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The ancient elven ruins were unlike anything William had imagined. Instead of towering structures and sprawling cities, he found a series of elegant arches and smooth, white marble edifices, all nestled within a surprisingly compact area.

Professor James, sensing their surprise, explained, "The most fascinating aspect of these Snow Elves is their preference for subterranean living."

A chorus of "wows" erupted from the students. William, too, was intrigued. He had always pictured elves dwelling in treetop cities, their homes woven amongst the branches of ancient forests. This subterranean civilization challenged his preconceptions.

Professor Martha added, "It's important to remember that this was specific to the Snow Elves. Different elven cultures had vastly different ways of life, and even within the same culture, there could be significant variations."

"First, we'll set up camp here, in front of the ruins," Professor James instructed, his voice carrying a note of authority. "We've had a long journey, and these ruins could hold hidden dangers. It's best to rest and prepare before venturing inside."

The students, though eager to explore, readily agreed. Altair, however, fidgeted with barely-contained excitement.

"Do you think it will be dangerous?" he asked William, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I've always wanted to explore ancient ruins, to learn more about the elves. My parents used to tell stories about their mysterious powers and hidden cities."

William shared his enthusiasm. "It's possible there's danger lurking within," he admitted, securing his tent stakes, "but with two professors to guide us, we should be fine. As long as we're careful."

"I suppose," Altair replied, a hint of nervous excitement still lingering in his voice.

With their camp established, they enjoyed a hearty meal and prepared for their descent into the unknown. The students were divided into two groups, one led by Professor James, the other by Professor Martha. William and Altair found themselves under Martha's guidance.

As they approached the ruins, Professor James, his passion for history evident, began his lecture.

"You might be wondering why there are structures here on the surface if these elves lived underground," he said, gesturing towards the marble arches. "The fascinating thing is that these structures were once invisible!"

A wave of astonishment rippled through the students.

"The only reason we can see them now," James continued, "is that the magical formation that cloaked them has degraded. This entire complex was once hidden from sight, a clever defense mechanism to ensure the true entrance remained undiscovered."

William traced his fingers along the smooth marble, marveling at the ingenuity of the elven magic.

"How long ago did this cloaking magic fail?" he asked, curiosity piqued. Read exclusive content at empire

"We estimate about a year, perhaps two," James replied. "It took us some time to locate these ruins, primarily because of their remote location."

That region, nestled deep within the mountains, was largely unexplored, its treacherous terrain and harsh climate deterring most travelers. The presence of dangerous magical beasts and the lack of civilization made it a perilous destination. Only the proximity of Snowpeak Academy had prompted Professor James and his fellow researchers to venture into its depths, their curiosity outweighing the risks.

After a brief overview of the site's history and significance, they prepared to enter the ruins. At the heart of the surface structures, a hidden entrance beckoned, a doorway adorned with intricate elven script. Professor James paused before it, his eyes gleaming with a scholar's passion.

"This is elven writing," he explained, tracing the elegant symbols with his fingers. "Though an ancient language, we still possess some surviving texts, allowing us to decipher its meaning." He puffed out his chest slightly, pride evident in his voice. "I took the liberty of learning it myself, to aid in my research."

The students stared at him with newfound admiration. James, despite his youth, had already proven himself a capable instructor and a dedicated scholar. He had mastered a complex language to further his understanding of the past, a testament to his dedication.

'He's truly impressive,' William thought, his respect for the young professor growing.

James placed his hand on the inscription, murmuring words in the ancient elven tongue. The symbols glowed with a soft light, and the door slowly swung inward, revealing a descending staircase carved from the same white marble as the surrounding structures.

"Shall we?" James asked, a smile playing on his lips.

He led the way, his excitement palpable. Though this wasn't his first foray into the ruins, the prospect of sharing its wonders with his students filled him with a sense of anticipation. Prior expeditions had confirmed the relative safety of the site, ensuring that these first-year students wouldn't face undue danger.

The students, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of their Candlelight spells, descended the staircase, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous space.

The darkness was absolute, the silence broken only by their hushed whispers. William understood why James had prioritized the seemingly simple spell; without it, they would be stumbling blindly, their torches a meager defense against the encroaching shadows.

"Proceed with caution," James instructed, his voice echoing in the darkness, "but do not worry. Our initial explorations suggest these ruins are safe."

The initial descent was monotonous, a seemingly endless tunnel spiraling downwards. But after fifteen minutes of steady progress, the monotony gave way to a choice. Three distinct paths diverged before them, each shrouded in shadow and mystery.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"We've only explored one of these paths so far," James explained, his voice echoing in the confined space. "For now, we'll stick to the familiar route."

The expedition's primary goals were twofold: to introduce the students to the wonders of the elven ruins and to collect artifacts and knowledge for further research. While James and his team had previously confirmed the safety of this particular path, they had yet to fully document its contents or retrieve any items for study.

They chose the rightmost path, their Candlelight spells illuminating the way. The tunnel opened into a vast cavern, its ceiling lost in the shadows. Before them stood a magnificent temple, its grandeur defying the subterranean setting.

Massive columns supported the towering structure, a grand staircase leading towards its imposing entrance. William was reminded of the ancient Greek temples he had studied back on Earth, but this elven edifice dwarfed even those impressive constructions.

As they ascended the stairs, a sense of awe washed over the students. The sheer scale of the temple, its intricate carvings and elegant design, filled them with a sense of wonder.

"We believe this was a place of worship and ritual," James explained, his voice hushed with reverence. "During our previous exploration, we discovered numerous books, scrolls, and other artifacts within. Those will be our primary focus today."

Upon entering the temple, the students were awestruck by the sheer volume of artifacts and relics within. Numerous chambers branched off from the central hall, some empty, others furnished with elven craftsmanship: intricately carved furniture, shelves overflowing with books and scrolls, and even an armory displaying ancient elven weaponry.

William's eyes were drawn to a magnificent sword, its blade gleaming as if freshly forged. "This sword looks brand new," he remarked, tracing its intricate design. "It doesn't make sense, considering how much time has passed."

Martha, observing his fascination, nodded. "Indeed," she explained. "The elves used a unique material in their weaponsmithing. This blade is likely still incredibly sharp. We can certainly take it back for study, though I doubt you'll be allowed to keep it for yourself." She knew William favored a blend of magic and swordsmanship, his combat style incorporating both physical and magical prowess.

William, though momentarily disappointed, shrugged it off. He had his demonic sword, a weapon with untold potential. "Of course," he replied. "It should be studied." He knew that even without claiming the elven blade for himself, the knowledge gained from its analysis would be invaluable.

The students, their excitement palpable, dispersed throughout the temple, carefully collecting artifacts and documenting their findings. William, however, couldn't shake a sense of unease. He caught fleeting glimpses of shadows flitting at the edge of his vision, a subtle whisper of movement that sent shivers down his spine. He dismissed it as fatigue or an overactive imagination, but the feeling lingered.

They made repeated trips back to the carriages, their packs laden with elven relics. The process was slow and methodical, but no one was in a hurry. They had stumbled upon a treasure trove of knowledge, a window into a lost civilization. But on the second day, their peaceful exploration took a sinister turn.