「斯特拉德大人,我們的土地、我們的先賢。你們這群德魯伊看見大人,不出來迎接,竟然妄想以武器攻擊?還不趕快把手上的武器丟了!」81Please respect copyright.PENANAqf3ZqH8ZG0
81Please respect copyright.PENANAKBDQHWtb5B
德魯伊們舉起武器的手紛紛放下,畏懼又敬重的目光不敢直視造訪的斯特拉德,誠惶誠恐地跪下身姿,趴伏在地面,低喃著無法聽清的話語。計策看似成功了,德魯伊們卸下戒備,膜拜他們所敬重的土地、先賢,高聲歌頌領主名諱,呼喚這唯一能辨明的字詞。81Please respect copyright.PENANAU91TKVbWZY
81Please respect copyright.PENANAZfkEQAbngH
在整齊劃一的謳歌中,傳來一聲突兀的淒厲嚎叫,似疑惑,似控訴。81Please respect copyright.PENANA5MBxfdyVQf
81Please respect copyright.PENANAYK0wauVkAK
「看來有人在我的土地上不聽從我的命令!」81Please respect copyright.PENANAn3VWcPHz2K
81Please respect copyright.PENANAVG5lmIESGu
其中一名德魯伊無視斥責,朝跪伏在地的同袍尖聲吶喊,手中法杖猛力指向幻影,吼叫著專屬於德魯伊的語言——他識破了假象,正試圖喚醒被迷惑的同伴們。81Please respect copyright.PENANAs88R3j2nTB
81Please respect copyright.PENANAS7GSkvlLAv
「將那個頑劣惡徒處理掉!」幻影的號令下,德魯伊們群起撲向那名形影單隻的男人,奪取他的武器、壓制他單薄的軀體,男人不及反抗的哀號掩沒在暴戾與血腥中。81Please respect copyright.PENANA7GGUfs7hoy
81Please respect copyright.PENANAQNkvJw92dE
喀拉。81Please respect copyright.PENANAqkX2scXdQY
81Please respect copyright.PENANAsdyDx9iDrR
不知是何人發出的聲響,雖然外側的我們很快地藏回石壁後方,仍是吸引了部分德魯伊的注意。只聽見探查的腳步逐漸逼近,下一秒,熟悉的光芒籠罩我與阿姆塔特的周身,銀白火焰迅速灼燒我們的身軀。敵人的攻擊沒有停歇,下一發魔法隨即襲來,冰霜般的劍刃刺穿龍裔的手臂,迸裂的寒冰衝上我的肌膚,刺骨的寒意滲透肌理,擴散全身。81Please respect copyright.PENANAadGcbXjz1m
81Please respect copyright.PENANAgeFV9sgJCL
猝不及防的襲擊沖散了所有人,無法看見其他人的動向,但與龍裔對視一眼後,我們立刻默契地予以反擊。炙熱的火焰追上阿姆塔特投擲的標槍,迫使靠近的德魯伊止步於石圈入口。歐爾綻放著火紅雙翅自空中滑翔而來,灼熱的飛羽點燃所有近身之人,狂暴的龍吼劃破空氣,伴隨猛力的斬擊朝敵人劈砍。81Please respect copyright.PENANA1nCDP6vHtt
81Please respect copyright.PENANAXCFRgWEyxL
「放肆!」當其中一名德魯伊重傷跪地時,斯特拉德低沉狠戾的嗓音再次響起,「全部給我停手!外頭的人都是我的隨從,誰準你們恣意攻擊?」肯奇操控幻影繼續施加壓力與威嚇,德魯伊們宛若卑微的僕役,殺意被膽怯取代,匍匐在地請求主人的寬恕。81Please respect copyright.PENANA44bGVIka4j
81Please respect copyright.PENANAbtvENM4aPV
吟遊詩人喝令他們終止儀式、破壞草木塑造的巨型樹人,「把寶石取下,在我允許前不准輕舉妄動。」幻象陰沉的雙目有如俯視微小螻蟻,僅有一次的會面,依然讓他準確習得吸血鬼領主的言詞神韻。不敢違命的兩名德魯伊攀上巨樹枝藤,此刻我才得以近距離仰望這尊龐大地近乎詭異的樹像,胸口處的綠色寶石宛若心臟般明滅閃爍,底下的鬚根好似隨時拔起根脈,以排山倒海的姿態橫掃巴洛維亞大地。81Please respect copyright.PENANAQjzRvvr31y
81Please respect copyright.PENANAoVmOeCJ3tN
就在攀附的德魯伊即將觸摸到寶石時,異變徒生。81Please respect copyright.PENANAOSiYkrkk2U
81Please respect copyright.PENANAnycdwWrvlv
數道嘶啞的咒罵撕毀本欲安穩收場的平和,恢復清明的德魯伊看破了虛假偽裝,厲聲叫嚷著異族言語。他們衝向巨像,從懷中掏出匕首。81Please respect copyright.PENANAaQY8sbRRSk
81Please respect copyright.PENANAef4l9yDLjH
「阻止他們!」一股不祥的預感油然而生,我迅速吟詠咒文,將自己傳送到試圖自殘的德魯伊面前,飛快拍落其手中利器。81Please respect copyright.PENANALD25EYIpyd
