Amidst the crowd, Atheria's voice held authority as she began to weave tales of the Lone Dragon's heroic exploits. "He stood alone against the raging wyrm in the Cursed Woods, its fiery breath no match for his unyielding spirit. Remember the village of Alden? When darkness loomed, he lit the way, quelling the evil that haunted those very streets."Bloodhound's cynical tone cut through within Xander's mind, "She's a master of deceit."Xander, however, was lost in Atheria's words, finding himself taken aback by the truth in her stories. "It doesn't sound like a lie," he mumbled.As Atheria spoke, the villagers' expressions shifted from skepticism to rapt attention. They exchanged glances, slowly beginning to believe in the tales of the Lone Dragon's bravery."He forged through the Blighted Marshes, where the poisoned air threatened even the strongest of us. Remember the lost expedition? His courage brought them back from the edge of despair," Atheria's voice rang clear, and the villager
A day later, Bloodhound wrought havoc upon the mage hunters and the duke, leaving their lifeless forms strewn in his wake. The fallen duke's body was brought to his grand castle by his loyal soldiers. Inside a dimly lit marble chamber, an elderly man awaited, his weary gaze fixed upon the duke's covered form."My lord, Lady Celina is on her way," a soldier adorned in crimson armor informed the aged man, whose bald head bore the weight of countless responsibilities.The door swung open, revealing Lady Celina, a vision of elegance in her regal blue gown that contrasted her golden hair and hazel eyes. Flanked by two heavily armored guards and a young woman with brown hair, she stepped into the room."Lady Celina," the elderly man greeted, bowing with a mixture of sorrow and concern."Is this him?" Celina inquired, her voice tinged with an undercurrent of heaviness."Yes, Lady Celina," the old man replied."Show me his face. I wish to see him," Celina's request was calm yet carried a prof
On the other side of the Duchy of Krovian, Keeran walked down a corridor adorned with lavish decorations. The floor was graced with an intricately designed expensive rug, while the walls boasted a collection of ornate paintings and softly glowing orbs that cast a warm light upon the scene.As he reached a mahogany door, its surface intricately etched with delicate designs, Keeran's hand moved slowly to open it. The door swung open to reveal Velrian and another elderly figure seated within the room. "Lord William," Keeran greeted the old man with a respectful bow. The old man sat regally behind a table of gleaming gold, his attire mirroring the richness of his surroundings. His eyes emanated an air of calm wisdom as his gray hair was neatly combed."Please, take a seat," William replied, gesturing towards a chair beside Velrian."Is everything in order for the upcoming funeral?" William inquired, his gaze attentive."Theo's family is en route to Krovian. The funeral is scheduled for t
Under the moon's light, Xander and Atheria rode atop Crazy Jack, their journey illuminated by the silvery glow. The dirt path stretched out before them, bordered by swaying silver grass that added an enchanting quality to the scenery.Suddenly, their focus shifted as they spotted a carriage approaching from a distance. The driver seemed oblivious to their presence due to the darkness and distance."Quick, into the grass," Xander whispered urgently, swiftly dismounting and disappearing into the tall blades. "Sit boy," Atheria gently said. Crazy Jack seemed to comprehend Atheria's whispered command and obediently settled down in the grass."She is good with animals I see," Bloodhound commented within Xander's thoughts."That's why you like her I guess, because you are an animal too," Xander replied in a whispering tone.The carriage drew nearer, its pace leisurely as torches cast dancing shadows around it. The driver, hidden beneath a bamboo hat and nondescript brown robes, seemed unaw
Inside the carriage, Xander's heart raced as he felt it come to a halt. He strained his ears to catch snippets of conversation happening outside. He could hear Toya's voice and the excited chatter of the goblins who accompanied him."They say it's the finest ale they've ever tasted," Toya's voice carried a mix of confidence and anticipation."About time we got a decent shipment," a goblin at the gate responded, his excitement palpable."Open it, open it!" another goblin chimed in eagerly."Hold on, Is that really necessery?" Toya's voice took on a cautious tone. "We just have to make sure it's all there. Chief's orders." a goblin said.Xander clenched his fists inside the carriage, his anxiety rising. The goblins' voices echoed around him, making him feel like time was running out. He glanced at the barrels around him, hoping they would be convincing enough."Damn it," Bloodhound hissed within Xander's mind. Xander's heart skipped a beat as the goblins continued their conversation.
With Bloodhound unresponsive and encircled by a swarm of goblins, Xander gripped his dagger in desperation. The horde's menacing advances left him with no alternative but to fight his way through, hoping against hope for an escape from their clutches."Dead meat, human!""Bones for the feast!"The goblins' taunts echoed in the air as they closed in on him. Their prior witness of Xander's brutal efficiency under Bloodhound's control had them wary, unwilling to charge at him recklessly. Instead, they formed a cautious perimeter, biding their time.As the goblins circled him, Xander's gaze caught a glimpse of Toya stealthily slipping away from the scene. Suddenly, two goblins surged at him, one from the front and another from behind."Come and get me, you ugly shits!" Xander's voice resounded with defiance as he planted his feet firmly. With calculated precision, he sidestepped, delivering a powerful kick to the chest of the goblin attacking from behind."Bastard!!" The kicked goblin cra
Upon learning that he had been consuming Toya's blood, a startled expression overtook Xander's features. Atheria couldn't help but roll her eyes in response to his reaction."You practically guzzled down goblin blood before, so this is definitely an upgrade. Ugh, it sounds pretty disgusting when I say it out loud," Atheria commented, her own words seemingly unsettling her."Drink it and heal your wounds, fool," Bloodhound's voice intruded forcefully into Xander's thoughts.With no better option for healing at hand, Xander drew a deep breath and swallowed the entirety of the blood within the leather pouch. A wave of warmth coursed through his body, swiftly knitting his wounds, easing the pain, and reinvigorating his body.Curious and determined, Xander inquired, "Where's Toya?""Follow me," Atheria gestured, her movements beckoning Xander to join her. With his wounds healed, he stood and moved without the previous discomfort.Guided by Atheria, Xander and Jack made their way toward a s
"Look, I believe you," Atheria's voice broke the silence that had settled between them. "But life isn't fair, and we don't always get what we want. We have to make do with what we have and help others. Your curse can be those villagers' gift."Xander looked at her, his expression a mix of contemplation and gratitude."I'm not saying don't look for a cure," Atheria continued, her tone earnest. "But until you find one, use your powers to help people in need. Turn your curse into something good. We only have one life, Xander, and we should live it in a way that leaves a positive mark."“I will save those villagers. I just hope my powers and Bloodhound don't disappear in the middle of the fight,” Xander sighed, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.“You're a foolish one, aren't you? Want me to vanish, yet you require my assistance in battle. Admit it, you're nothing without me, and you need me more than I need you,” Bloodhound's voice echoed within Xander's mind, causing him to wince in pai