Records of Ancient Civilizations
As I enter the library, a musty smell fills my nostrils. Countless books are neatly arranged on shelves stacked all the way up to the high ceiling. Light streaming in through the windows illuminates the spines of the aged books, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Holding the book entrusted to me by the Elder—which contains records of ancient civilizations—I begin to walk slowly between the rows of shelves. The contents of the book focus primarily on civilizations even older than Atlantis, describing a society in which magic and science were highly integrated. However, it is said that this civilization, too, was destroyed by the Distortion.
As I read on, I find several clues for countering the root cause of the Distortion. One of these is a description of a crystal known as the “Crystal of Harmony,” which is said to possess the power to maintain the world’s balance. The Crystal of Harmony is hidden somewhere in the world, and finding it appears to be the key to suppressing the Distortion.
The book also describes a method for purifying substances affected by the Distortion. It states that the energy of the Distortion must be neutralized by playing a specific musical scale. I take out the Atlantean lyre and try playing the scale described in the book. As I do so, the tones emanating from the lyre cause the surrounding air to vibrate and glow faintly. This scale might help purify the Distortion.
Deep within the library lies a quiet, secluded old study. When I open the door, I find a dust-covered desk and chair, along with several weathered books. Spread out on the desk is a sheet of parchment bearing a map with intricate patterns.
I pick up the map and examine it carefully. On the map, far from the Emerald City, is a location marked “The Forgotten Temple.” That temple might be where the Crystal of Harmony is hidden.
In one corner of the study stands an old globe. I spin the globe, searching for the location marked on the map. Then I notice a small red dot at that spot on the globe. The location appears to be deep within a forest.
I leave the study and exit the library. Looking up at the sky, I see the sun beginning to set in the west. I decide to ask the people of Emerald City about the Crystal of Harmony. Perhaps someone might know of its existence.
“The Crystal of Harmony… you say? I thought that was just a legend. I never imagined it actually existed.”
Though surprised, the townspeople provide me with all sorts of information. Based on that information, I resolve to head for the Forgotten Temple. My journey is about to enter a new phase.
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