The Young Demon Lord and her Maid-Knight

Lilith walked back to the camp with her spirits high, her mind racing with thoughts of the ruins she had glimpsed further up the mountain. As she approached the camp, she thought about seeking information from the locals in the tavern who might have seen or know more about the mysterious ruins.

"Maybe someone in the tavern has seen them," she mused to herself. "They might be able to explain in detail about them. I could barely see them in the distance further up the mountain. I can see how you can miss it if you don't know it was there."

The camp came into view, and Lilith greeted familiar faces with a nod and a smile. She made her way towards the tavern, eager to gather information that could aid her in her next quest. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively, the aroma of food and drink filling the air.

Lilith approached the barkeep, a stout dwarf with a friendly demeanor. "Excuse me," she began politely, "I'm looking for information about the ruins up the mountain. Have you heard anything about them?"

The barkeep glanced at her with a curious expression. "Ah, the old ruins, eh? Not many travelers venture up that way these days. They say those ruins hold secrets older than time itself. Dangerous place, if you ask me."

Lilith nodded, listening intently. "Do you know anything specific about what lies within? Any rumors or legends?"

The barkeep leaned in slightly, his voice lowering further as he shared more about the mysterious ruins. "Well, there's talk of ancient artifacts, powerful magic, and sometimes even darker things," he began. "I've heard tales of guardians and curses, but it's hard to separate fact from fiction up there. The adventure group who defeated the necromancer should have cleared it out, though."

Lilith listened attentively, absorbing every detail. "So, the ruins might still hold dangers despite the necromancer's defeat," she remarked thoughtfully.

The barkeep nodded solemnly. "Aye, that's the thing about ancient places like that. They have a way of holding onto their secrets, and not all of them are pleasant."

Lilith thanked the barkeep for his insights, grateful for the information he had shared about the ancient ruins. She ordered a meal and sat down at a table in the tavern, her mind buzzing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

As she ate, she reflected on the barkeep's words. The ruins held ancient artifacts, powerful magic, and possibly darker entities that had yet to be fully understood or confronted. Despite the defeat of the necromancer, there were still lingering dangers that awaited her.

"These ruins won't be easy to navigate," she thought to herself, taking a sip of water from her canteen. "But I'm determined to uncover their secrets."

She mentally reviewed her gear—her spear and sword, both ready for whatever challenges awaited. Her magic bag contained essentials: provisions, potions, and tools for exploration. But more than physical preparation, she knew she needed to steel her resolve and sharpen her wits.

After finishing her meal, Lilith paid the barkeep and bid him farewell. She returned to the camp, where she found Thorsten and the others gathered around a fire, sharing stories and preparing for the night. They greeted her warmly, and she joined them, finding comfort in their camaraderie.

As the night settled in, Lilith sat by the fire, staring into the dancing flames. Her thoughts drifted to the ruins, the mysteries they held, and the challenges that lay ahead. Tomorrow would be a new day, a day she would venture deeper into the unknown, ready to face whatever trials the ancient ruins had in store for her.

Outside the mining camp, two shadows lurked in conversation, their voices barely audible amidst the night's quiet.

"Hmm, she is immature, walking into a mine with just a spear, not knowing how much space she has to fight in," remarked Elara, her tone tinged with amusement.

Ella nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's kind of funny in a way. But she does seem to adapt quickly, and we were there if anything bad would happen."

Elara's expression turned thoughtful. "I'm more interested in the ruins you overheard them talk about."

Ella tilted her head. "Yes, me too," she agreed. "It's lucky you have me, though. I'm so small that I can fly around unnoticed if I want to."

"A true scout you are, Ella," Elara replied with a smile.

Ella chuckled softly. "Well, someone has to keep an eye on things from above."

The two shadows continued to watch over the camp, their conversation blending with the night breeze as they contemplated the unfolding events and the mysteries yet to be unraveled in the ancient ruins ahead.

When the sun's rays hit Lilith the next morning, she woke up ready for whatever the ruins would throw at her. With her spear in hand and a sword at her side, she was prepared. Walking to the old mine took less time now that she had walked it before, and she soon located the path the last adventurer most likely took. As she followed the path through rocky terrain with dense trees, she encountered some undead hiding in the shade of the trees and among rock formations. Even the mindless undead knew that the sun's rays weakened them. She dealt with them quickly enough. She reached the ruins around late afternoon.

She started by scouting the ruins and saw clusters of undead in the area, staying in the shade. She knew at that point she had to destroy them now before the sun's rays grew too weak. But first, she made a quick camp setup with protective wards.

Thinking to herself, "With this camp and protection in place, I'll have a place to run back to if things get too intense. Now, I should eat some food, drink some water, have a quick rest, and check up on my weapons. That's what Elara would have done, I'm sure."

Lilith took a moment to eat and drink, feeling the energy returning to her body. She then carefully inspected her spear and sword, ensuring both were in optimal condition. With a deep breath and a final glance at her temporary sanctuary, she steeled herself for the battle ahead. It was time to face the undead and reclaim the ruins.

She walked forward and entered the ruins through a crumbled wall that she had scouted out before. It looked like the best way to enter unnoticed, she thought, and she was indeed right. There were no undead there because the sun still showered the spot with its light.

Lilith started to chant the same spell as in the mine to make the spearhead glow. She didn't know how long this would take, but it was better to do it now than in the middle of a fight. The spell lasted a long time, so it was worth the preparation.

As the spearhead began to glow with a radiant light, Lilith felt a sense of confidence wash over her. She knew this enchantment would give her an advantage against the undead. With her glowing spear in hand and her sword ready at her side, she ventured deeper into the ruins, determined to cleanse the area of its dark inhabitants before the sun's light faded.

She spotted a cluster of undead and quickly destroyed them, then used a fire spell to burn them to ashes just in case they could reanimate later. After all, she didn't know who or what might help them reanimate. As she ventured deeper and deeper into the ruins, she defeated more undead. It soon grew darker and darker.

Upon entering an old building that looked like the main structure of the ancient ruin, she heard a voice in her head.

"Oh, brave adventurer, you dare venture in here alone. How brave or how foolish are you. But come, I'm waiting for you. I'm in the old fortress throne room. I can't wait to meet you."

Lilith felt a chill run down her spine. The voice was eerie, yet it stirred a sense of determination within her. She tightened her grip on her spear and proceeded with caution. The dark corridors of the building seemed to stretch endlessly, and she could feel the malevolent presence growing stronger.

She made her way through the ancient halls, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her. The path was fraught with more undead, but she dispatched them with efficiency, her glowing spear slicing through the darkness. The anticipation of the encounter with the voice in her head kept her on edge.

Finally, she reached a large, imposing door, intricately carved with ancient symbols. She knew this must be the entrance to the throne room. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and stepped inside, ready to face whatever awaited her.