Chaos: Genesis

A few days pass. Before setting off to the cave, Spero makes a stop at Ramin's shop to gather supplies. As he pushed open the creaking door, his eyes fell upon the familiar sight of Ramin assembling a gadget.

"What are you working on?" Spero asks.

As Ramin delicately places the parts together he responds, "It's just a toy a customer ordered. anyway, what can I help you with?"

Spero lists, "I need some lockpicks, trap disarms, and some vials for sample collection."

"Sample collection? That's a new one", Ramin remarks.

"Yeah well, this mission is new," Spero responds.

Ramin raises an intrigued eyebrow, "I know we usually keep our engagements professional, but may I ask what this might entail?"

Spero leans in, "I do have a favor to ask..."

The shopkeeper leans in as well.

Spero continues, "Once I return, I want you to keep some of the items I find and look at their contents"

Ramin stares at Spero, uncertainty written all over his face., "You're not leaving me with a griffin's heart again, are you?" he asks, a hint of fear in his voice.

Spero looks him straight in the eye, his expression serious yet full of trust., "No, no... but you're the only person I know who can keep these safe."

Ramin nods slowly. He gathers the items for Spero. Once the transaction is complete Spero leaves for his journey.

As he makes his way through the dense forest surrounding the area, a sense of peril looms closer with every step. Upon reaching an open clearing, the ground is littered with bones and remnants of nests left behind by demonic creatures. Spero picks up a tooth from the ground, unsure what animal it could belong to. He carefully collects the tooth, traces of dried blood, and decaying flesh, in vials for further examination. Ahead, the cave entrance waits, its dark maw beckoning Spero to explore its depths. Mindful of the potential threats lurking within, Spero proceeds cautiously, studying the surroundings for any sign of traps. He notices old footprints on the ground and decides to step on each one, following a path towards the cavern entrance. As he nears the opening, a sense of danger stops him in his tracks. Placing his hands on the rocky surface, Spero channels his energy, sensing hidden traps that lie ahead, including one directly in front of him. Recalling the advice given by Astral regarding the nature of demonic magic, Spero focuses his energy, unleashing it in reverse, and begins to disarm the spell. He unravels the intricate eight-structure lock spell, attempting to break the barrier that stands in his way.

After 20 minutes pass, Spero finally takes a step through the entrance of the cave. With cautious steps, he ventures inside, his senses alert and his eyes scanning every shadowy corner. As he advances further, a glint of light catches his attention, leading him to a thin string carefully laid along the wall. He takes out a trap disarmer, he uses the tool to clamp the string in place, keeping it tightened, he then cuts the end and glues it to the ground. Spero navigates through the study and deactivates the hidden traps and alarms spread throughout.

The shelves are lined with mysterious potions and jars akin to those found in Nefarious's quarters. Spero's eyes settle on a small jar on a lower shelf, which he stows away in his pouch. His curiosity piques, Spero turns his attention to a library of books. Among them, he discovers a book with an unlabeled spine. He pulls it from the shelf and cautiously opens it, revealing a trove of information within. The pages are filled with entries, intricate sketches of magic circles, mysterious rune symbols, and detailed lists of ingredients. However, Spero is unable to decipher the writings. He places the journal in his bag, Spero walks to the main table covered with several maps and scrolls. His eyes lock onto the maps, detailing the known lands and peculiar spots marked in red like drops of blood. The calligraphy is a bit rough but Spero can read it. A sense of foreboding creeps over him as he recognizes the name.

"Ahriman", isn't that the Demon God of Chaos? Are these locations of their bases?

Spero takes the map and beside it lies scrolls, tightly sealed with wax. As his fingernail claws under the wax, a slight rush of energy tingles his fingertips. Ignoring the sensation, Spero carefully unfurls the scroll and scans the unfamiliar scripts etched upon it, the words remaining a mystery to him.

This is written in the same demon language as the journal; it must be Daimon. Maybe Nefarious can translate this.

Turning his attention to another scroll, he is met with a peculiar sight—an intricate illustration of landmasses adorned with cryptic symbols. As he delves deeper, he falls upon a detailed sketch of a goblet.

This... looks familiar.

He paces his finger down the drawing, its sides marked with enigmatic lines.

5, 6, 7... 7 lines? And next to it are the words written, "Jām"

Grappling to understand the cryptic information, a distant memory struck. A tale that Anahita shared with him when he was young. A mythical chalice gifted by the gods to a legendary king. The cup that promised eternal life to those who dared to sip from its rim.

The Cup of Jamshid. Are the daevas searching for this relic?

Yet, before Spero could absorb the full weight of the scroll's message, a malevolent presence crept upon him, sending a shiver down his spine. Spero turns rapidly and looks up.

Don't hold back!

BLAST, BOOM. A deafening explosion tears through the cave roof, unleashing a torrent of fiery energy. Spero draws his sword with lightning speed, blocking the searing assault with a resounding clash. The sheer force of the impact sends him hurtling across the cave, crashing into the rock face. Pain sears through his body as he struggles to rise, his battered arms quivering with the effort. His sword cracked and was on the brink of collapse. Through a haze of agony, Spero's gaze lifts to behold a being cloaked in shadow, an ominous figure whose malevolent aura eclipsed the very sunlight above. The enemy's piercing red eyes burn onto his prey below.