**Chapter 13: The Quest for the Second Artifact**
The night cloaked New York in a veil of mystery, and the starry sky seemed to watch over the three friends as they prepared for the next stage of their journey. Lucas, Robin, and Maya were determined to uncover more about the prophecy and the sacred artifacts that could be the key to facing the impending threat. After an intense discussion about their visions, Maya suggested they explore an ancient library located in a historic neighborhood of the city. *"They say there are records of magical artifacts stored there. We might find clues about the second artifact,"* she said enthusiastically. The three set off to the library, their minds buzzing with possibilities. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the smell of aged paper and a silence only broken by the rustling pages being turned by other visitors. Lucas felt as if he were in a superhero movie, where each book was a source of power waiting to be discovered. After hours of searching, Robin found an old book titled *"The Guardians of the Ether."* *"Here! It talks about three sacred artifacts that were scattered around the world to protect humanity,"* she exclaimed, showing an illustration of a radiant golden sphere. *"This must be the second artifact!"* Lucas said, his excitement growing. The book described the artifact's location in a cave in the Catskill Mountains, a place shrouded in legends and mysteries. With renewed determination, they set off toward the mountains. The journey was filled with thrilling moments; as they walked along narrow trails and steep ravines, Lucas couldn't help but feel like they were following in the footsteps of legendary heroes. Finally, after hours of hiking, they reached the entrance of the cave. A magical aura emanated from within, and the air seemed to vibrate with energy. *"Remember,"* Maya warned, *"we need to be careful. There could be traps or creatures guarding the artifact."* As they entered the cave, a golden glow illuminated the path ahead. They followed the light until they found a pedestal similar to the previous one, but this time, the sphere at its center radiated an intense golden light that lit up the cave walls with ancient symbols. *"Incredible!"* Robin murmured. *"It's like we're in the Sanctum Sanctorum!"* Lucas smiled at remembering Doctor Strange's adventures and how he faced supernatural challenges. His heart raced; he knew this was a crucial moment. Carefully, he approached the pedestal while Maya and Robin watched anxiously. As soon as Lucas touched the golden sphere, a wave of pulsing energy coursed through his body once again. Visions began to dance before his eyes—epic battles between forces of good and evil, heroes united against powerful foes, and a new connection with his friends that seemed to transcend time and space. When he withdrew his hand from the sphere, he realized that not only had he unlocked more abilities but he also gained a new understanding of his mission. The sphere began to glow intensely before dematerializing into golden particles that floated around them. *"That was… amazing!"* Robin exclaimed. *"What did you feel?"* Lucas took a deep breath before responding. *"I feel like I'm connecting with all the heroes throughout history… And it's not just about power; it's about unity."* Maya smiled widely again. *"That means we're ready to face any challenge! Now we have two out of three sacred artifacts."* With this newfound determination pulsing inside them, the three emerged from the cave ready to face whatever uncertain future awaited them. They knew there was still much to discover and fight together—as true guardians of the world. **Status of Lucas** - **Name:** Lucas - **Level:** 11 - **Experience:** 60% until next level - **Magic Power (MP):** 2000 (increased after touching second artifact) **Skills:** - **Elemental Mastery:** 90 - Fire: 75 - Water: 80 - Earth: 70 - Air: 85 (increased after touching second artifact) - Ether: 90 (increased after touching second artifact) - Light: 30 (increased after touching second artifact) - Shadows: 30 (increased after touching second artifact) - **Hand-to-Hand Combat:** 80 - **Firearms Use:** 75 - **Combat Strategy:** 70 **Additional Status:** - **Strength:** 90 (increased after touching second artifact) - **Resistance:** 85 - **Agility:** 85 - **Magical Intelligence:** 95 (increased after touching second artifact) **Inventory:** - Green Potion (recovers 30% HP) - Sacred Artifact (first artifact found) - Blue Artifact (second artifact found) And so began another chapter in Lucas's life and his friends—a story filled with magic and adventure worthy of great heroes!