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然而,還是太遲了。81Please respect copyright.PENANAnLNtMJoGhl
81Please respect copyright.PENANAUOuP10aELG
一名德魯伊將兵器刺入胸膛,倒臥在巨樹底下;即便銅鬚使用神術束縛另一人的行動,露希亞精準的箭矢阻撓傷重蹣跚的步伐,依舊不足以阻擋所有人。81Please respect copyright.PENANAHDNghkYcD3
81Please respect copyright.PENANAHvEgXPdlEB
鮮血灑落,深埋土壤的根鬚彷彿有生命般汲取腥紅液體。81Please respect copyright.PENANAut087DGsq6
81Please respect copyright.PENANA5xELr6FKBB
撲通。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZxv5qPMAD3
81Please respect copyright.PENANANfgK8dnoNj
某種躁動聲透過地表傳來⋯⋯81Please respect copyright.PENANAXvkZqIdV6f
81Please respect copyright.PENANAOxG3r7EOTm
撲通撲通撲通。81Please respect copyright.PENANASgIfPMEwpw
81Please respect copyright.PENANAqhWQtLnRO0
像是鼓跳的臟音,由緩慢的律動趨向快速的震盪。大地在顫動,雷光像是賦予生命力般,一次又一次地擊向樹頂,轟然響聲越加急促;彷彿能聽見呢喃的吟唱迴盪,仿若祝禱的囈語於石圈內環繞。81Please respect copyright.PENANA3dUBHQiMWq
81Please respect copyright.PENANAsih1KOnKvx
樹像正在復甦,已然無法休止。德魯伊的鮮血活絡它的肉驅,寶石的力量賦予了它活動的能力——我總算明瞭巨像的真身,這是甘提亞斯之樹的仿物,如同原生樹種的特質,以儀式魔法與血液灌養而成的怪物。81Please respect copyright.PENANAfLsh416h0Z
81Please respect copyright.PENANAQfFgzX1s7N
究竟犧牲了多少生命,才成就它龐大的形體?凹壑處填塞的不僅是漆黑土壤,當它蠢蠢欲動之時,流淌而下的黑色汁液更像是糜爛的腐肉。81Please respect copyright.PENANA9qrZtaYRzJ
81Please respect copyright.PENANAa8B7Wy5iiL
樹藤緩緩抽動,甩開攀爬的兩名德魯伊,尚未識清幻術的他們在落地後迷惘地看向斯特拉德,尋求領主的解惑與命令。81Please respect copyright.PENANAoq4rdLHEx4
81Please respect copyright.PENANA7jLi5ng5f8
摧毀這棵樹——肯奇透過假像釋出指令,驅趕始終困惑的他們,假借斯特拉德的名義允許我們攻擊。81Please respect copyright.PENANAXaLTVS9Xrr
81Please respect copyright.PENANApl18TWLEYj
「大家往後退!」我毫不猶豫地凝聚魔力,呼喚歐爾前來協助,共同釋放熾熱的烈焰。81Please respect copyright.PENANAWv6CzH5iUp
81Please respect copyright.PENANAZDqQY3BAdU
高熱的塑能能量在一聲轟然巨響中綻放火紅光芒,驚動了巨像,將它沉睡的意志喚醒,枝條藤蔓霎時如洪水猛獸般向空中伸展,痙攣似地抽動著。露希亞與伊莉娜的箭矢接連從高處射來,埋入樹體的羽箭成為武僧的著力點,丹丹靈動的手腳俐落地輕踏羽箭,足踏枝幹飛身緊抓揮舞的藤蔓,將積攢已久的氣力灌入,迅捷雙拳猛烈地擊打;同時間,阿姆塔特的巨劍在怒號聲中落下。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZioQpojWWG
81Please respect copyright.PENANA8eXGpa1wai
但是,即使在密集的攻勢下,樹像仍舊沒有停止動作,強勁的生命力驅使著它。地面龜裂,拔起的樹根翻湧巨浪般的奔流;空氣撼動,降下的軀殼拍響滔天般的震鳴。滯留於樹旁的幾名德魯伊,在難以抵擋的純粹力量前奉獻他們最後的禱詞,接著被陷落的土地吞噬。樹藤有意識地捕捉侵擾的敵襲,緊緊箝住攀附己身的武僧與閃避不及的龍裔。81Please respect copyright.PENANAukuZdXO1i0
81Please respect copyright.PENANApNTQWKr7JG
兩人的身體在空中擺盪,撞向四周石牆。我瞇起雙眼,尋找藤條纏繞舞動間的空隙,避開遭受困縛的同伴,準備施放第二波火球術。當我猶疑的指尖左右移動時,銅鬚的聲音自背後響起,「不用擔心,長耳朵!我會負責治療那兩個人,大膽地攻擊吧!」81Please respect copyright.PENANAVLlO1wrvAT
