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
In the heart of Mystic Grove, where Kingdom Emberlyn and Mooncrest met, a lone carriage advanced. Drawn by silver-maned horses, it journeyed through the dense, ever-raining forest. Unperturbed, the carriage pressed on through the muddy path. Hidden in the forest, warriors waited. Clad in muddy, leaf-adorned leather armor, waiting for the carriage. Five bald-headed individuals comprised the group, distinguished only by stripes on their attire. Among them stood a charming young man. His dark hair framed god-given features: enigmatic eyes, a square jaw, broad shoulders, and a rugged beard."The carriage will arrive in five minutes. Is everything set?" Tovian, the leader of the bald group, inquired, addressing both his men and Xander, who had joined their adventurer party to earn some extra coins. He had no choice but to earn the coins he desperately needed.Lionel, one of the bald brothers, questioned the ease of the upcoming task. "This will be the easiest coins we've ever made. Why
As Xander attempted to crawl back, he found his leg pinned down, rendering him helpless. Despite his desperate struggle, the mage continued to approach him, causing Xander to inwardly sigh, knowing that something dreadful was about to unfold. With his fate hanging in the balance, Xander knew that his survival depended on outwitting the powerful mage who now stood before him, ready to decide his fate."Who sent you to rob me?" the mage calmly inquired, his wrists crackling with lightning bolts, a menacing threat to Xander."We don't have to do this. We just accepted a quest from the adventurer's guild," Xander tried to maintain his composure despite the dangerous situation. Ever since he had acquired his cursed powers, his mind had developed a knack for staying calm in perilous circumstances, allowing him to focus on survival.But in a sudden display of force, the mage raised his finger and fired a lightning bolt that struck the ground just inches away from Xander. His heart skipped a
With the mage's lifeless body at his feet, Xander had to act swiftly. He couldn't linger in this dangerous territory. The quest's item waited in the lavish carriage, promising ten thousand gold coins. Xander's heart raced as he weighed the risks and rewards."I need those coins," Xander whispered, determined. Retrieving the item was his chance at a better life, a step closer to curing his powers.“I must vanish from Emberlyn before the mage guild knows he's dead.”Approaching the carriage, he glimpsed inside – red cushions, fragrant jasmines. His focus landed on the brown-cloth-covered quest item.“A human skull? What the hell?” He revealed a jade-green skull, eerie yet beautiful."No time to think," Xander muttered, securing the skull. He didn't investigate; he needed to deliver it and get paid. With the item, he dashed into the forest, heading straight for Emberlyn, where new challenges and dangers awaited him.As the sun dipped, casting a golden hue, Xander emerged from the forest,
With his payment secured, Xander left the guild, ignoring new quests. He held all ten thousand coins, a relief for his situation. The coin purse safely tucked in his jacket, he joined the bustling streets.A carriage moved through the street. Seizing an opportunity, Xander leaped onto the back, a trick he'd mastered as an orphan to travel without spending a coin.Holding on, Xander rode toward his destination. The carriage stopped on the bustling north side, where ships anchored and goods moved. The silvery ocean glowed under the moon.The carriage halted. Xander dropped onto muddy streets, blending into the crowd and navigating the busy streets.Amid the chaos, a sudden criy erupted."My purse is gone!""Thief over there!""Quick! Get him!"As Xander navigated the bustling port, he noticed a yelling nobleman nearby. But he didn't plan to intervene; pickpockets were common here, and he avoided trouble. Walking past the nobleman, he felt eyes on him. With his rough look, thieves likely
As the morning sun rose, casting a golden glow over the port, Xander woke. The voices from his dreams faded. He patted his inner pocket, ensuring his coin pouch was safe.He stretched and descended the creaky stairs. Downstairs, the tavern was restored after yesterday's brawl. Patrons sprawled on the floor, groaning from hangovers and dreams.“Hey Xander, hungry? Warm porridge and fresh bread here,” Agatha's gruff voice called as he settled onto a barstool.“How much is it this time? Did you raise the prices again?” Xander asked, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation.“You're a smart one, aren't you? Two gold coins for the porridge and an extra piece of bread will cost you more,” Agatha replied.“Seems like you're making a fortune here. You could open up a branch in the noble district,” Xander teased as he took out the required coins and placed them on the table.Agatha snorted, her brown dress swaying slightly as she pocketed the gold coins in a leather pouch hanging at her side. "N
Intense pain surged through Xander's body. It was a sensation unlike any he'd felt before—an overwhelming hunger for blood. His surroundings seemed to lose color, replaced by a haunting black and white. His vision honed in on the pulsing red dots that symbolized beating hearts. Panic gripped him, and fear threaded through his thoughts."Need to get off the streets," Xander muttered, staggering away from the people around him. He moved unsteadily, his gaze catching sight of a metal gate leading into the sewers. As he stumbled in that direction, a group of sailors and port workers jeered at his disoriented state."Look at this fool,""Hey, where's he headed?""Probably scavenging for more coin to buy more drinks,"Their taunts were like nails on a chalkboard, amplifying the agony he felt. Clenching his fists, Xander fought the maddening urge to lash out and satiate his bloodlust.Xander pressed on towards the sewer gate, the sunlight feeling like fire against his skin, intensifying his
As the thugs continued to walk away from Xander's body, the boss felt an unsettling hush settling in the sewer. His instincts, honed through years of killing, prickled with unease. Something was not right. Just as he halted his steps, the flickering torches lining the walls suddenly extinguished, plunging the area into disconcerting darkness.In the velvety blackness where the thugs could barely see their own hands, a rustling sound emerged from behind them. The boss was the first to turn around, his heart pounding in his chest."Boss, what's wrong?" one of the thugs asked nervously."Light a torch," the boss commanded. The thug, confused by the abrupt order, didn't dare question him. He hurriedly approached a nearby torch and drew his flint. Striking the blade of his dagger, sparks flickered and landed on the oil-dipped torch, igniting it with a sputtering flame.As the torch slowly illuminated the surroundings, the thugs and their leader stood in stunned silence. Their eyes widened