The capital of Luminaria, Solaris, was a city bathed in sunlight, known as the center of magic and artistry. Merslin and his companions arrived in Solaris, their goal clear—to obtain permission from King Lucian III to activate the next Waypoint.
Upon reaching the palace, they were escorted to the king's chamber, where King Lucian III awaited them. His voice was deep and commanding as he greeted them.
"Merslin, and your companions. Welcome to Solaris," the king said. "However, before I grant permission for the Waypoint's activation, there is an urgent matter at hand. The nobles of this kingdom are plotting a rebellion."
Merslin listened carefully and then nodded. "Your Majesty, we will take care of the noble rebellion. Once the matter is resolved, please grant us permission to activate the Waypoint."
The king remained silent for a moment, contemplating their offer. Finally, he spoke. "Very well. Prove your worth. Either persuade the nobles or stop them by force."
The Noble Rebellion
Merslin and his party began their investigation, locating the fortress in the northern outskirts of the capital where the rebellious nobles were gathering.
Upon arrival, they found the noble leaders, their expressions filled with resentment and defiance.
"Who dares interfere with our cause?!" one of the noble leaders bellowed.
Merslin kept his voice calm. "We come as envoys of the king. We wish to discuss the situation for the sake of the kingdom's future."
The noble leader scowled. "Why should we listen to you? The king has ignored our voices for too long!"
Merslin knew that diplomacy would be difficult. "We all desire the same thing—the prosperity of Luminaria. Division will only weaken us. The king is willing to listen, but only if we work together, not against one another."
Despite his words, the nobles remained defiant. As tensions escalated, Merslin signaled his companions—it was time for a different approach.
Serena took action.
Wearing a cloak enchanted with shadow magic, she silently infiltrated the fortress and sought out the rebellion's ringleader. Moving like a phantom, she struck with deadly precision—her dagger piercing his heart in an instant.
Without a sound, the noble leader collapsed.
Serena swiftly returned to Merslin and the others. "The leader has been eliminated. Now, we deal with the rest."
Merslin turned back to the remaining nobles and declared, "Your leader has fallen. Lay down your arms and seek peace before more blood is shed."
A wave of confusion and uncertainty spread among the nobles. Serena and Elena seized the moment, continuing the negotiations.
"Enough conflict," Serena said. "The kingdom needs your wisdom and leadership, not your swords."
Realizing their position was now precarious, the nobles reluctantly surrendered. With the rebellion dissolved, they accompanied Merslin's party back to the palace.
King Lucian's Approval
Upon hearing of their success, King Lucian III rose from his throne, visibly pleased.
"You have resolved a crisis that could have threatened the kingdom. As promised, I grant you permission to activate the Waypoint."
With this official approval, Merslin and his party headed to the Solaris Magic Academy, where Archmage Elara Lumis awaited them.
"To activate the Waypoint, you must pass the trials set by ancient magic," Elara explained.
Trials of the Magus
The first trial was a magic puzzle.
Elena swiftly analyzed the symbols, guiding Merslin in solving the intricate sequences.
"This puzzle contains the essence of ancient spells," Elena murmured. "We must be careful."
With careful precision, they aligned the symbols, and the sealed door creaked open.
The second trial was a combat test.
Elara summoned formidable illusionary warriors to test their battle skills.
"This is no ordinary practice fight," Elena warned.
Merslin unleashed ice magic to block their attacks while Elena countered with lightning strikes. Their teamwork overwhelmed the illusions, proving their combat prowess.
The final trial was to activate an ancient magic circle.
Standing before the ancient rune-inscribed floor, Merslin and Elena synchronized their incantations.
The runes began glowing brilliantly, signifying success.
"You have passed all trials," Elara declared. "You now have the authority to activate the Waypoint."
The Second Waypoint Activation
With permission granted, Merslin and his party returned to the palace, where the Waypoint stood dormant.
Gathering around the ancient magical sigil, they began channeling their magic.
The Luminaria royal mages and nobles looked on in awe as the sigil began to hum with power.
As the Waypoint activated, a radiant light surged through the sigil, forming a gateway pulsating with arcane energy.
"This… this is incredible," one of the palace mages whispered.
Lawrence of Eisengard, who had traveled to witness the event, stepped forward. "So the legends were true… The Waypoint exists."
King Lucian III regarded Merslin with newfound respect. "You have accomplished a great feat. The Waypoint of Solaris is now awakened."
Merslin nodded, determination in his eyes. "Now, we must journey to the Elven Forest and activate the next Waypoint."
The Journey Continues
With the second Waypoint successfully activated, Merslin and his companions prepared for their next mission.
They had taken yet another step toward unlocking the Dimensional Gate.
But with greater knowledge came greater danger… and the secrets hidden within the Waypoints were yet to be revealed.