Idle Mage: Humanity's Strongest Backer
chapter-325

Ashton had been traveling with the caravan for two days, and his anticipation of reaching the Ruins of Ashenfort was growing stronger with each passing moment. The caravan had just entered a dense forest, and the trees grew closer together, casting a shadowy canopy over the road. Ashton looked around curiously, committing the scenery to his memory while it was still peaceful.

Suddenly, the caravan came to a halt, and Ashton started frowning. He knew that they were getting close to the ruins, and he could feel the dark energy emanating from the area. The caravan leader stepped off his wagon and approached Ashton.

"We'll be entering the Ruins of Ashenfort soon," he said, his voice low and serious. "Be prepared for anything. The demons here are ruthless and will stop at nothing to destroy us."

Ashton nodded, gripping his staff tightly. With him around, there shouldn't be any threats to their safety but it wouldn't hurt to be sure. So, started casting spells silently, giving each member of the caravan some sort of protection just in case things go awry.

The caravan leader signaled for the rest of the group to follow, and they continued their journey.

As they traveled deeper into the forest, Ashton could sense the presence of demons all around them. The air grew thick with a foul stench, and he could hear the faint sound of demonic whispers in the distance. His frown deepened because he could sense several shadowy figures circling the caravan as if they were curious about it.

Suddenly, a demon leaped out from behind a tree, and Ashton acted quickly, unleashing a powerful blast of fire from his staff. The demon shrieked in agony as it burst into flames and crumbled to the ground.

Ashton knew that this was only the beginning, and he steeled himself for what was to come. The caravan continued on, battling their way through hordes of demons as they pressed closer to the ruins. Ashton fought while paying attention to the rest of his companions, using his magic to protect himself and his fellow travelers.

Finally, they reached the entrance to the ruins, and Ashton could feel the dark energy emanating from within.

"We're here." The leader of the caravan said to Ashton. He saw Ashton getting off and couldn't help but ask: "Are you sure about this? Pardon me but for the safety of the rest, we won't come back for you even if you begged us to."

"I'll be fine, don't worry about me. I'm way stronger than you think." Ashton smirked despite their obvious concern.

He paid for the fees and as a bonus, he blessed the caravan with a protection spell that would last until they reach the next village. After doing that, the caravan continued on their way.

Ashton watched as the caravan disappeared into the distance, leaving him alone with the ruins. The place was desolate, with crumbling stone walls and overgrown weeds. The air was thick with the smell of decay, and he could feel the darkness of the ruins pressing in on him.

He took a deep breath and began to explore, keeping his staff at the ready. The ruins were vast, with countless corridors and rooms to search. Ashton knew that he had to be careful, as demons could still be lurking in the shadows.

As he walked, Ashton couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the ruins. The architecture was ancient, with intricate carvings and designs etched into the stone walls. He felt a sense of reverence for the past, wondering what kind of people had once called this place home.

The Ruins of Ashenfort stood as a testament to a time long forgotten, a relic of a forgotten era when powerful mages roamed the land...at least that's what Fey History says. However, it was now a place of darkness, corruption, and death. The ruins were a sprawling complex, with ancient stone structures that towered high into the sky, surrounded by a thick, impenetrable forest that seemed to swallow up any light that dared to pierce its shadows.

The ruins were a place of demonic corruption, with a dark energy that permeated the air. The very stones themselves seemed to writhe with the presence of the demonic influence, as if they were alive and eager to claim any unwary souls that dared to enter their domain.

The trees surrounding the ruins were gnarled and twisted, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers toward anyone who passed by. The leaves were withered and blackened, and the forest floor was littered with bones and other remnants of those who had ventured too close.

The entrance to the ruins was marked by a massive stone archway, carved with images of twisted and tortured souls, their screams etched forever into the stone. Beyond the archway, the ruins opened up into a sprawling labyrinth of chambers, corridors, and catacombs, all shrouded in darkness and filled with the stench of decay.

The walls of the ruins were etched with dark symbols and runes, the very fabric of reality twisted and corrupted by demonic magic. Strange whispers could be heard in the darkness, as if the demons themselves were speaking to those who dared to venture into their domain.

Despite the danger, the ruins were still a place of great power and knowledge. Ancient tomes and relics could be found hidden away in the deepest corners of the ruins, powerful artifacts that could grant great power to any who possessed them.

But the price of that knowledge was high. The demons that roamed the ruins were savage and bloodthirsty, eager to claim any who dared to intrude on their territory. They moved through the darkness with silent grace, their eyes burning with the fires of hell, their claws and teeth sharpened to a deadly edge.

For those who dared to enter the Ruins of Ashenfort, the risks were great. But for those who were willing to face the darkness and confront the demons that lurked within, the rewards could be even greater. Power and knowledge awaited those brave enough to seek it out, but they would have to face the horrors of the ruins head-on if they hoped to claim their prize.

'Hmm, and it would seem that this place isn't so fond of visitors either.' Ashton mused to himself after sensing a presence looming behind him.

Ignoring the skeletal remains nearby, a rather gruesome warning for those who intend to explore this place, Ashton calmly turned around to face the thing that was trying to scare him.

Suddenly, Ashton heard a faint whisper, and he almost smiled upon hearing that. He knew that it could be a demon, but his curiosity got the best of him. He followed the sound, his footsteps echoing through the empty halls.

As he turned a corner, Ashton came face to face with a demon. It was tall and menacing, with razor-sharp claws and a gaping maw filled with sharp teeth. Ashton raised his staff and prepared for battle.

The demon lunged at him, but Ashton was quick on his feet, dodging the attack and retaliating with a blast of ice magic. The demon shrieked in pain as it was frozen solid, and Ashton used his staff to shatter it into a million pieces.

"Fragile. It also didn't have false immortality. A lesser demon at best." Ashton commented after killing the lurking demon he encountered.

He sensed his surroundings and discovered that there were no other demons around, for now at least. So, while he still have time, Ashton decided to start his exploration.

If he wants to cleanse this place of demonic influence, he has to trace it back to where it is coming from.

He began his investigation by examining the surrounding area. The ruins were situated on a rocky outcropping overlooking a vast expanse of forest, and Ashton could feel the weight of the ruins' history bearing down upon him.

Ashton began to move towards the ruins themselves, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. The ruins themselves were made up of a series of crumbling walls and pillars, their surfaces scarred by centuries of neglect and demonic corruption.

As he moved deeper into the ruins, Ashton could feel the presence of dark magic growing stronger. The air was thick with the scent of brimstone and sulfur, and the sounds of scuttling creatures echoed through the halls.

Ashton began to examine the various rooms and passageways, searching for any clues as to the source of the ruins' corruption. He found evidence of demonic rituals and dark magic everywhere he looked, and he knew that he was on the right track.

Finally, after hours of searching, Ashton discovered the five seals. They were unlike anything he had ever seen before, their intricate designs pulsating with a malevolent energy that seemed to seep into his very bones.

"Looks like a work of cultists..." Ashton commented upon seeing them.

The seals released a sinister and utterly demonic energy. Ashton has no doubts that these seals are connected to the Netherworld, functioning as entries for demons to pour into this place and corrupt it down to the core.

But now that he had the seals in sight, that means that Ashton now knows where to start.

"Okay, let's begin."