81Please respect copyright.PENANArzeBxCuRjf
說得可真輕鬆。我輕笑一聲,火焰再度襲向粗壯的枝幹,歐爾持續不斷地釋放能量,體型尚小的鳳凰靈活閃躲竄動的枝藤,挾帶熱浪席捲樹頂,將其觸鬚一一燒毀。丹丹奮力掙脫,撕裂緊纏的枝條,在露希亞的掩護下逃離又一波的攻勢。81Please respect copyright.PENANAznTwFMoJfS
81Please respect copyright.PENANArLmm1KWyvx
樹人開始搖晃,被蘋果與聰明豆子撕扯的鬚根逐漸支撐不住它的重量。81Please respect copyright.PENANA7iHOfhsKLn
81Please respect copyright.PENANA5uvnQWYFyU
趁現在!81Please respect copyright.PENANAZNaPCK7ByK
81Please respect copyright.PENANAJgVVxh5pWR
我抽出細劍衝向前,將魔力貫注於利刃之上,縈繞青焰的劍刃刺入失去氣根保護的樹體,鳳凰的火焰隨即襲向脆弱內裡。在一連串炸裂聲響中,斷裂的樹身頹然傾倒。81Please respect copyright.PENANAUKDTMCo7eD
81Please respect copyright.PENANAn1s5UuZlmq
「快躲開!」81Please respect copyright.PENANABlbKvtzSR0
81Please respect copyright.PENANAvDJqMYdC62
龐然巨物瞬間遮蓋我的視野,千鈞一髮之際,吟遊詩人撲向我,躲過坍塌的樹像。崩裂的枝藤枯條散落一地,堆積成廢墟般的瘡痍滿目,塵土瀰漫,嗆鼻的腥味充斥鼻端。在看清周圍人的安危前,不尋常的光線先一步奪去我的注目。81Please respect copyright.PENANAIdIWN02T4T
81Please respect copyright.PENANAH6G5vSsFhY
太陽照耀著飛揚塵埃,將細小灰土映照出點點光屑——在迷霧籠罩的巴洛維亞大陸,我第一次見到久違的陽光。樹怪凝聚的魔力衝破碎裂的軀殼,直奔天際;漆黑的烏雲散去,溫暖的日輪在雲朵後顯露光芒,儘管只是一小片清澈藍天,也是足以稱作奇蹟的景象。81Please respect copyright.PENANAQ7mSzbORWL
81Please respect copyright.PENANA5VgqARSBgD
「那是⋯⋯寶石的力量嗎?」隱約可見濃厚的雲層邊際閃爍綠色光點,能夠感受到殘存的能量在空中流轉。81Please respect copyright.PENANAe0lX3zlIxn
81Please respect copyright.PENANAyA3FANeOJQ
「所以,那顆寶石呢?」丹丹站上如山高的枯枝殘骸,四處張望,沾染泥灰的面孔滿是狼狽。81Please respect copyright.PENANASzk7V06j6u
81Please respect copyright.PENANA4qPblz6lW6
事實上,所有人皆是相同的。81Please respect copyright.PENANAYTHhYE1FIh
81Please respect copyright.PENANAtNAAklJblp
而現在我們苦尋不著寶石蹤跡。時間無法賦予我們更多餘裕,山坡下傳來號角吹響的鳴聲,揭示下一場戰役的到來;人馬雜沓的足音由遠而近,站在石牆高處的遊俠高聲警告,有眾多敵人從北方的土徑集結而來。81Please respect copyright.PENANALFWeciMNHZ
81Please respect copyright.PENANAz3sO3IMUsU
「銅鬚先生,你們打算怎麼做?」尤特的聲音響起,她與道格不知何時出現在我們身後,關押烏鴉的籠子已被悄悄開啟;正如露希亞所言,這是鴉人們沒有明說的真相。81Please respect copyright.PENANAOWQkqcn4SU
81Please respect copyright.PENANAx3fpMGmGDi
「我們以這座石堡為據點,守住入口。」經驗豐富的矮人道出臨時拼湊的計策,由我負責施展儀式,使用偵測魔法找尋隱沒在枯枝堆中的晶石,其他人應戰迎面而來的敵人,「尤特小姐、道格先生,你們也一起吧。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAnmtHCC8yVk
81Please respect copyright.PENANAwiDgSheikS
「不。」道格搖首,以從未見過的堅定眼神看向眾人,「我會前去阻擋部分敵人,我們擅長游擊,會盡可能減少你們的負擔。」81Please respect copyright.PENANABDI07B97bY
81Please respect copyright.PENANAB4O3xGY1z8
