It was a quiet night in the capital of Kazdel, Kazdel. Or as quiet as such a place could be.
The shops closed for the night, and the inhabitants who had houses or something similar returned to their homes while patrols of guards traversed the streets.
However, in the poorest districts, composed of labyrinthine streets and dilapidated houses and shacks, a figure moved in the shadows, wearing dark leather clothing typical to assassins.
His footsteps were silent, muffled by semi-transparent spheres enveloping his feet, and every time he rolled, he became momentarily invisible.
Holding a staff in one hand and a chime in the other, he used powers that would be called Arts by the locals, but they couldn't have been more different.
With the swinging of the staff as he passed, the damage to the old houses and shacks was repaired without the knowledge of their sleeping inhabitants.
Cracks disappeared, boards reconnected, holes closed, and more. The same was true for the furniture, now as good as new.
In the end, although the dwellings were still made of poor-quality materials, at least they were in a condition similar to the day they were built instead of their previous dilapidated appearance.
Then, he rang his chime, a soft sound, and with that, what could only be described as miracles affected the inhabitants in a large area.
Wounds healed instantly, bones returned to their place and straightened, teeth grew back, and diseases that people didn't even know they had disappeared before they became serious.
As soon as it was all over, their bodies were as healthy as those of a young person. However, there was a more forlorn group of people, the Infected, sleeping in the alleys with dark crystals oozing from their bodies.
It didn't matter if they were men, women, or children; the warm, calming light enveloping their bodies brought a peace they thought impossible.
Amidst the pleasant dreams, they failed to notice their Originium wounds fading and damaged organs regenerating. They were still infected, but this small blessing gave them more time to live and something they had abandoned: hope.
As a final act of kindness, the figure left some coins at the feet of each infected person, and with that done, he departed for a different section of the capital, ready to repeat the process.
-XXXXXX-
"Ready for the start of our journey?"
I asked Warfarin after locking the door of our house behind us.
"You bet! I won't pass up the opportunity to explore Kazdel without having to run for my life."
I nodded in confirmation, taking one last look at the poster on the other side of the window announcing that we were traveling for important business.
"I still think we should have left someone in charge of the store. What if we get robbed?"
"Don't worry. I made sure to leave some security measures in place."
"What did you do this time?"
I just smiled, holding back a laugh, at Warfarin's confusion as she insisted on knowing what I had done, but no matter how much she asked, I refused to answer. It would be funnier when we got back.
Our walk to the main gate was short, because as soon as we turned the corner, we were confronted by a crowd arguing loudly. They spoke animatedly, with cheerful voices and admiring faces, completely ignoring the strange pair we were.
With a leap, my vampire companion sat on my shoulders, trying to see the end of the sea of heads.
"What, in the name of the spirits, is happening here?"
"I don't know, maybe a miracle?"
"Alden, what did you do?"
"Nothing, why is it always my fault when something strange happens?"
"You're still asking? Strange things have been happening ever since you arrived!"
"I swear I have nothing to do with it!"
"Seriously? I'll keep an eye on you."
Her voice made it clear she didn't believe me, and my happiness at seeing so many joyful people did little to dispel her doubts about my involvement.
We followed a path through the side streets, skirting the crowd and arriving at the main gate where the expedition of scholars and guards awaited us, and to no one's surprise, Buldrokkas'tee was there.
"Alden, Warfarin."
We returned the wave and after exchanging a handshake, we were introduced to the rest of the expedition.
Most were basic Sarkaz, however, I identified some Banshees, Liches, and Gargoyles among them. Besides them, there were the king's knights dressed in black armor and mounted on their swift beasts.
The main means of transport would be by wagons pulled by burden beasts, and in Buldrokkas'tee's case, he would have one of these animals as his mount, as it was the only one that could support his weight.
Then, we learned the names of those with whom we would spend most of our time from now on.
I admit, I don't remember everyone, but I made a point of memorizing those who stood out from the rest, or who proved more friendly to our presence.
There was Ephram, the leader of the knights, a tall, strong, blond, tanned Sarkaz man in his thirties with horns protruding from his forehead and pointing upwards.
Herschel, a dark-skinned gargoyle with short black hair and a trained physique, who had a particular interest in my equipment. He didn't have wings, but the characteristic horns and tail of gargoyles were there.
Yona, the only Banshee who didn't seem to want to run away when she saw me, instead approached in a polite bow before turning away. She had bluish hair tied in a bun, and her cultural clothing hid most of her features.
Zohara, a short, thin Lich with pale skin, curly gray hair, and somewhat clumsy, mostly from trying to carry stacks and stacks of books and scrolls at the same time. I can't describe the number of questions she asked me while her tail swung like a whip.
Finally, two Sarkaz, Joel and Dafna, a friendly young couple. The first had fair skin and brown hair, with horns protruding from the sides of his head and pointing upwards, while the second had a darker skin tone, with straight purple hair and horns protruding from her forehead, although the left one was slightly larger than the right.
