Test of Witchcraft

What have you come here for?

Ah! The jewels from last week's auction! They are truly exquisite, crafted with impeccable detail in the late empire fashion. They belonged to Trader Nestle of Gludin Village who requested that they be put in this auction as a relic from the ancient empire.

They were all sold at the last auction. I must check the account book to see who bought them...

My records are very detailed. Three jewels were put on auction.

There were originally 6 pieces in the set, But the others were not in the set and were sold separately.

The first jewel was sold to Master Iker. He is one of the members of the Mages' Guild of this village. The second jewel was sold toTrader Lars from Dion Castle Town. And the last jewel was sold to a Dark Elf Village lady named 'Kaira'. She is one of the few Dark Elves who live in this village.

I'm not sure, but you seem to be in something of a hurry. If need be, I will lend you my account book. You should meet the owners first, and ask Trader Nestle of Gludin Village about the origin of the jewels.

Jewels received by Mr. Nestle... I didn't realize they were so valuable!

As I told you, the 3 jewels that I put on the auction were sold toMaster Iker, Trader Lara and

Did you find the jewels? I have done some research and found that these jewels were used by the ancients to control evil. Had I known this earlier I could have sold them for a much higher price... Oh well, this has been very enlightening!

If you had only minded your own business and continued on your way you would have lived another day... Do you seriously intend to challenge the Prince of Darkness?! A foolhardy move indeed!

All right. You can have the jewel. But I paid a hefty sum for it and require compensation. What about that? Bring me the materials I need for my research and I will give you the jewel in exchange.

All right, this is what I need.

First, the Teeth of the Worm that lives in the Sea of Spores. 20 of them should be enough.

You must also bring me the the Leto Lizardman's Amulet. You can find the leto lizardmen in the southern parts of Town of Oren. You must bring me 20 of these..

And last, I need the Stoneheart of the strengthened stone golems that may be found near the Ivory Tower. I will need 20 of these...

These are quite a few items so I've written them down for you. Bring them to me and you shall have your jewel...

Not yet? Bring the ingredients on this list and I will give you the jewel you seek.

Ah, all the items that I asked for! Many thanks for your troubles... They will be of great help in my research. Here is the jewel.

I must warn you that you must be careful of this jewel. In the few days that it was in my possession, I got the distinct impression that it was draining my life energy. In any case, it is a dangerous item. Beware.

Let's see... It says here in the selling records The village leather craftsman Ismell. By the way, he has been a bit weird ever since he bought jewelry from our shop. For many days he has been seen murmuring to himself in a strange voice, and wandering around the village in the middle of the night.

And then one day, he disappeared. Disappeared! Well, A few days ago I was told that execution Guard Roderick said that he saw Ismel, though. It was said that he ran into the execution place wearing a very pale face...

I am quite sure that the jewel you are looking for is an omen. If I were you, I would leave the jewels with the Highest Priest of Einhasad's shrine!

Good. I will give it to you. And I won't ask any money for it. Instead you'll have to pay for it in another way.

Do you have any idea what the jewel you have taken is? A wise Wizard would never give or take something carelessly.

I guess you know now. The truth about the wickedness dwelling in the jewel... You wouldn't have paid attention to my words even though I told you before. The Dark Elves are always 'untrustworthy'...

The Wizards of the Ivory Tower and the Priests of Einhasad threaten us by saying that the studying or using of any Black magic is extremely dangerous. It's just another branch of magic, but they blame it as a filthy and immoral action.

Those who never understand the truth that exists on the other side as well, are detesting. I think you are one of those. You didn't understand the truth of darkness properly and neither do you make any efforts! Go away, now!

(Quest available only for Wizards, Knights, Palus Knights above level 39.)

The power of darkness itself is neither good nor bad. Just as nobody judges a sharp blade if it is good or bad... The magic depends wholly on the user. It may be used for justice as much as it may be used for slaughter and destruction.

The Wizards of the Ivory Tower and the Priests of Einhasad threaten us by saying that the studying or using of any Black magic is extremely dangerous. It's just another branch of magic, but they blame it as a filthy and immoral action. Those who never understand the truth that exists on the other side as well, are detesting.

I don't know where you have been taught like that but if you have such kind of prejudice, you'd better give it up. But, if you are ready to learn Black magic despite the bullying and scorn of people around you, I will gladly accept you as company.

It is very true that actions speak louder than words, and practice is more important than theory. I have no doubt that your resolutions are truthful but I can't totally believe you until you prove yourself.

I will give you the opportunity to prove your faith and resolution. Will you help me with my research for a while? I will see during that period how serious you are, how intense your faith is, and above all, how passionate you are about the hidden truth. What do you say? Will you help me? Will you assist me in unveiling the secrets of black magic?

I shall help.

From time to time people like you come to me wanting to learn black magic. They're usually people disillusioned by Knights who have trampled innocent serfs, or Priests who burned innocent people at the stake... They all of their reasons, but they share one thing in common... Anger at the hypocrisy of practicing cruelty in the name of justice. These people share a common desire to show that justice can also be achieved through black magic.