銅鬚面色猶疑,但仍然選擇尊重道格的意願。「我明白了,那讓多魯陪你們吧。雖然他是吸血鬼,但也正因他的特殊而有強大的戰力,他可以替你們帶來莫大幫助。」他拍了拍少年的肩膀,矮人的信任令多魯倍感榮譽,少年連連點頭應允了被授予的任務。81Please respect copyright.PENANAlT7RjmwV8u
81Please respect copyright.PENANAhmtaqHUvqa
「還有豆子!豆子也可以幫你們。」丹丹高聲嚷嚷,背起少女衝到他們面前,挺起驕傲的胸膛讚頌著妹妹的強大,又低頭輕聲與少女訴說了幾句勉勵的話語。81Please respect copyright.PENANAhqwbn8zIq3
81Please respect copyright.PENANAx7IN2kFzoA
四人組成的游擊小隊趁著敵人襲來前,自山崖躍下。當尤特與道格身體凌空時,他們的軀體產生變化,背脊張開黝黑的羽翼,全身覆滿羽毛,幻化為似人似禽的姿態,朝著森林俯衝而去。81Please respect copyright.PENANAJVCBnJrS04
81Please respect copyright.PENANAzCCWGOfOy4
剩下的人兵分二路,各別守住兩道出入口。我佇立在石墻中央,展開法術迴路,讓體內僅存的魔力與周身魔網相連結。陽光灑落的圓環內飄移著紊亂不堪的混濁能量,我集中精神,辨別、捕捉微弱的寶石訊號——每項魔法物品都有專屬於它們的魔網紋路,只要解明魔力訊息的構成,便能立刻尋得那枚重要晶石。81Please respect copyright.PENANAYf8MlgySQi
81Please respect copyright.PENANAkT0EJ3h6PA
耳邊傳來低沉的呢喃,殘存的兩名德魯伊來到我身邊,仰頭面向太陽祈禱。潛意識升起的戒備在肯奇和銅鬚的保證下解除,矮人以口型簡略解釋事情經過;肯奇的能言善辯讓他們相信我們是來自鴉閣堡的使者,為行使斯特拉德的命令而來。陽光灑落在他們虔誠的神情,洗去過往的瘋狂,我不清楚吟遊詩人對他們說了什麼,但他們心無旁鶩地向天地禱告,彷彿重拾曾經的信仰。81Please respect copyright.PENANAcHXT7vZlut
81Please respect copyright.PENANAnwcmAnTXMj
「他們來了!」81Please respect copyright.PENANAxkIiM6NqpO
81Please respect copyright.PENANAkPIPErvdEW
露希亞的警訊隨即被嘹亮的戰吼淹沒,遠方黑影漸近。我趕緊加快儀式的詠唱,為增加戰力,我命令歐爾追隨龍裔,協助他攻擊所有威脅的敵人,以火焰之驅保護其他人。81Please respect copyright.PENANAi1e9c0ZQJP
81Please respect copyright.PENANAzSfhogYdd6
刀械撞擊聲不曾間斷,法術能量自外頭不斷干擾周圍魔網,能聽見肯奇再次召出領主的幻影操弄敵人心智。局勢已在掌控中,德魯伊的戰意被龍吼聲逼退,鳳凰的鳴叫傳達著一切順利的佳音。81Please respect copyright.PENANANvqedJyBF8
81Please respect copyright.PENANAylblssik2f
但是,改變戰局的意外猝然到訪。81Please respect copyright.PENANAPruIrl7uUo
81Please respect copyright.PENANAY9jMal5Uk2
一陣馬匹長嘯響徹雲霄,斯特拉德騎乘黑色烈焰馬降臨於此,跟隨其後的德魯伊不再受幻影迷惑。當我想暫時放棄搜索寶石,加入抵禦敵人的行列時,銅鬚制止了我。81Please respect copyright.PENANA8GIniArxth
81Please respect copyright.PENANAlBHA2eTPqx
「長耳朵,你專心找那顆寶石就好!相信我們!」81Please respect copyright.PENANArMgXSbtBiW
81Please respect copyright.PENANAUDU7OV9PCn
我不確定他的自信如何得來,亦不知心中不安躁動的感受為何萌生。81Please respect copyright.PENANAwaKJ5BTF4K
81Please respect copyright.PENANAhzpjm7LIa3
只有自己身在安全之處,這是正確的抉擇嗎?81Please respect copyright.PENANAH2sHD1aZ5b
81Please respect copyright.PENANA2seOqWBMux
若是此刻的信任換來其他人的落敗與死亡,我又該如何自處?81Please respect copyright.PENANAvV9lnXzBuT
81Please respect copyright.PENANA5DqK1THIiK
混亂無序的雜念在腦海干擾施咒,我使勁甩頭,接著深深吐息;屏除多餘念想,專注於眼前的任務——左右猶疑只會落得卵覆鳥飛的下場,我不會允許自己犯下如此低等的錯誤!81Please respect copyright.PENANAjryOJWTb6o
81Please respect copyright.PENANAhUlESTraM5
