"So let me get this straight. Consuming black roots will make a mage powerless for days, depending on the potency. But if they consume too much or too often, they would die. How does this affect the world like you said? It just looks like extra steps to kill a mage," Xander growled.He had thought consuming black roots would rid him of his blood mage powers. However, he had learned that if he consumed too much black root or did so too frequently to suppress his powers, he could die from mana poisoning. Although Xander knew he wouldn't die unless his head was severed or his body burned completely, he doubted he would survive mana poisoning."You're not seeing the full picture," Mathias said."With this knowledge, alchemists will spend their lives brewing potions and weaponizing black roots. Imagine a poison made with black roots that could immediately strip a mage of their powers. It could change the tide of a war. Think about the spells or runes created using the essence of black root
Gardan's vision began to blur as Xander drained his blood from his neck. Desperate, Gardan struggled to free himself, his hands transforming into talons that tore through Xander's robes, leaving deep cuts on his back. Blood oozed from the wounds."Let... me... go..." Gardan mustered all his strength and unleashed a powerful punch that momentarily pushed Xander away. Gardan felt the sharp sting in his neck, the pain making it difficult to stand."What the hell are you, freak?!" Gardan roared, his vision growing hazy.Xander, with bloody fangs and chin, cracked his neck and flicked his wrist. The blood sword materialized in his hands."Now you die!" Xander shouted, charging at Gardan with inhuman speed. He was on the brink of beheading Gardan when golden chains suddenly materialized, coiling around Xander's hands."Stand down!" Another voice echoed through the room. Several armored soldiers, led by a golden-haired man, stormed into the room.Xander was stunned by the sudden appearance o
Xander stood there, shocked to his core. Duke Marvin's laugh echoed in the courtyard, a disarming sound given the circumstances."I must admit, I know quite a bit about you, Xander," Duke Marvin continued, his tone calm. "I'm well aware of your departure from Emberlyn and your predicament with the Mage Guild. Moreover, news of your survival on Singing Lady Island reached me, and I must say, I'm exceptionally curious to learn of your exploits there."With a measured pause, Duke Marvin continued, "But before we delve into that tale, there's a more pressing matter to discuss – the ongoing civil strife in Mooncrest. I believe you and your companion might be of great assistance in bringing an end to this conflict.""What is it that you want with us?" Xander asked, his voice cautious.Duke Marvin began to walk slowly toward Xander and Atheria, his every step deliberate and measured. The two guards flanked him, their imposing presence amplifying his authority."Walk with me, Xander," Duke Ma
"Kill the king?" Xander was startled as he asked the duke."You already killed the duke. What would they do if you killed the king, hang you twice?" Duke Marvin chuckled lightly, as though what he asked was not a big deal."Of course, you don't have to agree. But we both know this is the only chance you've got. How far will you go for your freedom, Xander?" asked Duke Marvin."King Slayer... it has a nice ring to it," Bloodhound coldly chuckled within Xander's mind."Can we have a moment alone to think about this, your grace?" Atheria asked the duke."Of course," Duke Marvin said, gesturing for them to go talk in an empty space several meters away from him.Xander nodded as he walked with Atheria. After walking away from the duke, Xander and Atheria began their discussion of what to do next."Damn it. Killing the king? Is he crazy?" Xander growled."You saw what King Roberts did," Atheria said. Judging by her tone, Xander could tell she was ready to agree to kill the king."What if Du
"It's beautiful," said Xander, genuinely mesmerized by the armor.Duke Marvin nodded, pleased with their appreciation of the Shadowsteel Armor. "It is my pleasure. Now, follow me to the planning room, where we will discuss the details of your mission."Atheria, ever practical, inquired about her armor. "What about mine?"The Duke's response was reassuring. "The blacksmiths are hard at work on it, my dear. It should be ready soon."With the Duke leading the way and Jackson at their side, they left the forge. Along a dimly lit corridor, they came upon a forbidding-looking door, flanked by two guards in resplendent armor. The Duke pushed it open, revealing a room that was far from what they had expected.The room was circular, with high ceilings and a massive round table dominating the center. On its polished surface lay various maps, blueprints, and documents. Several boards stood against the walls, covered in portraits and notes that seemingly detailed the workings of Mooncrest's polit
"What reasons do you have for invading Emberlyn?" Atheria pressed, her concern for the innocent lives at stake clear in her voice.The Duke's face took on a more solemn expression. "I have my reasons, and while it may not sound noble, I assure you it's not born out of evil intent. Sometimes, sacrifices are necessary to ensure a better future for the next generation."Atheria shook her head, her voice tinged with sadness. "War, Duke Marvin, costs thousands of lives and affects the lives of even more, often with unforeseen consequences. It's a heavy burden to bear."Duke Marvin nodded, acknowledging the gravity of her words. "Your concerns are valid, but rest assured, your task is singular. We need you to kill King Roberts. The rest, the fate of Mooncrest and Emberlyn, will unfold as it must."Hearing the duke, ander just sighed. He could tell the duke would get what he wants no matter what. There was little they could do to persuade the duke to do otherwise."When do we leave for the c
