The Wagon's Trail

I soon came across a wagon within the village and arranged for the driver to take me to the Outer Market.

Given the late hour, he insisted on charging extra for the journey, and though I could have easily coerced him into compliance, I chose to let the matter slide.

As I settled into the wagon, my mind began to contemplate the possible motives behind the targeting of Wishmyth County by the dark mages.

Perhaps among their ranks was a necromancer who sought to profit from the abundance of lifeless bodies, deriving strength from death's embrace.

Alternatively, they might be orchestrating a grand ritual, summoning a powerful demon through these sacrificial acts.

As the wagon journeyed forward, my ruminations continued, consumed by thoughts of the impending peril.

The possibility of Wishmyth County being targeted to weaken the military strength of the region loomed heavily in my mind.

If the defenses of the Wishmyths were to crumble, it would undoubtedly facilitate the dark mages' unhindered passage into Edren, bypassing the central regions of Murkwood.

The consequences would be catastrophic, with the fall of Wishmyth paving the way for Edren's own demise, followed by the subjugation of neighbouring lands.

However, such a grand plan required a formidable leader to orchestrate it. The name that sprang to mind was none other than the Arch Lich Xarathas.

The mere mention of his malevolent presence ignited a deep-rooted fury, causing my previously restrained killing intent to surge forth uncontrollably, like a raging inferno that threatened to consume all in its path.

"Hikk!!!" Suddenly, a piercing scream erupted from the wagon's driver seat, jolting me from my thoughts.

"Shit! I lost control over my killing intent," I muttered to myself, swiftly retracting the potent energy that had unknowingly emanated from within me.

"Did you not feel that chill bastard? Haven't I warned you about the cursed nature of this road?" The wagon driver trembled with fear and began to whine, his voice filled with apprehension.

"It was likely just a cold gust of wind," I reassured him, attempting to dispel his unfounded fears.

"It's bloody summer! Where would a cold wind come from?" The wagon driver persisted in his complaints, his anxiety refusing to dissipate.

"Very well, I shall offer you an additional fifty copper coins. Just take me to the Outer Market," I proposed, hoping that the promise of further compensation would assuage his unease. Gradually, his trembling form settled, accepting my offer.

As the journey resumed, Galadriel, who had been quietly observing, inquired about the cause of the commotion.

I proceeded to share my speculations regarding the dark forces' intentions to incite a dungeon outbreak and the potential involvement of Xarathas.

AListening attentively to my words, Galadriel responded with a measured tone, "It is indeed a possibility." A brief pause enveloped us.

Then Galadriel posed a question that made me pause, considering its implications. "Ryan, you possess both dark and light affinities. Why do you not harness their power more often? They possess a greater offensive and defensive potency compared to other elements."

"I don't know about dragons but humans cannot simultaneously wield both dark and light affinities," I replied to Galadriel, my voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "I have attempted to harness their powers together in the past, only to experience the crippling effects of the conflicting mana affinities, leaving my body on the brink of collapse."

Galadriel's response was swift and thoughtful. "You need not employ both affinities simultaneously. Instead, focus on mastering one while forgetting the other," she suggested.

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I explained the complexities that hindered my usage of these two elements. "There are numerous obstacles associated with utilizing these elemental forces. With light affinity, I face the relentless scrutiny of The Church. They hold an obsession over those capable of harnessing light elemental spells, subjecting them to stringent surveillance. In some cases, they even separate individuals from their families under the guise of training."

"As for my reluctance to embrace dark mana, it stems from the inherent weaknesses of the spells I have developed thus far. The dark elemental spells I possess are disappointingly feeble. On the other hand, the spells obtained from dark mages come with daunting prerequisites, such as dismemberment, cannibalism, and sacrificial acts. I have yet to encounter a suitable spell that I can learn and utilize effectively," I concluded, frustration evident in my voice.

Galadriel absorbed my explanation, her gaze contemplative. "I understand your predicament. In that case, you should truly anticipate the inheritance I possess," she said cryptically.

Intrigued by her words, I pressed her for more information about her inheritance. However, she revealed that most of the memories related to the inheritance were lost during her utilization of the Time Leap.

The energy required to perform such a feat drained her significantly, causing the destruction of data that was then converted into energy.

Nonetheless, she retained crucial details, including the location of the inheritance, her mastery of swordsmanship techniques, and other pertinent knowledge.