The power of darkness itself is neither good nor bad. Just as nobody judges a sharp blade as good or bad... It depends wholly on the user. It could be used for justice as easily as for slaughter and destruction.

However, if your are to arrive at justice through darkness, and grasp hold of raw dark power, you must turn your back on the light and embrace darkness, enduring the contempt and bullying of people around you. You must firmly hold true to your will, and your faith... Dear Knight, is your will strong enough?

It is very true that actions speak louder than words, and practice is more important than theory. I have no doubt that your resolutions are truthful but I can't totally believe you until you prove yourself.

I will give you the opportunity to prove your faith and resolution. Will you help me with my research for a while? I will see during that period how serious you are, how intense your faith is, and above all, how passionate you are about the hidden truth. What do you say? Will you help me? Will you assist me in unveiling the secrets of black magic?

Go right now and find out about the jewels that were sold in the auction of Giran Castle Town's luxury gallery.

While you are searching for the 6 Gems of Aklantos, I will work on the way to open the lock. Let's discover the magic heritage of the ancient days contained in this box, together.

You have found all 6 gems. Good job. While you were busy finding the jewels, I was working on the orders of inserting the jewels. And just now, I have solved the secret. Give me the jewels! Let's open the Cube of Aklantoth quickly!

Anyone who ever owned the jewels all turned into horrible 'undead'? It must be because the power of Black magic dwelling in the jewel drains the life energy of the owner...

Normally, one would throw away or destroy the jewel in such occasion, but it is strange that the owners would never let go of the jewel. I suspect that there must be some mysterious bewildering spell on it... Or else it might have some kind of will affecting it...

Perhaps the subject of the will might be related to the secret of this box. There's no way we can find out unless we open it. All we need to do now, is insert the jewels in each hole according to its order. Now! Give the jewels to me!

At last!

Will the cube of Aklantoth be opened...?

May the six bindings, tied by the almighty be undone, and let it see... daylight! Why should it be deprived of light...? Let those trapped in darkness, break free, and set their feet anew on the ground!

Ah...!

N,no!!! What have I done...!?

I was fooled! I was deceived! I can't believe I was bewildered by a mere demon! I, Orim of the Shadow, who is the best pupil of the great Wizard Hardin!

Hurry up with him! He is not yet complete because he just freed himself from the seal! Hurry! We must get rid of him before he gathers his strength back!

How could it be! This is the box which I believed to be the Cube of Aklantoth... The Cube which I trusted would contain the spirits of the ancient scholar... Was in fact a prison in which the demons were captured in ... Moreover, it is Zeruelthe Malrukian prince, Monarch of Drevanul, the bloody angel...

It is all my fault! I was too confident! I was careless! My impatience is to blame!

Nice to meet you! I am Karol Vasper, a member of the glorious continental Knight league, and knighted by King Cadmus as the Guardian Knight of the west. Also called as the 'guardian of 3 swords'.

I am taking care of 3 swords right now. The first one is the 'Sword of Ritual' which is used in every knighting ceremony, the second is the 'Sword of Chastity' which one of our family ancestors received from the forest lady Ordana. And the last one is the Sword of Binding which Artreus, the hero of Elmoraden used to seal the magic creatures of Shilen.

The soldiers brought it here. They told me that they got the jewels during the fight with Turek Orcs. The northwest coast of Gludio Castle Town is a place where the relics of Elmoraden empire are often found...

It is also written here in the account book! Three jewels of empirical style, purchased by Leopold of the Black Lion Troop. Ask him in person about the details. I think he lives near the rebuilding site of Gludin Village

And he filled his pockets with the treasures of the ancient kingdom which he found in the area where the fierce battle took place. Most of the treasures were disposed of at the shop, but there was some quarrel over a few jewels which were very valuable. I coudn't stand the quarrel between colleagues anymore so I confiscated 3 out of 6 jewels and sent them to Lars for supervision.

But nevertheless, an accident broke out. Three of the members who were quarrelling about the jewels chopped off their colleagues' heads and ran way with the remaining 3 jewels. Bastards! Killing their own colleagues just for money!!! I was in such despair and asked Lars to dispose the rest of the jewels, as well.

I sent the searching troops to punish the betrayers, but to my amazement it was reported that all 3 of them were killed after fighting among themselves. But then, before the eyes of the searching troops, the 3 of them revived as undead. If you wish to find them try and search among the skull troops near Southern Entrance of Wastelands

Aghh... I can't believe that they killed each other just for some silly jewels! Even though they are hired troops, they should have their own dignity! I do not wish to see anymore! These jewels are omens which summon blood!

Did you dispose of all those jinxed jewels? I would gladly throw away all those Cursed Village jewels, if you ask me!

Ismel? Ah, yes I remember. He is in there now. But I suppose that he also turned into one of those 'nameless souls' by now. A few days ago, he ran in there as if he was being chased by someone... And he never returned. A terrible shriek was heard...

