Echo Of Infinity: 100× exp

The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 20 - Whispers of the Wyrm

Kael’s stock within the lower ranks of the Guild rose fractionally after the Mirewood patrol. He was still 'artifact kid', but one who had survived a Scaleshaper encounter alongside Grak and Silky. He was invited to join a couple of Iron Rank dungeon crawls – mostly clearing out Goblins or Kobolds from abandoned mines near the city.

He applied Elara's advice diligently. He focused on teamwork, using his [Shadow Scout] senses overtly ("Hear that? Scrabbling ahead, sounds like Kobolds." or "Ground feels unstable here, watch your step.") He showcased 'improving' swordsmanship, executing clean parries and basic combos that looked like progress for his displayed Lv. 11-12 [Swift Blade]. When moments of higher speed or perception were needed, he'd subtly clutch the Resonance Stone he now wore on a cord under his tunic, allowing others to potentially attribute the boost to the 'unpredictable artifact'.

It seemed to work. Suspicious glances lessened, replaced by grudging acceptance. He was seen as lucky and erratic, but useful. All the while, his real power soared. Defeating dozens of Tier 0/1 Kobolds and Goblins in quick succession during dungeon crawls, even with minimal base EXP per kill, resulted in massive gains via the Accumulator.

His core classes reached new heights: [Swift Blade Lv. 18], [Shadow Scout Lv. 17], [Mana Weaver Lv. 16]. He was solidly mid-Tier 1 in his real capabilities, possessing skills and attributes far exceeding anyone else at Iron Rank, yet forced to operate as a low-level adventurer.

One evening, while reviewing quest postings in the crowded Guild Hall main room, Kael's [Enhanced Hearing] picked up fragments of a hushed conversation nearby. Two grizzled adventurers, their gear speaking of long careers and high Tiers (at least Tier 3, Kael guessed), were talking near a secluded table.

"...third caravan this month vanished near the Dragon's Tooth peaks," one, a Dwarf with a scarred face, muttered into his ale. "No tracks, no wreckage, just... gone."

"Aye," replied his companion, a human woman with ranger leathers and a weathered bow. "Not bandits. Bandits leave signs. This is clean. Too clean. Smells like high-level magic, or..." she lowered her voice further, "...something *else* up there. Something big, and hungry."

"The locals whisper about the 'Wyrm'," the Dwarf grumbled. "Old legends mostly. Mountain drakes, sky terrors. Thought they were just stories to scare tourists."

"Maybe not just stories anymore," the Ranger replied grimly. "Guild's posting exploratory bounties, but no one's eager to poke around Dragon's Tooth right now, not with entire caravans disappearing."

Kael felt a thrill course through him. Dragon's Tooth Peaks. Vanishing caravans. Whispers of a Wyrm. This sounded like a high-Tier problem, far beyond his current rank or believable capability. Yet, the mystery resonated with the part of him craving challenges worthy of his hidden power. He mentally filed away the location and the sparse details.

Just then, Finn approached him, no longer needing the crutch but still walking with a slight limp. The Scribe had been assigned administrative duties while recovering but often sought Kael out, seemingly fascinated by the 'artifact kid'.

"Kael! Looking for a quest?" Finn asked cheerfully. "Elara has something she thought might suit your... unique talents."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Minor investigation," Finn explained, lowering his voice slightly. "Remember those mana pebbles from the Scaleshaper? Guild Analysts found traces of elemental resonance that doesn't match typical Goblin or Lizardfolk shamanism. It's faint, possibly corrupted, but it has echoes of... Crystalline Magic."

Kael blinked. Crystalline Magic? That was rare, often associated with ancient races or specific geological locations. He knew the basics – it involved manipulating crystal lattices for energy focusing or constructs. It was also notoriously difficult to learn and control.

"There's an old, abandoned Crystallin Quarry about a day's ride north of here," Finn continued. "Long defunct. Elara wants someone to discreetly check it out. See if there's any residual energy, strange crystals, or signs of recent activity that might explain the Scaleshaper's pebbles. Nothing dangerous expected, just reconnaissance." He gave Kael a knowing look. "Requires observation, maybe some careful navigation. Sounds like a job for a good [Shadow Scout], right?"

Kael understood the unspoken message. It was a test. A chance for him to use his scouting skills legitimately, gather information, and perhaps practice revealing minor findings without resorting to unbelievable 'surges'. It was also a potential lead, however faint, connecting back to the strange magic he'd encountered.

"Alright, Finn," Kael said, taking the preliminary quest docket. "I'm in. When do I leave?"

"Tomorrow morning," Finn smiled. "Good luck, Kael. Don't find *too* much trouble."

Kael pocketed the docket, his mind already racing. An abandoned quarry, strange crystals, Crystalline Magic echoes... It felt like a thread, pulling him towards something unknown.




Publishment Date:  8/4/2025