Space travellers, I am in need of your assistance!

Part 1 - The Mission
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Explorers! Over here! Thank you for coming. I have come across another of these pesky puzzles, and I know that you can help me solve it!
I know the answer is here somewhere, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Sit with me for a while, for I will tell a tale of magic, of phantoms, magicians, necromancers and even fearsome dragons... perhaps

As the portals to the other dimensions were closing, I received a summoning from the empress. I remember it as if it was yesterday:
."My esteemed [redacted]" she began, "I have heard of a strange illness in the west, an evil so dark that it could destroy this land shall it reach its borders.". Her voice was firm, and I could see the determination in her eyes. "I have dispatched numerous knights, heroes and adventurers alike, but none of them returned, and the stories brought by the caravans are only getting worse by the day." She paused, briefly looked at her most trusted knights, and she continued. "Yet, I fear not, for I know that you are up to the task, that you will unravel the truths from the fears, that you shall see what is happening in the Dyrwood and that you will strike the evil shall it endanger our empire!".
Her eyes were locked on mine - she stood up. Oh I still picture the scene, the throne room filled with soldiers, and her most trusted knights. I still wonder why the show of force, for she knew that I would never back down from such a calling. "Will you fulfill your duty to this empire ?" She asked.
"Of course, my Lady.", - what else could i have responded ? A strange illness, a mistery in the Dyrwood, after what happened with the farmer a few years ago! "I will see that this illness never reaches our borders.". "Very well, you will be accompanying a caravan through the Engwithan Ruins, we have reports that the Glanfathans are getting bolder with their attacks. They are heading towards Defiance Bay, your destination as well. There, you will start your investigation."
And as she pronounced those words, I knew that it would be my mission from now on.

Ah explorers, will you follow me to hear the rest of the story ?

Hint1: Oh traveller, I'm just testing your senses, and perhaps a master can help you out.
Hint2: "We need to go deeper"
Hint3: "She paused, briefly looked at her most trusted knights", was there something here perchance ?

All the giveaways run until the 30/04 and are Level3+, and while the first have no region restrictions, the treasures are RU-restricted. Please do not enter if you come from this country.
GL space cats! 🎺

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