The night wind sweeps through the valley floor.
The night wind sweeps through the valley floor. The fog thickens further, visibility reduced to mere meters ahead. The light emitted by the monsters flickers irregularly like geysers, withering surrounding plants or, conversely, causing them to flourish abnormally. Its power bears such a striking resemblance to the enchantments of the Atlantis civilization that it could be definitively identified as such, yet something is different. A subtle nuance, something is missing.
I review the observation records I've written in the Infinite Book. The patterns engraved on the parts of each monster—Wurm scales, Orc fangs, Goblin claws—indeed show traces of the ancient magical civilization. But the patterns on these monsters are even more complex and intricately crafted than those. It feels like a magical circuit precisely controlled using advanced technology.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from behind. Turning, I saw a massive shadow begin to emerge from the mist. The sheer size of the creature's wings overwhelmed me. They looked like a giant black cloth thrown into the dark night.
“...No way,” I muttered.
The monster seemed to have noticed my presence. Sharp eyes caught me through the gaps in the mist. Those eyes weren't merely those of a beast. They held a cold, piercing light that suggested intelligence.
The monster approached slowly, yet with certainty. An overwhelming magical power emanated from its massive body. It was clearly different from any monster I'd encountered before. This wasn't a situation where mere observation would suffice. I sensed danger.
But retreat was not an option. This very creature might hold the key to unlocking the enchantments of Atlantis and revealing the full scope of the ancient magical civilization.
Gripping the Infinite Book tightly, I slowly advanced toward the creature. I was ready. All my knowledge, and two thousand years of experience, were now testing me.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
