Ally Life (Title Might Change)

Chapter 6 - Grian's Storytime

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<Grian> Can everyone meet me at spawn?

<Grian> Scott and I made some food

...

Grian flashed a satisfied smile at Scott. "Alright, the others have been informed," he said, nodding at the feast they'd prepared. He and Scott decided to prepare a little get-together for the server to help calm everyone from the chaos earlier in the session. Well, it was mainly Scott's idea. Grian just thought he could gather a bit of info on everyone.

With everyone gathering at spawn, chatter began to erupt from the players as they relaxed and ate. Eventually, Pearl entered, carrying the mysterious book. Grian, somewhat drawn to the item, decided to inquire about it.

"Say, what's that you've got there, Pearl?" Grian asked, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. Pearl, with a glint of excitement, replied, "It's a compilation of myths and legends. I found it tucked away in a hidden chest while exploring the Ancient City near my house."

"Mind if I take a look?"

Pearl, shaking her head, handed over the book. Grian, with a deliberate focus, started flipping through the aged pages. Suddenly, his gaze locked onto a particular story, and a mischievous grin spread across his face as he made eye contact with Scott. Seizing the opportunity, Grian called out, "Everyone, grab some seats. It's story time~"

As seats were being arranged, he began narrating the ancient tale, enveloping the spawn in a captivating atmosphere:

"In a serene settlement nestled amid undulating hills, a captivating mortal resided. From youth, he was renowned for his unyielding resolve and insatiable curiosity. Yet, what truly distinguished him was his conviction that one possessed the power to shape one's destiny."

...

As Grian delved deeper into the ancient tale, Scott's uneasiness became more and more evident. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his gaze shifted anxiously between Grian and the ground. His fingers fidgeted with the edges of his seat, betraying the rising tension within...

...

"Within this village, an age-old tradition prevailed. Upon attaining adulthood, the village progeny would seek the counsel of the revered oracle. The oracle, in turn, would inscribe their names in an extraordinary tome. This exceptional book would unfurl into an even more mystical volume containing the preordained fate of each individual. A brief glimpse into this tome's pages guided the villagers in their choices and actions, setting the trajectory of their lives.

However, the charming mortal harbored an aversion to such predetermined paths. Disdaining the notion of a scripted life, he begrudgingly underwent the customary ritual. To his dismay, he discovered a destiny that dictated the betrayal of his loved ones for selfish gain. Fueled by disdain, he clandestinely infiltrated the oracle's sanctum that very night, seeking to alter his fate.

Instead of exposing him to the village guards, the oracle chose an unexpected path. In a clandestine conversation, the oracle disclosed the existence of an ancient scripture hidden away, purportedly holding the wisdom to defy fate.

Embracing his newfound purpose, the mortal embarked on a quest that traversed dark woodlands, tumultuous rivers, and the recesses of forgotten caverns. Each challenge he faced strengthened his resilience and deepened his intellect."

...

Scott's eyes darted anxiously, avoiding direct contact with Grian or anyone else. He gnawed at his lower lip, a telltale sign of the escalating tension within him. The rhythmic tapping of his foot betrayed his attempt to conceal the growing nervousness.