming something more than just another player on a mission.

  Leo, feeling the weight of their gazes, asked, “So, where do we go from here?”

  Mack’s eyes gleamed with a knowing look. “The Oracle is pointing us toward the next key, but we’ll need to interpret its words carefully. Moonlight, silver, shadows… these are hints that lead to places shrouded in myth, places where ancient forces once clashed. But it’s not just the key we seek, Leo—it’s your own understanding of what you are.”

  He stepped back, nodding to the team. “Let’s get moving. The longer we stay, the closer the Militia team gets.”

  With Mackiaveli’s help, the team began to unravel the Oracle’s clues, studying the symbols inscribed in the tomb’s stone walls, drawing connections from one line of ancient text to another. As they worked, the sense of urgency grew, each moment spent deciphering the whispers feeling like one more second they couldn’t afford to lose.

  Leo’s mind spun with questions as he worked alongside Mack, the man’s calm yet intense presence both reassuring and unnerving. He wanted to ask him everything, about his mother, about the Wesirians, about this lineage he supposedly held. But each time he tried to speak, another layer of the riddle seemed to demand his attention.

  Finally, after what felt like hours, Leo and Mack reached the end of the Oracle’s clues, each symbol, each whisper forming a map in their minds. The clues led them to a location still hidden, but within reach.

  As they prepared to leave the tomb, Leo glanced back at the statue, feeling its silent gaze on him, its whispers still echoing in his mind.

  The Oracle’s last words lingered in the air: “You carry the knowledge of the ages, young prince. Use it well.”

  Mack placed a reassuring hand on Leo’s shoulder. “You’re not alone in this, Leo. I’ve been waiting a long time for someone like you to come along. You have allies, and together, we’ll find the truth.”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The team exited the tomb, the Greek mountains bathed in moonlight as they regrouped outside. Leo reflected as he felt the weight of the Oracle’s message.

  The team froze as the sounds of clanging metal echoed through the quiet night air. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of excitement and wariness, then followed the sound through a winding path that led them to a small cottage nestled in a grove. The flickering glow of a forge fire lit up the night, casting long shadows across the ground.

  Beside the cottage stood a massive Blacksmith Workshop, with steel beams supporting a wide, open roof and an array of tools hanging from the walls. Sparks flew from an anvil where a figure was pounding heated metal with a steady, rhythmic force, the glowing red of the forge illuminating his muscled frame.

  Just then, everything stilled. The game paused all sound, and even the Blacksmith’s hammer hovered in mid-air as if time itself had stopped. A moment later, the voice of the Architect echoed across the landscape, both in their headsets and on the game screen.

  “Your team has been rewarded with a free set of gear for completing the challenge of the Oracle.” the voice was both familiar and authoritative.

  “Although the challenge does not grant your team a key, it upgrades your gear rating and power level in the game.”

  “Your team’s status is now Bronze, and you are the third team to reach this Gear status.”

  A notification appeared on each of their screens, showing two other team names, both accompanied by brief descriptions:

  “The world’s first team is the Slayers, decoded by Streak. In second place, the Militia, decoded by Night Hawk.”

  “Please select your gear from the Blacksmith inside.”

  With that, the Architect’s voice faded, and time resumed, the sounds of the forge filling the air once more. The team looked at each other, a sense of accomplishment passing silently between them.

  “Bronze status?” Cipher grinned. “Finally, we’re making a name for ourselves.”

  Leo’s gaze shifted to the Blacksmith, who continued his work without acknowledging their arrival. “Let’s see what kind of gear we’ve unlocked.”

  They approached the workshop, stepping carefully around the tools and piles of metal scattered across the floor. The Blacksmith barely glanced at them, his hands moving with practiced ease as he hammered away, shaping the heated metal into form. Around him, pieces of gear were displayed on various stands: armor, weapons, enchanted rings, and even a few mysterious items that glowed faintly.

  Zara’s voice was barely a whisper. “Look at all this gear. This isn’t just standard in-game stuff. The quality’s way higher.”

  Leo nodded, his gaze roaming over the different items. “Let’s choose wisely. This gear could give us an edge against the Militia and the Slayers.”

  One by one, they approached the displays, each player carefully selecting items that suited their skills and fighting style. The pieces of gear seemed to call to them, each one uniquely designed with intricate engravings and inscriptions, as if tailored for their individual journeys.

  Cipher selected a pair of leather-bound gauntlets inscribed with runes and laced with silver threads that pulsed faintly. As he slid them on, a screen appeared in his vision, detailing their enhancements: improved agility and the ability to absorb small amounts of magic, ideal for his quick, tactical strikes. He flexed his hands, feeling a surge of energy as he adjusted to the new fit.

  Zara moved toward a set of dual Spartan like blades hanging from the wall, their hilts adorned with ancient symbols. As her fingers closed around the blades, a prompt informed her of their special ability—Spectral Mirage, which allowed her to create illusions of herself during battle. She tested the weight of the blades in her hands, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she imagined the advantages this would give her in a fight.

  Nexus selected a staff inscribed with runes, its sleek metal design embedded with a sapphire at its tip. The staff granted her the ability to channel energy and summon shields, amplifying her defensive capabilities and enhancing her control over the battlefield. She gave the staff an approving nod, its balance and weight perfect in her grasp.