As the carriage ventured deeper into the heart of the Capital city, Xander and Atheria were greeted by a bustling metropolis that teemed with life and color. The city was a living tapestry of architectural marvels, from grand marble buildings adorned with intricate carvings to quaint, centuries-old cobblestone streets.Nobles and commoners alike bustled about, dressed in their finest attire, a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Noblewomen draped in luxurious silks and satin promenaded alongside lords in ornate coats and velvet cloaks. Their clothing sparkled with jewels, and feathered masks concealed their identities, an elaborate display of opulence.On the crowded pavements, vendors peddled their wares under colorful awnings. Market stalls offered exotic goods, from jewel-studded trinkets to aromatic spices and rare fabrics. Soldiers in emerald green armor marched in formation, a visible reminder of the kingdom's uncertain times. Their presence was a testament to King Roberts' anxiety
Atheria leaned in closer to Xander, her voice barely above a whisper amidst the lively chatter. "This is your chance, Xander. Mingle with the crowd, but keep an eye out for King Robert. Remember, we're here to get close to him."Taking her advice to heart, Xander picked up a glass of sparkling water from a passing tray and began to move through the gathering. He engaged in polite conversations with fellow nobles, listening to their discussions on various topics.As he conversed, Bloodhound's sinister voice echoed within his mind, a stark contrast to the jovial atmosphere around him. "All these nobles around you, Xander, they're all potential threats. Easy prey. They should all be silenced."Xander clenched his jaw and fought off the urge to entertain those dark thoughts. He couldn't afford to lose himself to that darkness, not here, not now.Amidst the nobles, conversations buzzed with topics of various kinds. One nobleman commented, "Did you hear about Sir Gregory's valor? Quite an i
Three grueling days after their harrowing encounter with the yetis, the trio finally saw their destination looming on the horizon: the dark forest. The sight of it was enough to dampen the spirits of even the most stalwart adventurer. Towering trees, so dense and tall that they seemed to swallow the light, stood as silent sentinels guarding secrets untold. A mist clung to the forest floor, giving the entire landscape an ethereal, yet ominous, quality."Ah, the dark forest. Just the sort of place you'd expect to find in a cheerful tale of adventure and heroism," Xander quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm as they approached. "I bet it's filled with sunshine, rainbows, and friendly woodland creatures just dying to invite us over for tea."Atheria rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, definitely. I hear the dark, soul-sucking void at its heart is particularly inviting this time of year. We should definitely RSVP."Erik, who had been quiet, his gaze fixed on the forest's
As the trio braced themselves for the yetis' counterattack, the creatures proved their cunning once more. Rather than engaging directly in their weakened state, the yetis used the storm to their advantage, disappearing into the swirling snow to regroup and launch a more strategic assault."We can't let them regroup!" Atheria shouted, her voice barely audible over the howling wind. She continued to fire arrows into the storm, hoping to disrupt the yetis' movements.Xander, breathing heavily from the exertion and the effects of Erik's spell beginning to wane, scanned the edges of their makeshift battleground for any sign of the yetis. "These bastards are smarter than they look. We need to stick together, watch each other's backs."Erik, his energy drained, nodded in agreement, trying to muster what little magic he had left for another protective barrier. "They're using the storm as cover. We need to be ready for anything."Suddenly, from the depths of the blizzard, a large ice boulder,
As Xander engaged the yeti in a fierce melee, his determination and vampiric strength driving him forward, the battle took a sudden turn. From the shadows of the storm, more yetis emerged, joining the fray with a coordinated assault. These new adversaries didn't engage directly in the close combat but instead launched a barrage of ice boulders and sharp icicles from a distance, adding a new layer of danger to the already chaotic battle."Damn it, there's more of them!" Xander cursed, narrowly dodging a large icicle that whistled past his ear, his focus split between the towering yeti before him and the incoming projectiles. "Erik, Atheria, we've got company!"Atheria, her eyes wide at the sight of additional yetis, quickly shifted her focus to the new threats. "Xander, keep on the big one! We'll handle the others!" She loosed arrow after arrow with precision, each one aimed at the shadows from which the ice attacks originated.Erik, recognizing the need for a defensive strategy, began