重新展開魔網迴路的探查,將魔力的感知擴張到極限,時間的流逝彷彿停滯,抑像是轉眼千年的飛快運轉。當我終於捕獲那道特殊能量時,與歐爾的連結應聲中斷,我知道祂回歸了火源之地;取而代之的,是散發生命之光的寶石。順著魔力的牽引,我捉住了深埋在廢墟底下的晶石。81Please respect copyright.PENANAmiNtnnwpQr
81Please respect copyright.PENANAw9HQH2ZAaF
手握純淨、散發溫暖光芒的寶石,我聽見風中飄響懷念的樂音,周圍的聲音漸漸遠去,感官被一陣白光吞沒。是太陽,在即將消匿於雲霧後的陽光中,我看見了白色巨塔圍繞的家園,被戰爭摧殘前的夏諾特城。81Please respect copyright.PENANAX0Lyr93gNJ
81Please respect copyright.PENANAkjwfYVI16h
『只要在聖壇誠心向真知女神祈禱,就能看到過往最想看見的景色。』81Please respect copyright.PENANALH9y78Hzdf
81Please respect copyright.PENANAwR7WmQe9bi
這一刻,我明瞭卡西米爾的話語並非童年軼聞,而是確切的奇蹟。81Please respect copyright.PENANAWIrPkOU66u
81Please respect copyright.PENANATXY8ZeJCLG
有如被真實景象包裹,雙腳踩踏的不再是崎嶇不平的枝幹,而是鋪墊整齊的白淨石磚;清幽的音樂引領飛舞躍動的池水,奏出曼妙的水舞之歌;歡快的談笑充斥熱鬧熙攘的街道,道出榮耀的城市之景。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZVlQSigxsn
81Please respect copyright.PENANApqwvIjGETm
這是曾經的夏諾特城,如同我記憶的一般美好。81Please respect copyright.PENANAoRhG6NZLVK
81Please respect copyright.PENANAjFDEfHQ4tT
父親與母親自我身旁走過,手持巡視的筆記清單,皇家護衛們井然有序地隨侍在後;下一秒,夜晚的黑幕披蓋白日,點點星光閃爍,幼小的弟妹相繼朝我奔來,手中揮動我贈予的魔法玩具。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZz3TQUHg4k
81Please respect copyright.PENANAr7EZbPOXNe
然而,在我伸出手想擁抱他們時,幻景一瞬即逝。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZAyZk0w085
81Please respect copyright.PENANAZ3FAmxq9SD
仍舊是被枯枝覆蓋的殘骸堆,仍舊是被岩壁包圍的石圈內;太陽被濃霧遮蔽,天空回歸晦暗。械鬥聲不再,戰事似乎停歇,而我依然注視消逝的餘光。81Please respect copyright.PENANAHaYKaHyynt
81Please respect copyright.PENANAJp7KawxgxT
「卡爾納提斯先生。」伊莉娜的聲音將我自迷茫中喚醒,她遞出一條白淨的手帕,「不知道您看到了什麼,但是⋯⋯我很遺憾。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAODAPRJrZ7V
81Please respect copyright.PENANAi6PLWrwZFz
一抹清涼的液體滑過臉龐,我有些困窘地接過手帕,避開伊莉娜擔心的眉眼,不想被瞧見落淚的模樣,「⋯⋯謝謝妳。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAM8cpmeIrFU
81Please respect copyright.PENANAxsItj7rUNn
少女輕聲微笑,像是明白我的心情,快步跑向阿姆塔特身旁。81Please respect copyright.PENANA4fYs3fPcT5
81Please respect copyright.PENANAVvZmEOyKgJ
真丟臉⋯⋯我以為早已捨棄了脆弱的情感,再怎麼懷念也回不去那純粹無暇的歲月。81Please respect copyright.PENANAbc9qCcasbj
81Please respect copyright.PENANAfiQI0eNrXP
不是早該明白透徹了嗎?81Please respect copyright.PENANAMQrISPbJ80
81Please respect copyright.PENANAiDzCKnwZCL
我不需要這份奇蹟,不需要看見虛假的幸福;過往情景銘刻在心頭,我記得每個死去之人的面貌,記得夏諾特城毀去時的慘景——這些都是我的過錯。沉溺於幻象之中僅是逃避的軟弱,更不該奢求不屬於自己的美好。81Please respect copyright.PENANAwYdO2SbuIQ
81Please respect copyright.PENANANTNBhPi8TB
