Unrelenting Calamity

A Conquest of Gratitude, Part 2

       "We have also been monitoring the world as of late. It seems we are in a very turbulent time as far as peace goes. The Water and Brimstone Elementals have already been humiliated, and the Earth Elemental has retreated into the rocks, presumably to avoid the same fate. The sand and cloud elementals are on edge, contemplating running away while they have the chance. It seems the word has spread that magic has been discovered."

      The archmage's voice was filled with a calm aura, as if he was not worried about anything that occurred outside the walls of his village. That was indeed the truth, his only priority was peacekeeping within his own walls. However, frequent scouting missions had also provided lots of intelligence about the world around them.

      "Another interesting occurrence is that recently, just eastward of here, a series of experiments were conducted that created a true horror. Anyone of our scouts who have entered the area have come back with terrible diseases, not like anything we have seen before. We have deemed that area the Corruption, and we believe it is sustained by some sort of Hive Mind in its center, eating away at the earth to create biomass. We recommend you stay clear of there."

      Camilla was shocked by these words. How could something so horrific have happened? Truly, the greed of humans was beyond sufficient to create suffering for all.

      "Are there any other events that we should be aware of in the world? Obviously the Corruption seems far too dangerous to be traversed safely, but there may be other sources of evil that we could attempt to conquer."

      The archmage pondered for a minute before he spoke, with great concern in his voice.
"Without the Earth Elemental to lead them anymore, the dwarves have begun carrying out attacks on isolated tribes to steal resources, and they recently targeted a tribe of ninjas who call themselves the Statigel Clan. We have also received reports that the Demons have begun skirmishing with the angels on the surface level, both trying to claim it as their own. If you choose to pursue either of those threats, do be careful. There may be more danger than we realize."

      Camilla and Eleanora stared at each other for awhile before their minds clicked, as if they had decided what to do without needing to speak to each other. Camilla informed the archmage that they intended to investigate the Statigel Clan attacks first. They would set out in the morning, but not before they received a few gifts from the icy townspeople. To Eleanora, a frozen turtle shell was given to her that was infused with magic. The townspeople told her it would help preserve her life essence in dire situations, if she was in great danger. To Camilla, they gifted potions of Magic Power, which would enhance her abilities greatly in combat or for utility.

      And with a final goodbye, the two warriors left the village, treading through the snowstorm the opposite way they came in.