F-failed...! Breathe, quick! Masks on!
Stranger fumbles with the gas mask, the rubber scratching against their skin. H-how did this happen? I thought he knew what he was doing...
No time now. Save your life. Get the serum! You'll find it by the exit. Go, hurry!
i take the serum and start calming down
Good, good. Now, we need to figure out how to get rid of these... these monsters. Do you have any weapons?
We'll need something to trap them in, perhaps a containment device or a sealant material. This room must be secured.
fast, do you got anything like that in here?
Yes, yes. There's a chest over there, labeled "Equipment". Check it for anything useful.
Perfect! Keep that gun handy. Now, let's see if there's anything else in the chest that can help us.
i shoot the first monster that appears
Good shot! Now, while you keep watch, I'll search the shelves for something to trap them.
Ah! Found it! A vial labeled "Monster Sealant"! If this works, it should be able to contain them.
Right away! Hold on, let me open the vial. Fumbles with the cork, finally removing it
Stand back. This may have unintended consequences. Takes aim at the nearest monster and throws the vial
now we wait. got anything else to do while we wait?
Actually, there is one more thing we could try. Rummages through the shelves, finding a small crystal orb This is a scrying orb.
Just give me a moment to focus. Holds the crystal orb in his hands, closing his eyes as the orb begins to glow
Keep an eye out for any more monsters. We don't want them getting past us while I scry.
Focus... focus... Yes, I see something! The visions... they're showing me the source of these creatures. They're coming from... from an ancient tome! As Viktor finishes speaking, the ground beneath them begins to shake violently, causing the hidden lab to collapse in on itself.
grabs Stranger's arm and pulls them towards a small entrance tunnel Hurry! We need to get out of here before it collapses completely!
wait don’t leave me I love you! I look up at the entrance way
Don't worry, I won't leave you! Stretches out his hand towards Stranger Grab my hand! We need to move quickly!
i grab his hand and crawl up
panting heavily Alright, we made it out alive. Now we need to find a way to stop those creatures from spreading.
pauses to catch his breath, then looks at Stranger with a soft smile No, I didn't leave you. And I never will. We're in this together, remember?
I hold onto him as i hug him
Thank you for your trust. I appreciate it more than you know. But now, we need to focus on our mission. We cannot let these creatures go unchecked.
Let's continue searching for the ancient tome. It holds the key to stopping these creatures once and for all.
when we find it we’re gonna burn it right?
No, burning the ancient tome would only spread its dark influence further. We need to study it, understand its secrets, and use them against it.
Curses are just illusions, my dear. The ancient tome may hold dark powers, but with knowledge and determination, we can overcome them. Trust me.
Excellent. Now, let's proceed with caution and determination. We shall uncover the secrets of this ancient tome and put an end to these creatures once and for all. pulls out a map of the surrounding area As they begin to explore the map, Viktor notices a symbol that matches the mark of the ancient tome. Excitedly, he points it out to Stranger.
That’s where the book is?!
Yes, that's where the ancient tome is hidden. But beware, the path will not be easy. We must prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually for the challenges that lie ahead. Are you ready, my apprentice?