因為他們早已遠去。81Please respect copyright.PENANAQ5tJUmIS8K
81Please respect copyright.PENANAiGbk8EEXsX
支撐我繼續踏足前行的,是恨意,是復仇。81Please respect copyright.PENANANRHUFYbWOW
81Please respect copyright.PENANAhGr8JDRGQN
睜開緊閉的雙眼,褪去無謂的情感,確認自己與平常無異後,我走向石墻外的原野,查看其他人的情況。斯特拉德在我陷入回憶幻象時已然離去,死去的德魯伊們倒臥遍地,除卻被肯奇說服的兩人,尚有六人存活;他們帶著重傷的身軀趴伏在武僧面前,而後又各自散去,躍入森林之中。81Please respect copyright.PENANAFVRjc5V9BF
81Please respect copyright.PENANAHfCdlcHfp9
「這是怎麼回事?」81Please respect copyright.PENANApwlZnloEuW
81Please respect copyright.PENANAF7n6MtF3fY
阿姆塔特回頭看向我,擺出同樣不解的表情,「我不知道,他們突然就跪拜丹丹。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAxDaNzZKYPd
81Please respect copyright.PENANAMWugqi9oJe
「夥伴們!」武僧手舞足蹈地揮動雙臂,仰起頭、搓揉著鼻尖,好似一副高高在上的姿態,「剛剛經過一番慷慨激昂的演說,我說服這些德魯伊了!他們已經化敵為友了,他們是我們的友軍!」81Please respect copyright.PENANADgMBDGhMe1
81Please respect copyright.PENANAUi0I0LPcOg
「是嗎?可是他們對你跪拜之後馬上跳走了耶?」龍裔一反平日的安靜吐出調侃之語。81Please respect copyright.PENANA4KrElT3pdw
81Please respect copyright.PENANA9guL1wjlrB
矮人也斜睨著半精靈,似笑非笑地挑眉,「是不是你太臭了啊?丹丹。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAodBOiztGO1
81Please respect copyright.PENANA0HXdCIyEuA
同時被二人嘲弄,總是自大的武僧也不禁猶豫,「那⋯⋯我們是不是要把他們找回來?放任這些宗教狂熱的德魯伊在森林流竄,好像不是很好的事情。」81Please respect copyright.PENANA0SS0CGagQv
81Please respect copyright.PENANAydnDUGkKcf
「你確定剛才有說服他們嗎?你的表情不像這麼肯定的樣子。」阿姆塔特雖然點頭贊同提議,卻依然忍不住二度質疑。81Please respect copyright.PENANAkf3dc4qqDu
81Please respect copyright.PENANAAHx241Ra7C
「他們相信的不只是我,還有我背後的三女神,我現在已經感覺到三女神的榮耀降臨在我的背上了!」81Please respect copyright.PENANAzwO8z8YkXC
81Please respect copyright.PENANAN55pjwJ8KV
到底在說什麼⋯⋯前後矛盾、反覆無常;我開始覺得不要認真看待武僧的話或許比較洽當,無疑是浪費時間。81Please respect copyright.PENANAewArO4uFaP
81Please respect copyright.PENANA47kFZqYnnn
前往森林游擊的四人隊伍回來了,山坡土徑遠遠可見模糊的黑影緩緩走近,蹣跚的步伐顯示著曾經惡戰的險難。其中一人被背負著,那是道格;尤特揹著他以沉重隱忍的表情回到這裡。81Please respect copyright.PENANAl7A5eoNnYD
81Please respect copyright.PENANACzPTcXEKxC
道格死了,少女的眼神說明了一切。81Please respect copyright.PENANAf6C8jdvKiN
81Please respect copyright.PENANAROrBt2D3Rc
銅鬚立刻上前查看,最終只是莫可奈何地垂首嘆息。男人的身體平躺於滿目瘡痍的草地,安寧平靜的臉孔不再有任何起伏。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZRKfszB1L1
81Please respect copyright.PENANALbpDEHpqol
「我們不後悔。」尤特說道,挺直著身軀,儘管語調顫抖仍是竭力抑止情緒外露,「我們做了一件早就該做的事情,他光榮地戰死在這裡,希望你們也不用感到自責。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAedH8YOnGxC
