Living as a Mortal In a World Full of Gods

The inn's common room buzzed with low murmurs as Kael, Ren, and Lys huddled at their usual table. The morning light streamed through the windows, but the weight of the previous day's discovery had robbed the room of its usual warmth. Thorne sat with them, his gnarled hands clasped tightly around a mug of steaming tea. His expression carried the burden of countless untold stories.

Kael broke the silence first. "Thorne, you've lived here longer than anyone. What do you know about these ruins? About the artifact they're after?"

The elder sighed deeply, his eyes clouded with memories that seemed to span lifetimes. "The ruins predate Eldergrove. They're remnants of an age when the Veil was still young. The artifact they're seeking is one of the Seals, ancient objects that anchor the Veil's balance. Disturbing them could unravel far more than anyone here understands."

Ren leaned forward, his expression skeptical. "And you just happened to forget to mention this little detail before now?"

Thorne's gaze snapped to Ren, sharp despite his age. "Because meddling with the Seals is forbidden, even to those who know of their existence. Knowledge of them is a curse as much as it is a responsibility. To speak of them lightly risks drawing attention from forces best left undisturbed."

"But now mercenaries know about it," Lys interjected, her voice firm, her hands gripping the table edge. "And they're not exactly the type to respect ancient rules."

"Agreed," Thorne said gravely, his tone heavy. "This is no simple task we face. They're well-funded, well-armed, and undoubtedly driven by greed or desperation."

Kael felt the crystal beneath his shirt grow warm against his chest. The sensation was faint but steady, as if the object itself resonated with the tension in the room. He hesitated before speaking. "You mentioned the crystal could help. How?"

Thorne's gaze softened, and he nodded slowly, as if affirming a decision he'd long delayed. "The crystal you carry, Kael, is more than a simple charm. It's a conduit to the Veil. With proper guidance, it may amplify your connection, allowing you to sense disturbances or even locate the Seal. But wielding it comes with risks."

Ren whistled low, sitting back in his chair. "So, our resident farm boy is suddenly the key to saving the village. Never thought I'd see the day."

Kael shot him a look. "Not helping, Ren."

"I'm just saying," Ren replied with a smirk. "You're full of surprises, Kael."

Lys rolled her eyes, turning back to Thorne. "If we're going to use the crystal, we need to move fast. Those mercenaries won't wait around. They've probably started searching the deeper parts of the ruins already."

"You're right," Thorne agreed. "I'll prepare a ritual to attune the crystal further. It will take time, but it's our best chance. The crystal's connection to the Veil will guide us if we succeed."

Later that afternoon, Kael and Lys found themselves in the forest, patrolling the perimeter near the ruins. Ren had stayed behind to assist Thorne, though Kael suspected his version of "help" involved more snark than substance. The air was cool, tinged with the earthy scent of moss and pine, and the forest seemed unusually quiet.

"So, Kael," Lys began, her tone casual but her eyes scanning the trees with sharp focus. "Why'd you come to Eldergrove? You've never really said."

Kael hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "I—I needed a fresh start. Things weren't… great back home."

Lys raised an eyebrow, glancing at him briefly before returning her attention to the trail ahead. "Not exactly a full answer."

"It's complicated," he admitted, brushing a hand through his hair. "I guess I wanted to find something I could call my own. A place where I wasn't just… existing."

She nodded thoughtfully, her expression unreadable. "Well, you picked an interesting place for it. Eldergrove has a way of pulling people into things bigger than themselves. Like it or not, you're part of something now."

Kael chuckled softly, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone. "You're telling me."

The conversation lapsed into silence as they approached a clearing. Lys held up a hand, signaling for Kael to stop. She crouched low, her movements fluid and deliberate, her eyes narrowing.

"What is it?" Kael whispered, kneeling beside her.

"Tracks," she murmured, pointing to the ground. The faint impressions of boots and dragged equipment cut through the moss. "They've been here recently. Likely within the last few hours."

Kael's stomach tightened. "Do we follow them?"

Lys hesitated, her fingers brushing the hilt of her dagger. Her expression was tense, calculating. "Not yet. We need to regroup and plan. Rushing in blind won't help anyone. But this confirms they're close to finding something."

Kael nodded, the weight of their task pressing heavier with each step back to the village. The knowledge that danger loomed so close made every sound in the forest seem amplified, every shadow more sinister.

That evening, the group reconvened in Thorne's study. The small room was crammed with shelves of old tomes and strange artifacts, the air thick with the scent of aged parchment and incense. A faint glow from a lantern cast dancing shadows on the walls, giving the room an otherworldly ambiance.

"The ritual is ready," Thorne announced, motioning to a circle drawn on the floor in white chalk. Candles flickered at its edges, casting eerie shadows that seemed to move with a will of their own. "Kael, you'll need to sit at the center. The crystal will guide the process, but it's up to you to focus your intent. Distractions could disrupt the ritual."

Kael swallowed hard, stepping into the circle. He sat cross-legged, holding the crystal tightly in his hands. Its warmth was reassuring, but his nerves remained taut, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Ready?" Thorne asked, his voice calm but firm, carrying the weight of unspoken warnings.

Kael nodded. "Let's do this."

Thorne began chanting in a language Kael didn't recognize. The words flowed like a river, smooth and rhythmic, filling the room with an almost tangible energy. The crystal began to glow, its light pulsating in time with the chant.

Images flashed in Kael's mind—blurred and chaotic. A stormy sky torn by lightning, a figure cloaked in shadows standing atop a crumbling staircase, a glimmering artifact resting on a stone pedestal surrounded by ancient carvings. He strained to make sense of them, the whispers from the crystal growing louder and more insistent.

"Focus, Kael," Thorne urged, his voice cutting through the din of the visions. "What do you see?"

Kael's voice was tight, his breath shallow. "It's… the artifact. I see it. It's in the ruins, but deeper. Underground, maybe? There's something protecting it—like a barrier or a guardian."

Thorne's chanting slowed, then stopped. He nodded, his expression grim but determined. "Good. That's enough for now. You've given us a direction."

Kael slumped back, exhaustion washing over him. Lys stepped forward, her grip steady as she helped him to his feet. Her touch was firm yet gentle, grounding him.

"You did well," she said softly. "We're one step closer. But we need to be careful. If there's a guardian, we'll need more than just bravery to face it."

Ren clapped Kael on the back, his grin wide despite the seriousness of the moment. "Not bad, farm boy. You might just save us all yet. Though, let's not make a habit of it, yeah?"