As the sinister effects of the tainted wine continued to course through their bodies, Xander and Atheria found themselves collapsing to the ground, coughing up blood and gasping for breath. Each agonizing cough felt like a hammer blow to their chests.The Duke stood over them, a twisted smile on his face. "Take solace in knowing that in death, you can be free," he mused, his voice dripping with malevolence.Xander, his voice strained and weak, managed to cough out, "You're making a mistake."The Duke merely chuckled, a chilling sound that echoed through the night air. "I don't make mistakes, my dear boy. And I know exactly what you are – a dark mage."Jackson, his loyalty firmly with the Duke, chimed in, "Even if we were to let you go, the Mage Guild would hunt you down like a dog. This is a more respectful end."Xander, his vision blurred and his body wracked with pain, managed to turn his head slightly. He saw Atheria sprawled on the ground, her eyes locked onto his. Despite the tor
The early morning sun cast a warm golden glow over the quaint fishing village as Thomas and James arrived, their burden still unconscious on their shoulders.Villagers bustled about their daily routines, setting up their fishing gear and preparing for a day at sea. But their activities came to an abrupt halt as they caught sight of the two fishermen, Thomas and James, carrying the mysterious young man.Gasps of astonishment and murmurs of concern rippled through the crowd. Women paused in their tasks, clutching baskets of fresh fish, while children's eyes widened with curiosity."Who is he? What happened?" The questions echoed through the small coastal settlement as they hurried towards the scene.Thomas, looking worried but resolute, set his gaze upon James. "Go fetch the village elder, James. And let them know we've got an injured man here," he instructed in a hushed tone.James nodded and darted off towards the elder's modest dwelling at the center of the village.The villagers for
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