81Please respect copyright.PENANArVAR1WF9tt
「⋯⋯辛苦你們了。」矮人起身檢查少女的傷勢,施展神術治癒那些大大小小的駭人傷口。81Please respect copyright.PENANAPKVDNscV5z
81Please respect copyright.PENANAqXloiLiaHX
「我很遺憾。」將寶石交予尤特,我默默退至後方,將空間留給擅長安慰的其他人。81Please respect copyright.PENANAJNiFMb2Uif
81Please respect copyright.PENANAQX9wQiY9ZW
「我高貴的尤特女士,戰鬥目前已經全部結束了,妳不必再擔心了,好好休息吧!」81Please respect copyright.PENANA8u60DxUxaG
81Please respect copyright.PENANAE5RBN8Fb6F
尤特趕在被丹丹親吻前抽開被執握的手,揚起一抹帶有距離感的禮貌笑容,「你們也辛苦了,但這一場戰役我想還只是剛開始。」她看向銅鬚,「我們在這裡首次攻擊那些德魯伊,在那之後一定還會有更多德魯伊朝酒莊襲擊。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAol5bA6bGZX
81Please respect copyright.PENANAUymNFpy4MH
「尤特小姐,實不相瞞。目前這座山僅存的德魯伊好像還留有那麼一點點人性,我現在正在努力使他們重新信仰這篇大地上古老的三女神。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAiHAqVBkf3P
81Please respect copyright.PENANAbpbDTDNZ9R
不僅是我們面露懷疑,尤特也以僵硬的面容表達困惑,更在武僧煞有其事地道出那串長而浮誇的名號、擔保自己身為神選之人的能耐後,神情變得越加複雜扭曲,隨即放棄與他對談,「我需要一個講話能讓我聽懂的人。」少女回以一記白眼,轉而求助露希亞,「所以,你們接觸到神祇了嗎?」81Please respect copyright.PENANAKaIBVxVNBq
81Please respect copyright.PENANA7rzzI3wkJT
遊俠搖頭,將武僧的胡話認作無意義的妄言,「丹丹可能比較特別一點,妳要花點時間習慣他。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAi7wFdtJorc
81Please respect copyright.PENANAly5ezjcsIm
在他們爭論不休時,肯奇走了過來,帶個兩個畏縮的身影,那是剛才不斷向著太陽祈禱的德魯伊,「他們好像有什麼東西想給我們看。」吟遊詩人說。81Please respect copyright.PENANAatSnfdGfB4
81Please respect copyright.PENANAxlkNtbBLWu
留下協助治療傷勢的銅鬚與露希亞,我們跟隨德魯伊們的腳步來到石圈另一端,走向一棵枯萎傾斜的樹木。周圍潛藏蜷曲的枯枝怪,毫無聲息地頹倒在地,像是失卻生命力般無視我們靠近。81Please respect copyright.PENANAEAmCtRxzp3
81Please respect copyright.PENANAhqRrFlCcLR
「樹死了⋯⋯土地,沒有生機⋯⋯無能為力⋯⋯」其中一名德魯伊說著生疏的通用語言,艱澀地拼湊成斷斷續續的語句,伸手指向那棵枯樹,目光深邃、疲憊。81Please respect copyright.PENANAjIB9pNTV2G
81Please respect copyright.PENANAfnhsDZ0C2P
一股濃厚的血腥味從中空的枝幹擴散。81Please respect copyright.PENANAJKNIwe4SJQ
81Please respect copyright.PENANAsmwdiBg7YF
漆黑、黏稠的不明液體流淌而下,像是那尊人造的巨大邪惡產物,也像是瀰漫整座往日山丘的腐化詛咒。這是一棵甘提亞斯之樹,依照古老的傳說借助吸血鬼的血液孕育成長。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZutyY7LhNe
81Please respect copyright.PENANAZoh1Zrns8O
德魯伊張開手掌,手心朝下伸展,模仿著樹木紮根的姿態;另一名則是舞動雙手,扭曲腰身,以詭異又靈活的身姿舞著律動,繞著樹為中心旋轉。81Please respect copyright.PENANADa7zeU8sOU
81Please respect copyright.PENANAtPFsC65SNB
「你們膜拜它嗎?」81Please respect copyright.PENANANLQYAj8uD7
81Please respect copyright.PENANAsf4ISK2MP0
「斯特拉德命令你們種植的嗎?」81Please respect copyright.PENANABNvYWjNKTC
