The Echo-Blade pulses once. A shockwave slams across the peak, and Derick Force, Joi, Garth, and Kellan all stagger on the bright stone.
Golden haze spills upward from the seal. Within it, a spectral man resolves, almost Derick's mirror, hand on hip, ghostly blade slung over one shoulder.
The Ancestor
At last. I am your father, and I will know if the Force line still stands.
The Ancestor
Duel me, Derick Force. Prove the blade was returned by a worthy hand.
Joi plants herself beside Derick, low and ready. Garth steadies his footing, eyes locked on the apparition. Kellan falls silent, the seal humming beneath them.
The ancestor's grin does not fade. Above the platform, the light hardens into a clear challenge, and the way forward now depends on whether Derick accepts the test of steel.
+ Scene Quest Added
Duel the Ancestor
“"Back off!" You say to your companions. "This is a challenge meant for me alone." You take an aggressive stance, and look at Joi. You smile at her and say, "you too, little one, go to Garth and wait. "”
SUCCESS (Superb Persuasion, rolled +0)
Derick Force
Back off. This challenge is mine alone.
Derick squares his stance on the bright stone, the sword hand settling with calm intent. Joi hesitates at his side, then lifts her head toward him.
Derick Force
Go to Garth and wait, little one.
At once, Joi turns and pads to Garth, pressing close against his leg. Garth lowers a hand to steady her, his concern softening into a small, approving nod.
Garth
Clear words. I will keep her with me, Derick.
Kellan
Then let the blade speak for the bloodline.
The Ancestor
Good. A true heir does not hide behind a pack. Come, son, and show me the shape of your honor.
The golden haze steadies instead of flaring, as if the apparition accepts the terms. Joi stands safe beside Garth, watching Derick without fear, while the ancestor lifts his spectral sword in formal invitation.
“The father commands me to take the echo Great sword in hand and face him as an equal.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled -2)
Derick steps forward and takes the echo blade into both hands. The spectral steel answers with a pale, ringing light, as if it knows his grip.
The Ancestor
There. Stand as my equal, and let form judge blood.
The wind claws across the summit. The golden haze tightens around the dueling circle, leaving only stone, steel, and the two Force blades.
Joi plants herself beside Garth, ears high, while Kellan eases back from the seal to give the duel room.
Garth
I am ready, Derick, when you are.
The Ancestor lifts his sword in a precise salute, then settles into guard, waiting for Derick's first move.
“I salute back, saying, "its been a long time father, my skills have gotten far sharper than when i trained with you as a child. I expect you to not hold anything back, even if it kills me, for this might be our last battle we can have in this world. I want no regrets from it! "”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Derick Force
Derick answers with a crisp salute, his blade angled like a vow. He tells The Ancestor his skill has sharpened since childhood, and he asks for no restraint, even if this duel kills him, because he wants no regrets.
The Ancestor
Then I give you the same mercy I gave your teachers. None at all.
The Ancestor
His stance is better than the boy's was. The line still stands.
The gold ring around them brightens once, then settles into a steady halo. The Ancestor's shoulders loosen into a true fighting measure, not a ceremony.
Garth
That's the answer I wanted to hear.
Joi shifts beside Garth, alert and quiet, while Kellan watches the circle without blinking. The wind snaps at cloaks and hair, and the two Force blades hum in the hush before impact.
The Ancestor
Show me the swordsman you became, Derick Force. Come at me.
“Without hesitation, i feint low, turn the blade, and jab at the heart”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Combat, rolled +1)
Derick darts in low, his first step a lie. The Echo-Blade turns in his grip, and the true thrust slips past the Ancestor's guard to the center of his chest.
The Ancestor
So. There is the edge I hoped to see.
The spectral body breaks around the point in a burst of gold and ash, the strike landing cleanly with martial perfection.
The Ancestor
Well struck, Derick Force.
The Ancestor staggers a half step back, then stills, one hand pressed to the fading mark at his heart. The dueling ring flickers brighter, as if recognizing the answer.
Garth
That is a swordsman.
Joi leans forward, ears high, while Kellan's breath catches. The Ancestor lowers his blade, studying Derick with solemn approval.
The Ancestor
Tell me, heir, will you claim what the Spire is about to give you?
Quest Complete
Duel the Ancestor
New Gift: Ancestral Blade Bond