MY NAME IS KINTU BAGANDA

The morning sun barely pierced through the thick fog that clung to the quiet streets of Elderville, casting a soft, muted light over the coastal town. Elderville, nestled in the heart of Elderland, was surrounded by a dense forest on three sides, its towering trees forming a natural barrier that seemed to guard the town from the outside world. On the fourth side, the town opened up to a bustling port, where the gentle lapping of waves against the docks was a constant background melody.

Though not a major city, Elderville held its own importance, with ships arriving daily to trade goods and news from distant lands. The combination of its strategic location and the dense woods that bordered it gave Elderville a unique character—isolated yet connected, tranquil yet ever-alert to the comings and goings of the world beyond.

Kintu Baganda a young man only twenty years old tightened the grip on his staff, feeling the familiar weight of the mechanical enhancements he had added over the years. The spikes hidden within the wood gave him an edge in the wild, where relic hunting was more than just a profession—it was a way of survival. Kintu Baganda stood at a modest five feet tall, a stature that belied the strength and power he carried within him. At just 20 years old, his youthful face was framed by a halo of black, curly hair that caught the light in soft, unruly waves. His deep brown skin, rich and unblemished, contrasted sharply with the simple, yet striking, attire he favored.

Kintu's black shirt fit snugly against his lean frame, the dark fabric absorbing the shadows that clung to him like a second skin. Around his neck hung a gold ring, a simple yet meaningful piece, strung on a plain black string. The ring rested against his chest, a silent reminder of something—or someone—significant in his past.

His blue pants were practical and worn, yet they maintained a vibrant hue, hinting at the resilience of their owner. They tucked neatly into a pair of sturdy black boots, which had seen their fair share of journeys. The boots, scuffed and broken in, carried the dust of countless miles, each scuff telling a story of its own.

Despite his small stature, there was a quiet intensity about Kintu. His sharp eyes, full of determination, scanned the world around him with a mix of caution and curiosity, always ready for whatever came next.

As he prepared for another day, a knocking at his door pulled him from his thoughts. Leaping to the ready he flung the door open demanding to know who it was. Standing there was Arnos Rennick, his old friend, his eyes gleaming with the fire of a new discovery. Arnos was a round, heavy-set man whose girth spoke of a life spent indulging rather than exerting. His plump face was perpetually slick with sweat, his small, darting eyes constantly shifting as if seeking an escape route. Nervous hands fidgeted at the hem of his too-tight tunic, and his breath came in short, anxious bursts. His demeanor was one of unease, as though he expected danger at every turn. A sense of cowardice hung about him like a heavy shroud, making it clear that Arnos was not a man accustomed to bravery or confrontation.

"Kintu," Arnos began, his voice filled with urgency, "I have found something—something big. Dark Hollow cave. We need to go there now."

Kintu had heard of Dark Hollow, a cave notorious for swallowing those who dared enter it. The town had lost all use for it and banned all entry. The prospect of exploring it with Arnos, someone he trusted with his life, was both thrilling and dangerous. Without hesitation, Kintu agreed, and they set off into the unknown. Before leaving he grabbed his staff and his lucky necklace. The entrance to Dark Hollow loomed before them like the gaping maw of a beast. Shadows danced along the walls as the two men descended into the cave, the light from their torches barely illuminating the path ahead. The air was thick and damp, the scent of earth and decay overwhelming.

"Stay close," Arnos whispered, his voice echoing in the darkness. Kintu nodded; his senses were on high alert as they ventured deeper into the cave.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the cavern, sending a shiver down Kintu's spine. From the shadows emerged three wolves, their eyes glowing with a predatory hunger. The beasts were larger than any wolves Kintu had ever seen, their fur matted, and their teeth bared in a snarl. They were demon blood wolves, a deadly type of wolf known to attack would be relic hunters.

Without a moment's hesitation, Kintu sprang into action. With a flick of his wrist, the spikes on his staff snapped into place. His staff was enhanced with all types of different attachments, the perfect tool for a would-be relic hunter. The first wolf lunged at Arnos, but Kintu was quicker. He swung his staff with precision, the spikes tearing through the wolf's flesh as it yelped in pain and fell to the ground.

The second wolf leapt toward Kintu, but he sidestepped and brought his staff down hard on its back, the impact echoing through the cave. The third wolf circled around, trying to get at Arnos, it leapt at him knocking him down ready to deliver a killing strike, but Kintu intercepted it, delivering a swift kick to its side before finishing it with a strike to the head.

Breathing heavily, Kintu glanced at Arnos, who stood frozen in place, his face pale. "You, okay?" Kintu asked, concerned lacing his voice.

Arnos nodded slowly; his eyes wide with disbelief. "You…you saved my life," he muttered, as if the realization had only just hit him.