Forced back into the merciless embrace of the storm, the trio navigated the blizzard's fury with renewed caution. The failure of Erik's plan had not dampened their spirits, but it had certainly underscored the power and cunning of their yeti adversaries. The yetis, sensing their momentary advantage, intensified their barrage, the size and frequency of the ice boulders growing as if to crush any hope the trio had of escaping unscathed."This is insane!" Xander shouted, barely dodging another massive ice boulder that crashed into the snow beside them, sending a shower of icy fragments into the air. "They're not just throwing ice anymore; they're aiming to kill!"Atheria, her eyes scanning the swirling chaos for any sign of their attackers, nodded grimly. "Yetis are known for their strength, but this...this is something else. It's like they're toying with us, testing our defenses."Erik, his energy reserves slowly recovering, added, "And they're using the storm as cover, striking from th
As the trio prepared themselves inside the cave, the onslaught of ice balls intensified, each one larger and thrown with more force than the last. The situation quickly escalated from a mere annoyance to a dire threat. Xander, dodging another icy projectile, couldn't contain his frustration. "Bloody hell! These yetis have one hell of an arm. What's their plan, turn us into an ice sculpture exhibition?"Erik, his gaze fixed on the cave entrance, where the ice balls seemed to be targeting with alarming accuracy, had a grim realization. "They're not just attacking us. They're trying to seal us in. If they manage to block the entrance with enough ice, we'll be trapped here."Atheria, understanding the gravity of their predicament, quickly assessed their options. "We can't let that happen. We need to make a move before we're completely buried. It's clear they want us either trapped or dead."The notion of being trapped by a deliberate strategy employed by the yetis only added to Xander's g
Huddled in the cave as the storm unleashed its fury outside, the trio tried to make the best of their situation, sharing stories and attempting to keep their spirits high despite the ominous atmosphere. The howling of the wind and the relentless barrage of snow against the cave entrance created a cacophony that drowned out all other sounds. It was during a brief lull in the storm's roar that Xander, his senses always on alert, tensed up, his head tilting slightly as if trying to catch a sound far off in the distance."Did you guys hear that?" he asked, his voice cutting through the relative quiet of the cave.Atheria and Erik paused, listening intently. "Hear what? Just the storm, isn't it?" Atheria replied, a hint of concern creeping into her voice."No, there was something else...a roar. Not like any animal I've heard before," Xander insisted, his eyes narrowing as he tried to peer out into the swirling snow.Erik stood up, moving closer to the cave entrance, his magical senses exte
Several hours had passed since their conversation about Erik joining them on their journey, the landscape gradually shifting as they approached a vast, frozen lake. The air grew colder, the chill biting through their cloaks. Erik, scanning the area with a practiced eye, suggested they make camp. "This looks like a good spot," Erik announced, gesturing towards a clearing near the frozen lake. "We should rest here for the night. The lake will provide us with fresh water, and we can use the open space to our advantage should we need to defend ourselves." Xander and Atheria nodded in agreement, dismounting their horses and beginning to set up camp. Erik, taking a few steps away from the setup, concentrated for a moment before extending his hands. With a few whispered words, a spell ignited from his fingertips, creating a campfire that crackled to life, its warmth a welcome respite from the encroaching cold. "Show-off," Xander teased, but his tone was light, appreciative of the warmth Er
As the trio reached the outskirts of the monastery, preparing to venture towards the source of the corruption, Erik, with his usual blend of humor and practicality, suggested a recon mission."Maybe we three should scout ahead before we bring the whole monk brigade," Erik joked, casting a sideways glance at Xander and Atheria. "No offense to our robed friends, but I'm not sure they're cut out for dragon corpse duty. Plus, it's not exactly a field trip."Laylan, who had joined them to provide final instructions, nodded in agreement. "Erik has a point. It's wise to assess the situation first. And Erik, you're familiar with the forest, aren't you?"Erik shrugged, a half-smile on his face. "Familiar enough to know it's not exactly a stroll through the park even on a good day. But yeah, I know the way."Laylan's expression grew serious, his eyes reflecting the gravity of their task. "Be cautious. The corruption from the dragon's corpse may have... unintended side effects. The forest could
Meanwhile, in the silence of his quarters, Xander sat bolt upright in his bed, a sheen of sweat covering his brow, his breathing heavy and erratic. The darkness of the monk's quarters seemed to press in on him, the echoes of his dream still vivid in his mind. It was then that Erik and Atheria, having noticed the light under his door, walked into the room, concern etched on their faces."Erik, Atheria," Xander gasped, trying to regain his composure. "I... I had a dream. It was so vivid, so real."Atheria moved closer, her brow furrowed in worry. "You're sweating buckets. What did you dream about?"Leaning against the doorframe, Erik added, "Yeah, mate, you look like you've just run a marathon. Must have been some dream."Xander wiped his forehead, the images from his dream still swirling in his head. "It was more like a nightmare. I saw a giant golden statue, towering over a crowd of people. There was... there was so much tension, fear. The statue was about to fall, and everyone was pa