I find it strange how some people have hair of such diverse colors. I was used to seeing black, blond, red, brown, even white and gray in powerful bloodlines, but having a rainbow of hair colors was peculiar.
Leaving that aside, the introductions went smoothly, and perhaps our reputation is improving, as we received fewer suspicious glances than we were used to.
After that, I summoned Torrent, still relishing everyone's reactions upon seeing him, and with that done, we began our journey towards the Moonfang Ruins.
-XXXXXX-
Perhaps I got too excited, because instead of a fast journey, we were forced into a slow gallop to keep up with the beats.
It was expected; the knights' and my job was to protect the scholars, but it didn't change the fact that I was used to traveling fast, whether by bonfire, grace, or Torrent.
At least the questions from those around me kept me entertained.
"So he's not a construct of art?" Zohara readjusted her glasses, gazing at Torrent with admiration.
"Exactly, Torrent is a specter, something akin to a spirit or ghost." I nudged her back with my staff, because if she leaned any further, she would fall from her seat at the front of the wagon.
"But that shouldn't be possible! The amount of power required to summon the wraiths of an Eternal Flame is absurd! If your steed is anything like that, then you should have already died with your life drained!"
Oh, if you only knew the truth.
"Believe me, you'll learn that nothing is impossible with him here."
Warfarin patted my back amicably as she sat sideways, swinging her legs in the air.
"A-and you, M-Miss Warfarin, what are you doing here?"
"Me? Honestly, I have nothing better to do, so I decided to keep my friend company. Things get more interesting with him around."
"I-I understand, and about the matter of your food…"
I didn't see Warfarin's face, but judging by her laughter and Zohara's frightened expression, she must have been giving another one of her fang-baring grins.
"Oh, you're worried I'll starve? How kind! I hope you don't mind offering me some blood."
The poor Lich made a strange noise and retreated into her carriage. Meanwhile, Warfarin laughed like never before.
"Haha! I never imagined I'd see a cowardly Lich!"
"I-I can hear you!"
"You're immortal, you can manipulate space and erase people's existence, and yet you're afraid of me?"
Well, I didn't expect that. Immortality was the least impressive thing, considering my life.
Spatial manipulation isn't beyond my abilities due to the power of the abyss and erasing people's existence… Maybe the Black Flame or the Frenzied one could do that. In any case, it was curious to find a race that could do something similar.
"Being a Lich doesn't make me a powerful caster! Do you have any idea of the power and mastery required to do what my people are known for?!"
I shook Torrent's reins, making him accelerate and give the poor Lich some space. Warfarin yelled, hugging my waist to keep her balance, but that did little to stop her taunts.
"You always have to spoil my fun."
She spoke with feigned sadness, and I could already imagine her pout.
"You need to stop this attitude; it's only a matter of time before you annoy the wrong person."
"Ha, you talk as if that hasn't already happened."
"I admit, it was foolish of me to think otherwise."
We exchanged a laugh, and the journey continued without incident.
Judging by the distance and the fact that the trees I was used to were becoming more twisted and dark, we would probably reach the ruins the next day.
But due to our reduced speed, we had to stop for lunch, so we positioned the wagons in a circle, with a campfire set up in the center.
I felt bad when a bowl of stew was given to me, as I couldn't taste it. Even so, I ate it out of politeness and to hide my condition.
From my place on the ground, I observed the expedition members doing different things. Feeding the beasts, analyzing maps and routes, talking, eating, training, but I couldn't shake the idea that I should be doing something useful.
Suddenly, I was pulled from my thoughts by a large shadow covering my body.
"Alden."
"Buldrokkas'tee."
We exchanged a nod, and with that, the Wendigo sat beside me, making the earth tremble.
"You seem bothered."
"I'm just not used to standing still in the middle of so many people. I feel like I should be doing something."
"I understand the feeling, but we're here to protect them and nothing more. If you do everything, they'll be the ones feeling lost."
"Hm… I think you're right."
Then silence returned, broken again by the Wendigo.
"Alden?"
"Yes."
"How did you become so strong?"
Isn't that the long-awaited question? A half-truth should suffice.
"Part of it was due to training; I tried to learn how to use all kinds of Arts and weapons I could find, expanding my arsenal and skills, but when I reached the limits of the human body, I sought ways to circumvent them. One of them was through a woman who claimed to possess Arts capable of making me a powerful warrior, but she would need me to bring materials to make that possible. I lost count of how many times I sought her services, but she was partly responsible for making me who I am."
"That woman… Could you introduce me to her?"
"Unfortunately not. We parted ways a long time ago, and I don't know her fate. Besides, she's not entirely trustworthy; strengthening me was part of a plan I participated in as a pawn."
My mood soured immediately upon remembering the Emerald Herald. I didn't hate her, but I didn't love her either. She helped me, but for selfish reasons, just like the queen of Drangleic.