  Forge approached a set of heavy armor and an oversized warhammer inscribed with only one rune. The armor bore a similar rune. He recognized it as the insignia of an ancient warrior clan, its design simple but powerful. As he donned the armor and gripped the hammer, he received a prompt informing him of its bonus ability: Crushing Wave, which allowed him to unleash a shockwave upon impact, knocking back multiple enemies at once.

  Leo paused, studying a pair of gloves that lay on a small pedestal at the back of the workshop. Unlike the other gear, these gloves seemed almost ordinary, with no elaborate designs or flashy enchantments. But as he picked them up, a prompt appeared, informing him of their hidden ability—Echo of the Past, which would allow him to sense and decode nearby ancient relics, connect with ancient symbols, and unlock hidden resources that others could not perceive.

  Nova hung back for a moment, his sharp eyes scanning the room. He was always drawn to the unexpected, the things others overlooked. While the rest of the team gravitated toward weapons and armor, his gaze locked onto an unassuming chest in the corner, half-hidden beneath a pile of gears and tools. Something about it called to him, a faint hum of energy he couldn’t ignore. Slowly the box began to glow a bluish hue.

  Nova stepped forward, pushing the clutter aside, and opened the chest. Inside was a sleek, intricately designed crossbow. Its body was crafted from a dark, polished wood inscribed with ancient runes that seemed to shimmer in the dim light, and its limbs were reinforced with silver filigree that twisted into flowing patterns. Mounted atop was a small, crystalline lens that refracted the light into faint rainbows.

  The scannable description said that the crossbow was called the Shadowpiercer. Not just a weapon. The Shadowpiercer is a tool or guide for those who dare to seek what others cannot see.

  Nova lifted the crossbow, feeling its surprising lightness. As his fingers traced the delicate carvings, a prompt appeared in his vision:

  Shadowpiercer: A relic of the Ancient Watchers. Enhances perception of hidden paths and grants precision far beyond human limits. Special Ability: Veilbreaker – Reveals illusions, traps, secret doors, and cloaked enemies within a radius.

  Nova’s eyes lit up. “This is perfect,” he said, testing the mechanism. The crossbow responded almost instinctively, the string drawing back without effort and releasing with a soft, resonant twang.

  As he turned back to rejoin the team, the crossbow shimmered faintly, as though responding to his energy. He could already feel its potential, the way it seemed to complement his innate instincts.

  “Well,” Forge said, testing the weight of his hammer with a pleased grin. “I think we’re ready to put these to the test.”

  They stepped back, admiring their new gear and the aura of power it lent them. Then another prompt appeared across the top of their screens, scrolling in bold letters.

  “Please select your team name.”

  Zara glanced at Leo, raising an eyebrow. “Looks like it’s time for us to make this official.”

  Leo considered the prompt, his mind racing through possible names. But none seemed to fit the essence of their team, the unity they had forged through shared challenges and mysteries. This name had to mean something, something that captured who they were and what they were trying to accomplish.

  “Something symbolic, maybe?” Nexus suggested, her gaze distant as she pondered. “Something that speaks to the knowledge we’re uncovering?”

  “Or something intimidating,” Cipher said with a smirk. “A name that says we’re not to be messed with.”

  Forge shrugged, his hammer resting across his shoulder. “How about something classic, like ‘The Guardians’?”

  Leo shook his head. “It needs to be unique, something that reflects both the strength of the team and the journey we’re on. We’re not just fighting; we’re discovering secrets and unlocking ancient knowledge.”

  They fell silent, each lost in thought. Then, slowly, Leo’s face lit up as an idea took shape.

  “How about… The Seekers?”

  The team looked at him, each face reflecting a spark of recognition. The name resonated with them on a deeper level, capturing the essence of their mission. They weren’t just players in a game—they were explorers, diving into the mysteries hidden within the world of Stone Chronicles. The title spoke to their shared purpose, a unity that transcended the game itself.

  Zara nodded slowly. “The Seekers. I like it.”

  Nexus grinned. “It’s perfect. It reflects the quest for knowledge, the ancient history we’re uncovering.”

  Cipher added, “And it’s got that mysterious edge. Let’s go with it.”

  With a sense of excitement, Leo selected the team name on his screen, watching as the word “Seekers” appeared beside each of their avatars. A triumphant chime sounded in their headsets, and a new notification appeared:

  “Congratulations, Seekers! Your team has been officially recognized in the world of Stone Chronicles. Continue your journey, uncover the secrets of the Titans, and may your path lead you to victory.”

  World First Alert: The Seekers are currently ranked in third place and are the winners of the Bronze rated gear. They have completed the Oracle of Delphi Challenge. Stone Chronicles Top-Rated Challenge Complete.

  “Veil of Titans World First Top-Rated Players have been registered.”

  The notification faded, and the sounds of the game world resumed around them. The Blacksmith, as if satisfied with their choice, nodded approvingly and returned to his work, the steady clang of his hammer echoing through the cottage.

  Leo looked around at his team, his heart swelling with pride and anticipation. They had a name, a purpose, and the gear to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

  “Let’s go, Seekers,” he said.. “The next key is out there, and it’s waiting for us.”

  To Be continued... After March 21. A few more chapters may appear before then.

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