81Please respect copyright.PENANAPDoV2fofr7
「平時用誰來供養這棵樹呢?」81Please respect copyright.PENANAJ51sBLMrnW
81Please respect copyright.PENANAG7qN31PLeJ
接二連三的疑問自肯奇與丹丹口中冒出,得到的皆是否定的搖首。無人餵養、無人看顧,這棵無主之樹自遙遠的時代便已在此。81Please respect copyright.PENANAyRzJDioYyX
81Please respect copyright.PENANADTmETIZa81
「你們打造樹人,是想復甦這棵樹嗎?」81Please respect copyright.PENANATgY7JgxoxW
81Please respect copyright.PENANAYpiUpxYDUz
德魯伊停下舞蹈,回以肯定的頷首;他們深信著,透過這棵樹能與這片大地溝通;除此之外,他們沒有透露更多訊息,於是我們獨自展開調查。81Please respect copyright.PENANAZnT69d5CwC
81Please respect copyright.PENANAIBPgvdmmbQ
「樹洞裡有魔法的靈光,屬於死靈與咒法的迴路。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAyas1uvb17Z
81Please respect copyright.PENANAAAE05ikqdu
阿姆塔特聽聞我的話語後,拿起巨劍試探性地伸進去鼓搗,「好像有東西埋在下面,像是武器。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAWx9B5DLCcw
81Please respect copyright.PENANARGQLaPm6uE
那是一把沾染血腥味的長矛,龍裔將其挖出後仔細端詳。當肯奇清理上方沾染的土壤時,可以瞧見木制長柄上雕刻著潦草文字——卡萬。德魯伊手指疑似名字的字詞,呢喃著酋長、酋長。他們再次舞動雙手,沒有人明白他們想表達的意涵,像是在歌頌某種無法言傳的遠古傳統,不停地唱著、舞著。81Please respect copyright.PENANAdfLbZwJe4B
81Please respect copyright.PENANAqsBFUasTL4
長矛的死靈氣息似乎是這棵樹之所以存在的原因;當我嘗試解析它的魔力構成時,能清楚感受到它散發的渴求之慾,渴望啜飲鮮血。興許是前任之主藉由它汲取敵手的生命與血液,而後又在因緣際會下被深埋於此,成為餵養甘斯提亞樹的養分。81Please respect copyright.PENANAAKObIKwPL2
81Please respect copyright.PENANArvgPlznXLa
忽然,一旁傳來丹丹的叫喚。81Please respect copyright.PENANA8ijA1HGA64
81Please respect copyright.PENANA5eJZqJanen
「卡爾,燒。卡爾,燒。」武僧模仿德魯伊歌唱的音調說道,跟隨舞步在樹旁環繞。81Please respect copyright.PENANA0RvHvR4fjW
81Please respect copyright.PENANANQsfBlKyT0
眾人一陣沉默,直到阿姆塔特冷冷說出一句讓人無法反駁的中肯之言,「我終於知道為什麼這些德魯伊會膜拜丹丹了,因為丹丹是我們這一群人中最像他們的人。」才打破尷尬的寧靜。81Please respect copyright.PENANAp1OgoV59af
81Please respect copyright.PENANA5B9NM3jLZ2
最後,我們在武僧的堅持下,點火焚燒了那棵沉眠的古樹。火焰從外部侵蝕乾枯樹皮,點燃漆黑的枝幹,黏稠滑液竄出刺鼻惡臭,似是風聲的號哭在空氣中流動,仿若樹木靈魄死亡前夕的哀鳴。81Please respect copyright.PENANAj3LMwBmUe2
81Please respect copyright.PENANAu3tQTy4ivI
「沒有了,沒有了⋯⋯」德魯伊們惆悵地低語,悠遠的目光看向遠方天際,「大地,不說話了⋯⋯」81Please respect copyright.PENANAubPjHNfHqm
81Please respect copyright.PENANA9lqPr0bFIU
「大地都跟你們說了些什麼?」81Please respect copyright.PENANA6Ox7FUtCv5
81Please respect copyright.PENANAgwQ1w2wUue
他們沒有回答肯奇,逕自朝山坡下踏去。當吟遊詩人詢問他們未來的打算時,德魯伊抬手指向東方,「遺跡,朝聖。」81Please respect copyright.PENANAWyMsOceNHk
81Please respect copyright.PENANAkusYNOpCj2
「我明白了。希望你們的誠心祈禱,能夠重新恢復過往的光輝、聽見女神的聲音。」肯奇點頭行禮,贈予臨別前的祝福,「期盼在不久的將來,我們可以再次相見。」