Even now, years after my first steps into the Altus Plateau, the memory of the Lux Ruins remains etched in my mind—a crumbling monument to a forgotten age, now a den for the wild Demi-humans and a vault for treasures that would shape my journey. It wasn't just a location on a map; it was a trial of awareness, a dance with shadows, and a confrontation with a queen in her crumbling court. The air there, thick with the scent of damp stone and wild beasts, promised both danger and reward. This is my recollection of that place, a tale woven from caution, combat, and discovery.

The path to the ruins was a story in itself. The Altus Plateau in 2026 still demands a price for entry—the twin halves of the Dectus Medallion or a grueling trek through the mines, past the fiery gaze of the Magma Wyrm. I remember cresting the plateau, the world opening before me, and seeing those ruins not far off, a silent sentinel waiting. The nearest Site of Grace, simply called Altus Plateau, was my anchor. I learned quickly to ignore the lower hill, the so-called Erdtree-Gazing Hill; the true heart of the ruins, and its secrets, lay accessible only from the higher ground. A lesson in perspective, that was.

Approaching the stone skeletons of buildings, the first warning was a ruined cart. It looked innocent, a piece of scenery. But the stillness was a lie—a Demi-human ambush coiled within. I gave it a wide berth. Then, from the slope of the main structure, he came: a Lesser Demi-human Chief, twin knives glinting. 😨 His movements were deceptively fast, each slash threatening to paint the stones with my blood. I recall the weight of those blows, the sting of potential Blood Loss. Flanking him were two smaller, watchful scouts. The ruins were not sleeping; they were watching.

Inside the main hall, a deceptive peace reigned. Three Demi-humans slumbered, while others paced their lonely patrols. The edges of the room hid more, shadows that would stir at the first clang of steel. My eyes scanned the debris, finding two small comforts amidst the hostility: a coil of String and a cluster of Rainbow Stones. Trinkets, perhaps, but in the Lands Between, every resource is a silent ally.

The true prize lay deeper. Behind the main hall, in a shattered corner, a light danced—a Teleporting Scarab. My heart leapt. With a focused strike, it vanished, leaving behind not runes, but knowledge: the Ash of War: Shield Crash. 🛡️💥 What a glorious, brutish skill! The feeling of charging forward, shield-first, to shatter an enemy's guard… it became a favorite. Just beyond, in another alcove, danger lurked. A small, knife-wielding Demi-human played possum, waiting to plant its blade in an unwary back. The ruins taught vigilance above all else.

With the grounds cleared, a staircase at the rear descended into earth and shadow. This was her domain. Demi-Human Queen Gilka awaited, a figure of ragged royalty. For all her title, she was a merciful test for a Tarnished. Her attacks were heavy but slow, her spells more threat than execution. She would stagger under a firm blow, sometimes cowering behind a futile shield. Her pattern was simple:

• A initial magical feint, followed by a staff swing.

• Clumsy bites and sweeps if you kept your distance.

But the key was aggression. Closing in, striking at her legs from behind, would break her posture and open her to a critical strike. When she fell, she granted a king's ransom of 8,500 Runes—a generous boon for the challenge presented.

Victory, however, was not the end. In the darkness of her chamber, opposite the stairs, a door hid. Pushing it open revealed a final treasure chest. Inside, gleaming, was the Ritual Sword Talisman. ✨ Its power was pure and demanding: a 10% increase to my attack power, but only while my HP remained full. It was a talisman for the precise, for the flawless duelist—a constant reminder that in these lands, perfection is rewarded, and any slip carries a cost.

The Lux Ruins, in the end, were a microcosm of the entire journey: ambush, exploration, a climactic fight, and a reward that shaped future battles. It was here I learned the joy of a shield charge and the discipline of a perfect guard. The stones may crumble, and Gilka may be gone, but the lessons of that place are woven into my very being, as enduring as the ancient plateau itself.