Chronicles of Merslin 1: Mage of the Hidden Tongue

The group, led by Merslin, finished their business in Orcadia Village and prepared to leave. They bid farewell to the villagers, packed their supplies, and gathered to discuss their next destination.

Merslin spread out the map.

"Where should we go next? I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts."

Elena pointed at different locations.

"This way leads to the mountains, and that way to the plains. Both could hold valuable information."

Lisa, checking her sword, shrugged.

"I don't care where we go, as long as there's action. But I'd prefer somewhere with supplies."

Aria nodded.

"That makes sense. We need a place where we can easily restock."

Merslin turned to Serena.

"Serena, you've traveled the most. What do you think?"

Serena studied the map carefully.

"For both resources and intelligence, the port city is our best bet. It's a melting pot of people, trade, and news."

Elena nodded.

"True. The port city will have everything we need. And we might learn something crucial."

Lisa smirked.

"Fine by me. Let's head for the port."

Aria agreed.

"Then it's settled. We'll head to the port city of Sailent and plan our next move there."

Crossing the Gobi Desert

To reach Sailent, they had to traverse the Gobi Desert. The village merchant arranged camels and a carriage for them.

"Welcome! I have the finest camels and carriages to take you safely across the desert," the merchant assured them.

As they prepared to depart, Elder Toran approached.

"Thank you for protecting our village. Safe travels."

Merslin smiled.

"It was our duty. We'll continue protecting these lands."

The party set off into the vast desert, the sun blazing overhead. They carried enough water and rations to last the journey.

Halfway through the desert, they found an oasis. They stopped for rest and encountered a merchant caravan.

A merchant leader greeted them.

"Where are you headed?"

Merslin replied,

"We're traveling to Sailent for supplies and information."

The merchant nodded.

"That's a wise choice. Sailent is a hub of trade and politics. We're headed there too—why not travel together for safety?"

Elena smiled.

"Sounds like a great idea."

Lisa nodded.

"Yeah. Safer, and faster."

However, before they could reach the city, a group of desert bandits ambushed them.

"Incoming bandits!" Serena warned, quickly loading her crossbow.

Lisa drew her greatsword.

"They're not taking anything from us!"

Merslin gathered fire magic in his hands.

"Time to teach them a lesson."

Beongaechang (Lightning Spear) - 번개창!

Elena hurled a spear of lightning, electrifying several bandits.

Serena swiftly fired her crossbow, aiming for their weak spots.

"I won't let you defile this land."

Aria stood behind, casting healing magic.

Light of Life - 생명의 빛!

A warm golden glow healed wounds and restored their strength.

Lisa blocked incoming attacks with her shield, countering fiercely with her sword.

With team coordination, they overwhelmed the bandits. But a massive sandworm suddenly burst from the ground, devouring a merchant.

"HELP ME!" the merchant screamed.

Lisa lunged at the creature, slashing her greatsword across its side.

"Spit him out, you bastard!"

Merslin unleashed fire magic.

Hwayeom Bulgil (Infernal Blaze) - 화염 불길!

A surge of blazing fire engulfed the sandworm.

Nunbora Pokpung (Blizzard Tempest) - 눈보라 폭풍!

He switched to ice magic, freezing the beast's movements.

Elena followed up with lightning, striking the frozen areas.

Serena aimed her crossbow at its glowing weak point, delivering a critical shot.

Lisa finished the creature off, splitting its skull with a powerful strike.

The merchants, grateful, rewarded them. Lisa received a pair of enchanted battle boots.

"You saved us. Please accept this as thanks."

Lisa nodded.

"I'll put them to good use."

Finally, they reached Sailent, greeted by blue waves and bustling docks.

Merslin smirked.

"This is where the real adventure begins."

The Conspiracy of Sailent

Sailent was a city of trade and corruption, where the Merchant Guild and the City Lord vied for power. Hidden factions operated in the shadows, using intrigue and deception.

Guided by Serena, the party entered a tavern that doubled as an information hub.

"This place is a goldmine for news," Serena whispered.

As they ordered food, a pickpocket attempted to steal from them. But Serena snatched the thief's wrist mid-action.

"What do you think you're doing?" she said coldly.

The thief struggled, but Serena quickly turned the tables.

"HE STOLE FROM ME!" she shouted, holding up his stolen coin pouch.

The crowd turned against the thief, beating him before throwing him out.

Serena sat back down, smirking.

"Handled it. Now, let's get back to business."

A Dangerous Job

At that moment, a mysterious man approached.

"We need your help. It's urgent."

Merslin listened carefully.

"What's the job?"

The man hesitated.

"A valuable item is hidden inside the Merchant Guild's mansion. We need you to retrieve it."

Elena narrowed her eyes.

"What kind of item?"

The man lowered his voice.

"It's tied to our survival."

Serena crossed her arms.

"And if we accept, will we be safe?"

The man nodded.

"Yes. Just retrieve it. We'll handle the rest."

The party felt uneasy but agreed to proceed with caution.

The Mansion Heist

Using Serena's stealth skills, they infiltrated the mansion.

She disarmed traps, while Merslin and Elena combined magic to disable wards.

Inside, guards spotted them.

"INTRUDERS! STOP THEM!"

Hwayeom Bulgil (Infernal Blaze) - 화염 불길!

Merslin's fire burst forward, forcing the guards back.

Beongaechang (Lightning Spear) - 번개창!

Elena's lightning spears struck down enemies.

Lisa blocked incoming attacks, while Aria healed injuries.

They escaped with the item, but upon examining it… it wasn't what they expected.

Serena scowled.

"We were set up."

To uncover the truth, they had to infiltrate the City Lord's grand ball.

Preparing for the Ball

To gain access, they needed formal attire. Serena led them to a fashion boutique.

Serena grinned.

"We need the finest outfits for the Lord's party."

The tailor dressed Serena and Elena in elegant gowns, and Merslin in a sleek tuxedo.

Lisa and Aria hesitated, unused to fancy clothes.

Lisa sighed.

"I'd rather wear armor…"

Aria blushed.

"I… I've never worn something like this before."

Serena and Elena insisted, and soon, Lisa wore a refined yet practical outfit, while Aria donned a graceful dress.

Dressed for deception, they headed to the grand ball, where they would finally uncover the truth behind Sailent's power struggles.