Despite witnessing the miraculous sight of the wound on the young man's face closing up, Village Elder Carlson remained resolute in his determination to help the stranger. He diligently treated the unconscious man with various herbs, his experienced hands working with care.A bulky, tall man with a long beard entered the tent, catching the elder's attention. "Elder Carlson," the man greeted with a furrowed brow, appearing surprised to find the stranger inside the tent."So, this is the stranger washed upon our shores," the man inquired as he moved closer to the unconscious figure.However, upon closer inspection of the armor, the man's surprise deepened. "Wow, his armor. It's made of shadow steel, a rare metal," he exclaimed as he bent down to examine the intricacies of the armor closely."Devlan, can you remove the armor without hurting him? I don't see a way to take it off," the village elder inquired."Good thing you called me. Judging by the design, this armor is worn piece by pie

Xander closed his eyes, replaying the memories of Atheria's tragic death in his mind. The images of the wine cup slipping from his trembling hands, Atheria's lifeless form falling to the ground, and Marvin callously tossing her body into the unforgiving ocean all flashed before Xander's eyes. The final, painful memory was that of Marvin firing an arrow directly into Xander's heart."Atheria..." Xander mumbled, unable to fully grasp the fact that she had died because of his reckless pursuit of a cure. He realized that Bloodhound, the volatile personality within him, had been right all along. Each time he sought a cure, he only sank deeper into trouble.As anger surged within Xander, he felt his bloodlust intensify. For the first time, he didn't resist the dark urges that had haunted him. Instead, he began to come to terms with his grim reality."Yes... That's it... You and I are the same... Feel the power... Remember what the Duke did to us," Bloodhound's sinister voice echoed within X

Xander advanced toward the General with deliberate, measured steps. Each stride he took sent shivers of fear coursing through the General's spine. The horrific way in which Xander had slaughtered his men left the General with no doubt that he was facing an enemy far beyond mortal comprehension."Now, what should I do with you?" Xander mused, closing the distance between them."You are an abomination," the General spat out, finding the courage to stand and reach for a sword that had been dropped by one of his fallen soldiers."I was, but not anymore," Xander chuckled, his voice tinged with a chilling certainty that sent a shiver down the General's spine."You will pay for slaughtering my men, you monster!"The General's fury erupted like a tempest as he roared at Xander, his voice filled with rage and vengeance. With a wild battle cry, he lunged at Xander, the sword gripped tightly in his trembling hand.His attacks were swift and fierce, but Xander's inhuman speed allowed him to effor

The commotion grew louder as the crowd shouted and called out for more guards. Soon, a group of heavily armored soldiers surrounded Xander, their weapons drawn and faces stern."Stand down, you there!" one of the guards barked, pointing a sword at Xander. "Drop to your knees and surrender."Another guard chimed in, "Attacking a guard is a crime punishable by death. You've sealed your fate."The atmosphere grew tense as the guards closed in, forming a tight circle around Xander. The onlookers watched with a mixture of fear and anticipation, uncertain of how this confrontation would unfold.Amidst the gasps and shouts of the onlookers, the clash between Xander and the guards erupted into a violent storm. The guards lunged at him, their swords slashing through the air with deadly intent. Xander moved with inhuman speed, dodging their strikes as if he could predict their every move."Did you see that? He's too fast!"The crowd was a cacophony of panicked voices as they watched the surreal

The forest stood silent and imposing, with towering ancient oaks casting dappled shadows upon the mossy ground below. Shafts of golden sunlight pierced through the dense canopy, painting patches of the forest floor in a soft, ethereal glow. The air was thick with the earthy scent of damp leaves and the distant murmur of a hidden stream.Amidst this tranquil wilderness, three carriages trundled along the winding forest path. Each carriage was elegantly crafted, adorned with banners bearing the royal crest of the fallen king. Four knights, their armor gleaming in the filtered sunlight, rode alongside the carriages. Their plate armor was polished to a brilliant sheen, reflecting the verdant surroundings with a resplendent shimmer.Sir William, a grizzled knight with a salt-and-pepper beard, leaned in closer to Sir Robert, the youngest among them, and said, "We must reach the capital before Duke Marvin's army lays siege to its gates. Our late king's body deserves a proper burial, and the