As Merslin and his companions stepped inside the massive walls of Altechna, they were awestruck by the city's scale and intricate architecture. Towering fortifications and grand spires adorned the skyline, while numerous guilds and associations bustled with activity. Their goal was to gather crucial information from these guilds before proceeding further into their mission.
Visit to the Altechna Mage Association
Merslin and Elena first visited the Mage Association of Altechna, located in a towering structure at the city's heart. The association was a repository of vast magical knowledge, with intricate magic circles etched into its walls and ancient tomes containing forgotten secrets.
Elena (gazing up at the tower):"This place is breathtaking… You can feel the magic pulsing in the air."
Merslin (nodding in agreement):"Yeah. There's a lot hidden here. Maybe we'll find clues about the ancient war between the Titans and the Old Gods."
As they conversed with the mages, they learned more about Altechna's history and its deep connection to the legacy of the ancients. The more they uncovered, the more Merslin realized that this was no ordinary human kingdom—this was a city steeped in the remnants of a forgotten civilization.
Meanwhile, Serena, Aria, and Lisa explored other guilds throughout the city, each providing pieces of valuable insight. They visited the Merchant Guild, the Warrior Guild, and even a secretive Thieves' Guild hidden within the alleys.
Serena (at the Merchant Guild):"This place trades in some incredibly rare artifacts. Some of them might even be relics of the ancients."
Lisa (observing the training warriors):"The fighters here are strong. No wonder Altechna holds such influence in the region."
At the Thieves' Guild, they uncovered vital clues—whispers of an ancient artifact hidden deep within the city, one said to be linked to the Old Gods and the Titans.
Aria (sharing the discovery):"There's a powerful relic buried somewhere in Altechna's underbelly. If it's truly tied to the Old Gods, it could be extremely dangerous."
Regrouping at the Inn
After completing their exploration, the group reconvened at an inn to share their findings. The warm, cozy atmosphere provided a sense of relief after a long day of investigation.
Merslin (serious tone):"The information we gathered today confirms what I suspected—this city is more than just a human stronghold. It holds the remnants of an ancient civilization, and there's a good chance that their legacy still exists here."
Elena (nodding):"The Mage Association's records suggest that the ancients left something behind. A piece of their heritage remains in this city."
Serena (adding her findings):"And according to the Thieves' Guild, that legacy might be hidden in the form of a powerful relic. If it's connected to the Old Gods, we need to be careful."
Lisa (concerned):"The thieves also warned us—this artifact isn't just some historical trinket. It could be incredibly dangerous."
Aria (calmly thinking):"All the pieces are coming together. If we find this relic, it might become the key to stopping the Old Gods."
Room Assignments & A New Dynamic
After their discussion, the group decided to allocate their rooms for the night. Given their past journeys, they instinctively knew how best to divide their sleeping arrangements.
Lisa (smirking):"Merslin, why don't you and Elena share a room this time? You two spent time together even back on Earth, so it makes more sense."
Serena (grinning):"Yeah, Merslin. We'll share a room together, so you two can have some privacy."
Merslin and Elena exchanged brief, embarrassed glances but ultimately appreciated the group's thoughtfulness.
Merslin (grateful):"Thanks, everyone. Then, I guess Elena and I will take this room."
Elena (blushing slightly):"Yeah… I think that makes sense."
As Merslin and Elena stepped into their room, Elena's face turned slightly red. Though they were already deeply affectionate toward each other, sharing a room still felt unfamiliar.
Elena (embarrassed but smiling):"Merslin, I guess it's better this way… rather than you sharing a room with the others."
Merslin (chuckling):"Yeah, I think this works out best."
They both felt a little awkward but tried to adjust.
Merslin (playfully teasing):"Still… I have to admit, it's a bit strange sharing a room like this."
Elena (smiling shyly):"It is… but at least I prefer this over you staying with someone else."
As the initial awkwardness settled, they both relaxed into their new arrangement.
*****
A Lighthearted Moment: Warrior's Undergarments
Meanwhile, in the other room, Serena, Lisa, and Aria were chatting about their daily experiences. As they prepared for the night, the topic unexpectedly shifted to their battle undergarments.
Lisa (laughing):"Battle undergarments are practical, but don't you think they feel a bit tight sometimes? It gets uncomfortable during long fights."
Serena (grinning):"Yeah, and yet, they serve more purposes than you think. You do know that, right?"
Aria (curious):"More purposes? What do you mean?"
Serena leaned in with a mischievous smile.
Serena (playfully):"These undergarments aren't just for battle. They have… other special uses too. You know, romantic moments and all that."
Lisa and Aria's faces turned red at Serena's implication.
Lisa (laughing nervously):"Well… I guess that makes sense. They're designed to be practical and appealing."
Serena (smirking):"See? It's all about being prepared for any situation—battle or otherwise."
Aria (blushing):"I never really thought about that before… You two seem way too knowledgeable about this!"
The three women burst into laughter, exchanging lighthearted jokes as they settled in for the night.
Lisa (teasing Serena):"You seem to fight even better when you wear those undergarments. Maybe it's giving you some hidden confidence."
Serena (grinning):"Well, Lisa, if you're so curious, maybe you should try wearing mine and see if it boosts your combat skills."
Aria (giggling):"You two are impossible! We're all strong in our own way, and that's what matters."
****8
Merslin & Elena's Private Moment
Back in Merslin and Elena's room, they were preparing to change for bed. Elena hesitated for a moment, clearly feeling a bit self-conscious.
Elena (blushing slightly):"Merslin… I'm going to change first, so… turn around, okay?"
Merslin (smirking playfully):"Of course. I promise I won't peek."
He turned away as Elena quickly changed. While she tried to be swift, she couldn't shake the slight nervousness of the moment. Meanwhile, Merslin patiently waited.
Merslin (softly):"Are you done?"
Elena (still flustered):"Yeah… your turn now."
As Merslin changed, Elena also turned her back. Despite their usual comfort with each other, she couldn't help but feel aware of his presence. Once he was done, they finally faced each other, both slightly red-faced.
Elena (playfully):"I guess we'll have to get used to this… You really didn't peek, did you?"
Merslin (grinning):"Of course not. But if it makes you feel better… want to hold hands while we sleep?"
Elena smiled warmly and nodded. As they lay side by side, holding hands, the nervous energy gradually faded, replaced by a comforting warmth between them.
And with that, the night in Altechna passed peacefully, setting the stage for the challenges that awaited them.