Over the next few weeks, Jason settled into life in Rockhaven and began controlling his powers. Each morning he practiced sword fighting with some mercenaries who were staying at The Gold Fox. At first, Jason could barely swing his sword without losing his balance. But after drilling blocking and footwork, he soon could hold his own in sparring matches. His reflexes improved drastically, allowing him to anticipate his opponent's strikes. In the afternoons, Jason visited Elena's cottage in the woods to develop his healing skills. She taught him to focus energy into his hands and let it flow into the injured or sick. Under Elena's instruction, Jason mended flesh wounds on animals with a simple touch. He even cured a young girl's terrible fever. Each day his abilities grew stronger. During his free time, Jason explored Rockhaven and got to know the villagers. He checked on the traders in the marketplace each morning, often running into a friendly young woman named Daphne who sold bak

It took Jason two weeks to cross the Eros Mountains and reach Theron. The capital was surrounded by thick stone walls and bustled with thousands of people from all races and backgrounds. Humans rubbed shoulders with dwarves, elves, beast-folk, and others as they hurried about. Jason made his way through the crowded streets to the city guard's headquarters. Though initially skeptical of his fighting skills, the guard captain eventually allowed Jason to review reports of the disappearances. Over the past two months, seven people had vanished without a trace from the city's busy market. The guard suspected kidnapping, but there were never any ransom demands. They had no leads. "I'll investigate the market and see if I uncover anything useful," Jason offered, eager to get started. "Very well. Report back if you learn something," the captain said. He seemed relieved to hand the mystery off to someone else. Beginning the next day, Jason patrolled the thriving market and asked questions

Jason barely managed to duck beneath the dragon’s sweeping tail. The beast clearly possessed great strength and speed despite its hulking size. Jason knew he’d have to rely on agility and strategy to stand a chance rather than attempting to match the creature’s raw power. As the dragon advanced, jaws gaping and ready to snap him up, Jason darted around to its flank and delivered an experimental slash with his sword. Though the scales were thick, he felt the blade bite slightly into the dragon’s hide, drawing a hiss of pain. The outer layer was vulnerable if he could strike the right spots. Whipping around, the dragon spewed flames once again. Jason rolled behind a chunk of rock, but not before the intense heat charred his arm. Gritting his teeth against the searing pain, Jason focused his healing energy until the charred skin regained its normal appearance. The dragon pressed its attack, lashing with its spiked tail and blasting fire. Jason ducked and wove, struggling to get withi

Continuing his travels, Jason decided to visit the Elven city of Silverwood far to the west, as he had never met an elf before. He joined a merchant caravan heading that way and crossed the Banded Desert, an arduous journey, before arriving at the verdant Elven forests. The towering trees filtered the sunlight and blanketed the ground in comforting shade. Birdsong and the chuckling of streams filled the air. Jason instantly felt at peace in this land. The Elves who inhabited Silverwood were fair and elegant, full of wisdom and quiet humor. They welcomed Jason when he introduced himself as a healer and dragonslayer. During his stay, they held a great feast in his honor. The melodic music and delicate flavors enchanted his senses. On his third day there, Jason was summoned to meet with the Elven council. He entered a hall lit with glowing crystals to find three Elves seated at a carved wooden table. The elf maiden in the center spoke first. "Greetings, Jason. We have called you here

Arriving on the outskirts of the boisterous riverside city of Banewell, Jason's mood immediately lifted. He took in the lively taverns full of laughter and music, the crowds of shoppers bargaining in the markets, children playing games in the streets. After the gloom of Argus, this cheer and community warmed his heart. While traversing the city center, Jason heard someone calling his name. He turned to see a red-haired woman waving and rushing towards him. He didn't recognize her until she drew closer. "Daphne!?" Jason said in astonishment. She threw her arms around him in a gleeful embrace. "I can't believe it's really you!" Jason had not seen Daphne since departing Rockhaven over a year ago. As they broke apart, he grinned and said, "What are you doing here? You're far from home." "After you left, I wanted to see more of Phantasma's wonders for myself," she explained. "I've been exploring these lands, gathering knowledge and spellcraft." Her striking eyes twinkled with enthu