The Last Blood Mage

Mage Hunters

(A few hours after Xander killed the mage)

Enshrouded in an impenetrable darkness. Yet, in a designated clearing, a long carriage stood, surrounded by a cluster of soldiers bearing torches. The wind howled through the trees, causing the torch flames to dance erratically.

Suddenly, a figure broke through the stormy night sky as a pegasus descended gracefully through the canopy. Its pristine, pearl-white wings contrasted against the obsidian darkness. The fluttering flames of the torches cast eerie shadows on the scene, revealing several armored soldiers gathered around the carriage. Their solemn demeanor shifted as they recognized the significance of the newcomer's arrival.

"A mage hunter," one soldier muttered in hushed tones, a mix of awe and trepidation in their voice.

The rider who dismounted the pegasus was a tall, distinguished man sporting a black goatee. His wavy hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his dark brown robes almost blended into the night. His countenance exuded an air of wisdom and seriousness, a demeanor in stark contrast to the youthfulness of the companion by his side. The younger man, with red hair and freckles, wore glasses and appeared somewhat scrawny in comparison.

The two newcomers alighted from the pegasus, and the young man hastened towards the assembled soldiers.

"I am Theo Reginald, and this is Lord Keeran Fredinal," Theo announced, his tone respectfully addressing the soldiers. "He will be taking charge of the investigation from this point forward."

"Show me the body," Keeran commanded curtly, his authority as a mage hunter ensuring immediate compliance from the mage guild soldiers.

"Everyone, maintain a distance of at least ten meters from the scene," Keeran ordered, sweeping his gaze over the area. "Take off your boots and bag them for sizing."

As Keeran focused on surveying the surroundings, the carriage, and the aftermath of the incident, Theo approached the covered bodies. With gestures, he instructed the soldiers to remove the white shrouds.

The cloth was peeled back, and a wave of putrid odor greeted Theo, causing him to reflexively cover his nose, his features contorting in distaste.

"Lord Keeran," Theo called out as Keeran approached the scene, his steps deliberate and measured.

"It appears that the rumors were accurate. A mage has been slain, and the assailant has fled," Keeran pronounced, his voice laden with gravity.

"Could they have perished while battling each other? These wounds, they seem like the result of a lightning spell," Theo suggested, inspecting the jagged holes that marred the adventurers' lifeless forms.

"These wounds were inflicted upon them before they even had a chance to resist," Keeran asserted, his gaze locked onto the bodies.

Kneeling down beside the fallen mage, Keeran gently turned the body over, revealing a gaping hole in its abdomen that had been torn from back to front.

"Attacked from behind. But what sort of force could cause such damage?" Keeran mused aloud.

"Perhaps the killer employed a weapon," Theo, having spent six years under Keeran's tutelage, ventured an opinion.

"Even if a weapon were used, it would have to be something quite unconventional to cause such a wound," Keeran deliberated, his scrutiny unwavering. As he continued his assessment, Keeran's gaze alighted upon a fang mark etched onto one of the bodies.

Puzzlement furrowed Keeran's brow as he observed the deep indentation upon the victim's neck. A foreboding shadow fell over his already serious countenance, realization dawning in his eyes.

Without delay, Keeran turned to his assembled team.

"Dispatch a message to the mage guild immediately. We are dealing with a dark mage," Keeran commanded, his tone commanding and resolute. "We cannot afford to squander time. Investigate the adventurers' final quest, uncover every detail, and trace their steps. We must apprehend this killer swiftly, or we risk facing a mounting death toll."

With a firm directive given, Keeran strode away from the scene, the burden of responsibility heavy upon his shoulders. Theo hurriedly followed, his steps echoing with questions yet unasked.

"Teacher," Theo interjected, halting Keeran's stride just a few inches away from the pegasus.

"What is a dark mage? I've never seen you quite like this," Theo questioned, his curiosity mingling with concern.

"Such knowledge is usually withheld from young mages. Our time is limited, but I'll share this much: dark mages are a faction of magic wielders who draw their power from entities outside the purview of the elemental gods. The mage hunters and the guild have worked tirelessly to purge these malevolent practitioners, yet it seems remnants persist," Keeran disclosed, his voice carrying a cold undertone.

Theo's realization was met with a jolt of shock. After a brief moment, he managed to summon more questions for his mentor.

"Have you encountered these dark mages, teacher?" Theo inquired.

"Only twice in my twenty-five years as a mage hunter. Believe me when I say that both instances resulted in the loss of numerous comrades and came perilously close to claiming my own life," Keeran revealed, a hint of apprehension tingeing his words.

"The sooner we apprehend this killer, the safer we'll all be," Keeran declared, mounting the pegasus with practiced ease. Assisting Theo onto the steed, Keeran took hold of the reins and spurred the majestic creature into the air.

**************************

(Twelve hours later)

Seated within his cluttered office, Keeran found solace amidst the sun's gentle rays that filtered through the glass window behind him. Behind his imposing mahogany desk, an array of parchments and books lay scattered in organized chaos. His workspace was a tapestry of knowledge, an amalgamation of texts and scrolls.

As Keeran delved into the intricate world of dark mages through the written tomes, the office door creaked open, and Theo entered.

"Teacher," Theo respectfully addressed him.

"Any progress on the adventurers?" Keeran inquired, his gaze still fixed on the texts. The murdered adventurers bore the emblem of the Krovian Adventurer's Guild, giving Keeran hope that his apprentice would glean information from the guild and piece together the events leading to their demise.

"The quest they embarked on concerned a stolen artifact. The quest giver used an alias, but here's the intriguing part—the assignment was meant for a group of five, yet the crime scene had only four bodies," Theo divulged, relaying his findings.

"Potentially another survivor or perhaps the murderer," Theo mused, only to be halted by Keeran's words.

"Or the perpetrator. What have you learned about this fifth adventurer?" Keeran's tone turned solemn.

"The adventurer used the moniker 'Xander.' Unfortunately, the guild possesses no knowledge of his lodgings or current whereabouts. My contacts are diligently searching for any leads," Theo explained.

"Deploy disguised mages to the taverns, inns, and every conceivable lodging. Have an artist render a likeness of him and inquire among the city's denizens. If he's still in Emberlyn, we must intercept him before he fully harnesses his dark powers and unleashes their potential," Keeran's orders were crisp and determined, reflecting his urgency.

"But teacher, is it plausible that a dark mage would keep his real identity and appearance after committing such a crime?" Theo voiced his skepticism.

"This particular dark mage is a fledgling, yet to grasp the full scope of his newfound abilities. He remains an amateur for now. It's imperative we locate him before he matures in his malevolence," Keeran's conviction was unwavering, though Theo remained oblivious to the reasoning behind his teacher's conclusions.

"Now, go!" Keeran's voice boomed, silencing any further inquiries from Theo, who departed the room swiftly, rattled by the stern command.