The torn banner snaps above the platform. Beneath the stones, a hidden foundation door grinds open, spilling cold dust and a dim violet glow.
The Disgraced Knight emerges from the darkness beneath the tower, armor battered and cloak torn. A binding sigil burns across one gauntlet, its light crawling toward the elbow.
Disgraced Knight
The mage’s tower has begun choosing its own enemies. It no longer waits for a hand to command its wards.
Bellmere Guard:4 steps between the knight and the gathered defenders, while Bellmere Defender:5 tightens his grip on the banner pole. Neither leaves Matsudai’s side.
Magical Messenger
Warning. Hostile resonance detected. The knight carries a second imprint, tied to chambers buried beneath the tower.
The blue messenger-flames convulse above the platform, shedding sparks that vanish before touching stone. Their usual measured tone fractures into overlapping whispers.
Disgraced Knight
That thing followed me through the lower halls. If it has noticed you, lord Matsudai, the tower may seal every road except the one leading deeper.
“I grab the handle of my katana and charge spirt into it followed by a draw slash in an X at the tower door to create an opening”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Weapons, rolled +0)
Matsudai grips the katana’s handle. Spirit gathers along the sheath and floods the blade with pale radiance, making the tower’s violet runes shudder.
He charges the ancient tower door and draws in one fluid motion, cutting a blazing X across its sealed surface. Stone parts along the crossing lines.
The severed door folds inward, releasing a breath of cold air and violet dust. Beyond lies a descending hall lined with statues whose eyes burn faintly.
Disgraced Knight:1
You have opened the road the tower would not grant. Whatever waits below now knows precisely where you stand.
Bellmere Guard:4
My lord, the passage is clear. Shall we follow, or hold this breach against anything that emerges?
Magical Messenger:2
Hostile resonance displaced. The buried chambers are accessible through the opened door. The tower’s wards have accepted Matsudai’s challenge.
Behind Matsudai, defenders raise shields around the breach. Ahead, violet light descends into the tower’s depths, illuminating a stair that waits beneath the broken seal.
✓ Quest Accepted
Confront the hostile presence in the tower
Quest Complete
Determine whether the mage's tower is threatened
Skill Upgrade: Magic Great→Superb