As the adventurers approached the tower, Milo rushed to activate his Robes of Disguise, and looked in the mirror. Young Wulfric looked as impressive as before - tall, handsome, clad in white robes decorated with streaks of golden metal. Milo held the illusionary staff in the same hand he held his real one, causing the illusion to mask its appearance. He modulated his voice with the sound rune, straightened his posture, put on a noble and condescending expression. Ready to play the role.
"Alright, let's do this by the book," he heard Thadeous speak outside. "Anti-divination wards are still strong here, so I won't be able to scan for life or magic. Kinetic wards are weaker, I can bend them enough for you to enter."
"Right. Then we sweep the levels, mark any anomalies, you write your report, we're home by supper." replied Valorian.
"Why do you always assume that I will be the one writing the report? They don't teach literacy at the Paladin Academy anymore?"
"You're a wizard, isn't that your whole... hey! Who's that? Stand back!" Valorian glared at Milo, who chose this moment to open the door to the tower and greet them.
"Good day, fellow heroes!" Milo put as much confidence as he could into his voice, stepping into the light and striking the most heroic pose he practiced.
The elf gasped. "By the shine of the void, you look like the spitting image of..."
"Wulfric!" finished Thadeous. "But... how? You have been missing for years!"
"No, Thadeous," said the elf, "This is not Wulfric, much too young... this is... are you...?"
"Indeed," gambled Milo, "It is I, Sebastian Runekeeper, the son of Wulfric Runekeeper. Well met."
"I can't believe it! Wulfric had a son?" said Thadeous, confused.
"Apparently," replied the elf. "He was always reclusive and secretive, his life was a mystery even before he disappeared."
"You speak true," said Milo, "My father had many secrets, and even more enemies. He thought it prudent to keep me and my mother hidden, far out of reach of their evil schemes."
The elven archer stepped forward. "My name is Silvara, these are my companions, Thadeous and Valorian. It is an honor to meet the son of the great Sage Supreme. What brings you to these forsaken lands?"
"Search for my missing father, of course!" improvised Milo. "I come here, to the lair of his mortal enemy, in search for the clues to his disappearance, and to continue his noble mission. I shall reclaim this place from the clutches of darkness, I shall ensure the light shines brightly upon these lands!" Milo did his best to tear up, and managed to make a single tear streak down his cheek. He stared blankly at the horizon. "I will find you, father. I will find you."
The adventurers looked at each other awkwardly, unsure what to say to this.
Valorian spoke first. "It is an honor to meet you, Sebastian. Me and my companions are here on the quest from the guild, to investigate the reports of the recent activity in this tower. We saw evidence of goblins darkening these lands with their presence, which, as you understand, is concerning. This jungle is filled with all sorts of foul creatures, if they dare to show themselves in the human lands once more, they must be banished back swiftly and decisively."
"I am well aware of the goblins," said Milo. "Worry not my friend, I will deal with this problem. I have claimed this worthless, abandoned tower in the name of the light. I vow to purge it from evil, bend its power in service of everything that's right and good. I will oversee these lands and ensure peace in this region. For Wulfric!"
"For Wulfric!" reflexively echoed the adventurers.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing, kid?" asked Thadeous with concern. "For decades this place has been corrupted by one of the most dastardly wizards known, and not just him. The notorious swamp witch Grizelda used to live nearby, until we finally managed to capture and send her to the redemption center. The swamps are still filled with her traps and curses. Kobolds, spiders, and orcs continue to infest the jungle. For all our efforts, these are wild lands, and always will be."
"Be not afraid, friend!" said Milo, channeling mana into the light rune, making the rays of light pour out of it for effect. "My father taught me well. I'm as equipped to deal with the darkness as any hero, and more so. All the worrying signs you mention mean only one thing - that I am needed here. But shall I need any help, I will call upon you. And, in an hour of need, you may call upon me as well."
"You speak well," said Valarion. "So, we will see you at the adventurer's guild at the end of the week, to celebrate your return!"
"In the adventurer's guild?" Milo hesitated.
"Surely you're a registered adventurer, just as any hero must be, are you not?" Valarion narrowed his eyes.
"Of course I am!" said Milo indignantly. "How dare you even question that, my paperwork has always been impeccable!"
"I apologize, my friend, I did not mean to insult your honor. Of course. So it is settled, we shall see each other at the private shindig on the guild's grounds, I'm looking forward to introducing all my friends to the son of the great Wulfric!"
With that, the adventurers turned their lizards around and departed.
Once they were gone, Milo shut down all the mana-consuming effects. He sat down on the porch of the tower, shivering and wiping cold sweat from his forehead. This was the most terrifying and exhilirating conversation has has ever experienced. Great, so now I'll have to somehow obtain the adventuring license and infiltrate the private guild party filled with heroes? Nope, not my problem. That is something for tomorrow's Milo to deal with. That poor guy.
Milo went off to find Olof, who was still hiding out in the bushes where Valorian dropped him. Olof easily could've betrayed me, attempted to gain favor with the adventurers, Milo thought, and yet he lied despite being interrogated by three terrifying heroes. Maybe there's more to the goblins than meets the eye. He invited the still whimpering goblin into his tower, and fed him all the fish stew he deserved.
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