If we meet again, I don't know what I would say, but it would be an uncomfortable reunion. Buldrokkas'tee seemed to sense my mood, as he didn't press the issue.
"I see, so do you have any suggestions?"
"Before that, allow me to ask. Why do you wish to become stronger?"
"Any soldier would say to better serve the king, and while that's partly true, I wish to become stronger to protect my parents."
"A noble goal. Very well, to begin with, I recommend you learn to use other weapons with varying weights and ranges. A spear and shield will do little if you find yourself surrounded. It would also be good to keep some items nearby, such as throwing knives and healing items, so stop at my shop from time to time. Acquiring better quality equipment will also help you, but nothing beats training and experience."
"If that's the case, would you be willing to face me in friendly combat?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
The corners of my mouth curled up, and the Wendigo chuckled lightly. We stood up and moved away from the camp, drawing everyone's attention, especially the knights'.
We took our distance and assumed fighting stances, beginning our duel.
Immediately, Buldrokkas'tee set aside his shield and gripped his trident with both hands, using his Arts to quickly close the distance.
As the dark blur approached, I raised my chime and cast Emit Force towards the ground. The shockwave opened a hole near his feet, pushing his way and breaking his balance.
I seized the opportunity and swung my staff, repeatedly casting Soul Arrow. The Wendigo growled as one of the arrows opened a scalding hole in his shoulder pad, but her continued moving, circling me while dodging the arrows.
I then conjured Homing Soul Arrow, but he showed little surprise when they followed him, probably used to it from our previous fight.
Unexpectedly, he hurled his trident at me, forcing me to roll out of the way. The weapon destroyed a row of trees, but as soon as I stood up, I slammed my flame into my chest, conjuring Iron Flesh.
CLANG!
A metallic crack echoed as a large fist struck my face. My ears rang with the noise, and the crushing force of the blow pushed me back, yet I remained standing.
"What did you do to yourself?"
He asked, his eyes wide with surprise, trying to hide the fact that he was shaking his aching hand.
"I turned my body into metal, literally."
As for me, I tried to hide the fact that my head was spinning and blood was dripping from my bitten tongue.
Buldrokkas'tee made a gesture I could only describe as a frown and lunged forward again, attempting a kick to my chest, but I stepped aside, dodging the attack.
I tried to aim my flame at his face, but he slapped my arm away and tried to punch me in the head again. However, I raised my arm, blocking the attack, hearing another crack and feeling my feet slide.
"Using this art affects your speed."
There was no point in responding, so I focused on fighting instead, gripping my chime and conjuring Force, pushing my opponent away with a mostly harmless shockwave.
This created an opening for me to raise my staff and conjure Dark Orb, striking his chest with a sphere of pure darkness. His now-shattered chestplate bore the brunt of the attack, leaving a slight wound on his chest, but he stood firm, ready to fight again.
"You shouldn't have thrown your weapon without a secondary one."
"A mistake I won't repeat, but I'm not out of tricks."
Buldrokkas'tee raised both fists and slammed them into the ground, creating a tremor and raising a cloud of dust.
I was about to cast a spell and clean the smoke, but before I could, I felt a pair of arms embracing me from behind as my body was lifted off the ground.
The world turned upside down, and before I understood what was happening, I found myself sunk into the ground.
I felt something grab my leg and pull me up. I acted faster and ignited my flame; I didn't use any specific pyromancy, just created a flaming explosion.
I crawled out of the crater, and when the smoke cleared, I saw a charred Buldrokkas'tee lying on his back.
"Was this because of the outcome of our last fight?"
"No, not at all."
He coughed, slowly rising to his feet. And his words couldn't have been more false.
With a wave of my hand, I dispelled Iron Flesh and healed the Wendigo. After that, he retrieved his weapons before we returned to the camp where everyone, except Warfarin, watched us with open mouths and wide eyes.
"What?"
The vampire was the only one to answer, but not to me.
"You can pay me now."
Extending her hand with an arrogant smile, the knight beside her handed a handful of coins.
-XXXXXX-
Time passed and it was night in the capital. In the darkness, a Sarkaz dressed in dark clothes broke open the back door of a famous shop that had recently opened.
The quality of the building and the clothes of its inhabitants was more than enough to prove that they were flush with money, and soon everything would be his, and thus, he could escape this cursed country.
With a click, the door opened, revealing a profound darkness, so deep that his lantern barely illuminated the interior of the house.
Anyway, he entered, searching for something of value, but he stifled a surprised cry when something pushed him towards the ground. Immediately, he grabbed his lantern and drew a knife, wondering if there was anyone else there.
His face contorted in horror when he spotted a group of skeletons armed with spears and scimitars staring down at him with empty eyes and gaping jaws.
His survival instincts took less than a second to return, and he fled screaming as an army of skeletons pursued him.
Fortunately, he survived, but spent the rest of his life branded insane for recounting what happened that night after surrendering to the guards in exchange for protection from the army of the dead.
END OF CHAPTER