*One Month Ago*~~~~~~~~~~~Castle walls breached.The air reeks of blood, swords clash and screams fill the air.The enemy's flaming projectiles rain down, shattering homes and castle walls.Agony, pain, and fear echo through the castle.Men, women, and even the elderly and minors scatter, desperately seeking shelter from the invaders.They cling to dear life, hiding in every nook and cranny they can find.Amidst the chaos, a lone figure sits perched atop a towering window.Clad in a black hooded cape with a blood-red outline, his identity concealed by a grimy mask.With one knee raised, he gazes out over the besieged castle.His large brawler gauntlets, crafted from dark green metal, rest firmly on his knees. In one hand, he grips the stone window ledge tightly.Determination emanates from him as he assesses the dire situation.The hooded man, perched confidently on the ledge, summoned his 14 companions with a commanding gesture.As they materialized around him, their hoods concealin

Days had flown by since Larion became a member of the Adventurers, officially marking the start of his journey as a novice adventurer.As the morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold, he emerged from his humble place within the hall, a space reserved exclusively for beginners and novice adventurers to find their footing in the adventurous world.Stepping into the bustling lobby, Larion's stomach growled, reminding him of his need for food.He made his way to a nearby table and ordered a hearty meal.A plate of steaming potatoes and succulent meat was soon placed before him, their savory aroma filling the air.Satisfied after his meal, Larion approached the reception table, where a woman named Aira was diligently wiping the counter.They had already become acquainted during his stay, exchanging names and engaging in casual conversation."Good morning, Aira," Larion greeted, a warm smile adorning his lips."Oh, early as ever, huh, Larion?" Aira replied, reciprocating his smile.Chuc

"Fire! Fire's ablaze in the woods!" a traveler cried out, gazing in horror at the sea of flames engulfing the forest under the starry night sky.On the other side, a group of people found themselves stranded, their carts and horses brought to a sudden halt, as they made their way from Sudbury City."Those adventurers seem to be struggling with that Qizir," remarked one traveler, perched atop his carriage, his voice tinged with a hint of disbelief."All this chaos for a measly spawn?" scoffed an arrogant traveler, his tone dripping with condescension."That Qizir has been causing trouble for quite some time now. Who knows what happened?" the man replied, finally revealing his face as he kept a watchful eye on the forest."Now what? We can't possibly pass through the forest and reach Hagram Base," one of the travelers anxiously questioned."Oh, damn it. Milandre will have my head if we arrive late," the man muttered, swiftly turning his horse away from the dirt road."We're going to go a

The following morning, Larion's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the warm embrace of a new day.What a relief it was to finally be free of the burdensome ache that had plagued him. His wounds had barely healed, leaving just a slight trace of pain in their wake.Yet, even in his newfound vitality, Larion found himself adhering to the healers' orders. A whole week of rest and no quests.It seemed like an eternity, but he knew it was for the best.As he made his way down the hall, he couldn't help but notice the bustling activity.Adventurers were up and about, their energy infectious. Larion took a step down the staircase, and all eyes turned toward him.Suddenly, voices rang out, calling his name and inviting him to join their tables. Some even boldly approached him on the staircase, eager for a chat.It was a whirlwind of attention, leaving Larion bewildered by the sudden change in the adventurers' demeanor. After all, they hadn't given him a second glance before.Feeling a mix of uneas

As the inky darkness descended upon Larion, his world shrank to the whispers and murmurs that filled the air.A cacophony of sounds danced around him, the marching of men, the rhythmic trudging of horses along the uneven path, making the cart beneath him jolt and bounce.Amidst the symphony of noise, a voice rang out, brimming with anger and vengeance."We should have slit both their throats, sir! Don't you want revenge for Captain Eram's death?" A man's voice, filled with fervor, echoed not far from where Larion lay, his senses heightened by the darkness."I agree! Those bastards deserve nothing less than death for what they did to Captain Eram!" Another voice chimed in, fierce and resolute.Yet, the man, silent as ever, said nothing.Imprisoned and bound, Larion could feel the weight of his helplessness, his hands and feet immobilized, his head swathed in cloth.As the murmurs surrounded him, his eyes fluttered open, roused from his slumber by the clamor that engulfed him.The cover