The dueling ring of gold steadies around Derick as The Ancestor lowers his blade. The spectral figure studies him, then the Echo-Blade, as if weighing blood against steel.
The Ancestor
You have met the line's burden with discipline. Speak true, heir, do you claim the blade as yours?
Derick Force
Derick claims the Echo-Blade as the Force heirloom.
The Echo-Blade answers at once, its light settling into a calm, steady glow. The gold ring loosens, no longer a warning, but a blessing.
Kellan
Then the Spire has chosen well. The seal is satisfied.
The Ancestor inclines his head to Derick, pride softening his stern form. Beside the stair, Joi presses close to Derick's leg, armor flashing in the sun that spills across the platform.
Garth
You earned this, Derick. Now let us walk out together.
The four of them turn from the High Spire at last, the heavy doors sealed behind them. Below, the valley waits in bright morning silence, while the Echo-Blade rests at Derick's side like a promise made solid.
+ Story Quest Added
Acknowledge Derick as the heir
“Is garth rethinking his duel with Derick?”
EXCEPTIONAL YES (Likely, rolled 1)
Garth
I watched him shatter that construct and hold the line against the void. My pride was a fool's errand. He is not just a rival, he is the only one who could have carried this burden.
Garth
Derick, I have been thinking. The duel we spoke of... it feels small now, like a shadow cast by a mountain. I find I have no desire to cross blades with you, not when we have finally seen what you are truly capable of.
Derick Force
Garth's grip on my shoulder is firm, and his eyes hold a clarity I have not seen since we first met.
“"Don't shy away from it now! "I say to Garth, "don't you realize the whole purpose of our duels when we meet? It isn't just a test of my mettle, but of yours as well! Im not the only one that benifits, you know? "”
SUCCESS (Superb Persuasion, rolled +1)
Garth
Then that is the lesson of it. Your blade sharpens mine, and mine sharpens yours. I was foolish to think only of winning.
Garth slows beside Derick, his posture easing as the wind combs through the empty platform. The Echo-Blade rests steady at Derick's side, its glow calm now.
Garth
When we crossed steel before, I measured myself against you. Today I saw what stands behind that strength, discipline, burden, and the choice to keep standing.
The Ancestor
Well spoken, Garth. A heir is not named by blood alone, but by what he bears and what he protects.
The Ancestor's spectral outline brightens with proud warmth, then turns toward Derick as if presenting him to the mountain itself.
The Ancestor
Derick Force, the blade has answered you. So has the high place of your line. I acknowledge you now, and the spire remembers it.
Joi presses close at Derick's leg while Kellan watches with a relieved stillness, the whole platform settling into a quiet that feels earned.
Quest Complete
Acknowledge Derick as the heir