Ismell? He passed here a few days ago with pale face. These days the undead have been exceptionally active so I tried to dissuade him from going into the execution place, but he refused to listen to me saying that he can't afford to lose a precious thing.

Afterwards a terrible shriek could be heard and he never returned since then. I suppose he turned into one of those 'nameless souls' wandering about the Execution Ground

Once again the short-sightedness of you dark sorcerers has brought disaster! Your careless use of dark magic has loosed a devil upon us!

In any case, the monster Zeruel cannot be allowed to roam free. I shall lend you the Soul-trap Crystal. Seal the devil behind the doors of purgatory once again and return the crystal to me. This necklace has the power to deflect evil, it will also be of help to you. Now go!

I can see that you are in desperate need of the Sword of Binding even without an explanation. But unfortunately, I can't lend you the Sword of Binding without the permission of the Einhasad shrine. It is just to make sure that the sword doesn't get in the hands of the betrayers from Shilen. According to the legend, this sword has the power to seal the Black magic creatures, but it can also be the key to freeing them.

Go and meet Priest Vadin in Town of Oren. If you have his permission that you can use the Sword of Binding, I shall gladly lend it to you.

If you wish to use the Sword of Binding, you need the sanction of the shrine. Go to Priest Vadin in Town of Oren and get his permission.

Why are you trying to use the Sword of Binding? The drevanul, Zeruel? I never heard of such monster. But I can tell from your desperate look that you are not telling a lie. I shall give you a trial. If you complete this, I will approve that your resolution and faith are firm, and give you the permission by the church.

Listen carefully. Recently the number of pilgrims who are visiting the great shrine of Town of Aden is growing day by day. Likewise, those wicked Orcs who are trying to take advantage of the pilgrims are gathering also. The Tamlin Orcs of southern Town of Aden are such people. Kill them and bring 20 Tamlin Orc Village Amulets as a proof. This is the trial that the shrine invests you.

Good job! You have proven you faith. I shall give you the permission to use the Sword of Binding. Take this to Sir Karol Vasper.

Didn't I already give you the permission? Go now to Sir Karol Vasper receive the sword. Punish the creatures of hell in the name of the church.

With the power of light, give the children of darkness severe punishment! This is the shrine's will, as well as a duty for the followers of Einhasad!

A sanction from the shrine! Then I shall lend you theSword of Binding. I hope that you punish the creature that you are chasing after in the name of light!

It looks like you are still chasing after the creature. I hope that you punish the creature that you are chasing after in the name of light!

Just at the moment when Zeruel was about to be freed, I mustered all my magical power and activated the sealing spell again. But if I lose my concentration for even just one second, all the other demons, not to mention Zeruel himself, will pour out from the box.

The one who holds the key to seal the box permanently is Zeruel himself. We must take the key back from him. And lock him back in there. To do so, we need 2 things. One is theSword of Binding, and the other is the Soul-trap Crystal... If we can put these 2 things in our hands, we'll be able to bring Zeruel down and lock his spirit back into the box.

You''ll be able to get Sword of Binding from Sir Karol Vasper in Gludin Village. I will write you a letter explaining the situation. But I bet he shall not lend the sword to people who are studying Witchcraft... Do whatever you can to win his trust and borrow the sword from him.

As for the Soul-trap Crystal, Master Iker of Giran Castle Town is taking care of it. Go and ask her to lend you the crystal. She also has hostile attitude to Witchcraft, but if she sees that the situation is desperate, I believe that she will help us.

Meanwhile I will perform the searching spell to find out the locations of Zeruel. Please hurry! Although Zeruel is still weak, once he gathers his strength back, no one will be able to resist him!

Hurry! Give me the crystal and the key! My will power is reaching its limits! We cannot delay any longer...!!!

I command thee, devil trapped in the prison of spirits! I speak in the name of Gran Kain, ruler of all darkness that thou shall return to where you come from!

Chain of heaven which ties up the evil creatures of shadow, I order you in the name of Einhasad's light, may the sealing of the seraph restrict the evil spirit forever!

The spell is now done. Hurry! The key!

The prison of spirits shall be sealed in the name of I, Orim of the Shadow! It's done. The spirits of Zeruel is locked inside the box and the box is sealed with the magic of light. The 6 jewels that function as the lock, shall be safely kept by me.

As for the sword and crystal, I shall return them to their owners. ...but I still can't get rid of this nasty feeling that somebody is watching us. Did you ever receive an unwanted gift from anyone?

The necklace of Master Iker? How obstinate of her, indeed! I shall get rid of this necklace right away. The Wizards of the Ivory Tower have been watching us all along with this necklace.

Thank you very much, anyway. And sorry, also. Because of my arrogance and carelessness there could have been a great disaster. Thanks to you, we could barely escape the situation. I am the one to blame. I couldn't read the demon's tricks and I was blinded by the greediness for knowledge... I can't blame the devil itself either. He was just true to his dark instincts of provoking death and destruction. After all, the Wizard who couldn't control that power, is to blame...