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
Eventually, Devlan returned with three red-hot metal bars heated in the forge. These bars glowed red with intense heat as Devlan placed an iron bucket beside Elder Carlson. Meanwhile, Thomas and James stood guard outside the tent, ensuring that no villagers entered."It's ready," Devlan said, though his eyes still held a hint of doubt. The blacksmith couldn't fathom how Elder Carlson intended to cure poison using three metal bars."I know I have no knowledge in healing, Elder Carlson. But how could burning him with these metal bars cure him?" Devlan inquired, his brows furrowed with concern."It's an ancient method," Elder Carlson replied, but his voice betrayed a trace of uncertainty, and Devlan could sense that the elder had his doubts."Are you sure about this, Elder Carlson?" Devlan pressed. He didn't want the stranger's life to end on their hands."He's going to die if we don't do anything, Devlan," Elder Carlson said, addressing the blacksmith's concerns.Devlan sighed heavily,
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
The soldiers and villagers alike were left in stunned silence as they beheld the gruesome scene. The armless soldier lay motionless on the ground, blood pooling around him, while the villagers, terrified by the unexpected violence, quickly covered their children's eyes to shield them from the horrific sight."Three of you, get inside and drag him out, now!" The general, his resolve unshaken, barked orders to his men,The designated soldiers cautiously approached the shattered door, their hearts pounding with fear and anticipation. With weapons drawn, they stepped inside the house, uncertain of what they might encounter.The general's cold voice rang out again, carrying a sinister threat, "Cut his head off if he doesn't surrender willingly." As the three soldiers entered the house, a chorus of screams and shouts erupted from within."Help us! Please! Save us!" one of the soldiers cried out in desperation.The villagers, already trembling with fear, were further terrified by the harrow
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
As Xander left the village behind, he arrived at the shore where a rowboat awaited him. With a determined look in his eyes, he climbed into the boat and began rowing towards the distant city on the horizon. The rhythmic sound of oars slicing through the water marked his solitary journey.After a considerable time, Xander finally reached the bustling city. As he approached the port, he couldn't help but overhear conversations among the workers."Did you hear about King Robert's death?" one of the workers asked."Yeah, they say he was assassinated," another replied, shaking his head."Assassin's still on the loose, they say," a third worker chimed in.Xander clenched his fist at the mention of King Robert's death. He remembered how he had been manipulated by Duke Marvin into assassinating the king, only to be betrayed and left for dead to tie up loose ends.As Xander stepped onto the bustling streets of the city, his thoughts consumed by a burning desire for vengeance.The city streets
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
Molatan, the spy, moved stealthily through the crowded streets of the city. He was a man driven by ambition and loyalty to Duke Marvin, but his heart was as cold and unforgiving as the stone walls surrounding him. He muttered curses under his breath, resenting the very people he had sworn to protect. "Soon, they will suffer, and they will know the price of defying the Duke," he hissed to himself.As he moved closer to the food warehouse, the atmosphere in the city grew tense. Whispers and panicked conversations filled the air, carrying the weight of uncertainty. Molatan's sharp ears caught fragments of these discussions."The Duke's army is outside the walls!""We should open the gates! Surrender may be our only option!""No, we should fight for our city, for King Roberts!""I've heard rumors that Duke Marvin had a hand in the King's assassination."Molatan quickened his pace, recognizing the gravity of the situation. The people were divided, torn between surrendering to the Duke's fo