Kintu smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. "That's what friends are for, right?"

Arnos forced a grin and nodded again, but something in his gaze was off. Kintu dismissed it as lingering fear from the attack and turned his attention back to the path ahead.

As they ventured further into the cave, the walls seemed to close in around them. The air grew colder, the silence more oppressive. After what felt like hours, Arnos led Kintu to a hidden passage, concealed behind a wall of jagged rocks.

"This way," Arnos whispered, his voice barely audible. Kintu followed without question, his heart pounding in his chest.

The passage opened into a vast chamber; its ceiling so high it disappeared into darkness. In the center of the room stood a massive stone door, its surface etched with ancient symbols. Kintu felt a chill run down his spine as he approached it.

"This is it," Arnos said, his voice hushed with reverence. "Be on guard, Kintu. Many have not returned from this place."

Together, they pushed open the heavy doors, revealing a sight that made Kintu's blood run cold. In the center of the chamber was a giant stone tablet, its surface covered in cryptic writing. Around it lay thirty bodies, their faces twisted in eternal terror, they were laying in a pool of crimson blood.

Kintu's instincts screamed at him to leave, but the doors slammed shut behind them, trapping them inside. He turned to Arnos, who was staring at the tablet, a strange light in his eyes.

"What do we do?" Kintu asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Arnos did not answer at first, his gaze fixed on the tablet. Then, slowly, he pointed to the riddle etched into the stone: "Fear is my child, life is my wife, many run from me, but you can't escape my sight."

Kintu's mind raced as he tried to decipher the meaning. "It's Death." he finally said, the answer hitting him like a punch to the gut. "The answer is Death it's the only thing that fits."

Arnos nodded; his expression unreadable. "Then we need to write it," he said, pulling out a feather pen from his bag then dipping it in ink. But the pen left no mark on the stone. Frustrated, he tried a knife, but it failed to scratch the surface too.

"Maybe…blood," Arnos suggested, his voice trembling slightly.

Kintu hesitated but then nodded. He sliced his finger and wrote "Death" on the tablet with his blood. The letters glowed a deep crimson, and the stone rumbled as a silver sword emerged from the tablet—a relic of unimaginable power.

Kintu reached out to take it, but before he could grasp the hilt, everything went dark.

When he came to, Kintu was lying on the cold stone floor, his body numb with pain. He tried to move but found himself unable to. His eyes darted around the room, searching for Arnos, but what he saw sent a chill down his spine.

Arnos was walking toward the exit, the silver sword in his hand, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Arnos…what's happening?" Kintu croaked; his voice weak.

Arnos glanced back at him, the smirk widening into a grin. "I'm sorry, Kintu," he said, though there was no remorse in his tone. "I needed someone to solve the riddle, and you were the perfect choice. You see you can only leave this room under two conditions, either sacrifice someone or solve the riddle. I had to always kill a partner to get out, sacrifices are necessary on the path to success."

Kintu's heart sank as the betrayal hit him like a dagger to the chest. "Why…why did you choose me?"

"It's nothing personal," Arnos continued, his voice cold. "But you have always been good at puzzles since we were kids, and I was desperate, but you have outlived your usefulness. The thirty others could not solve the riddle and to escape this room, you either have to solve it or sacrifice someone to it. I was in this room trapped for a month before I figured that out by killing my former partner in desperation for food. I knew the relic was here though, so I had to keep trying."

Arnos now had the wild, unsettling look of a man who had lost his grip on reason. His once-shifty eyes were now wide and bloodshot, darting with a frenzied intensity that bordered on madness. His sweaty face, once merely anxious, had twisted into a grotesque mask of fear and desperation. His hands, which had once trembled with nervous energy, now twitched erratically, as if compelled by some dark, uncontrollable force. There was a manic gleam in his eye, a reflection of the betrayal that had consumed him, leaving behind a man who seemed to teeter on the edge of insanity.

With that, he pointed the sword and shot out several blast one striking Kintu. "No hard feelings," Arnos said with a mocking smile as he turned and walked out of the room, the doors closing behind him.

Kintu watched in horror as his leg rolled to a stop next to him. He tried to move, but his body refused to obey. As the walls crumbled throughout the room, Kintu's world went white, and he felt himself slipping away. In the aftermath of the blast, Kintu lay amidst the rubble, his body broken and mangled. His right leg and arm were gone, and pain coursed through him in waves. As he lay there, waiting for death's embrace, he began to glow. His thoughts turned to his grandmother, the woman who had raised him, who had given him the necklace he wore around his neck. A golden circle on a simple black thread. The memories brought him a strange sense of peace, and he welcomed the darkness that was closing in.

But instead of fading away, the light within him grew brighter, and the pain began to subside. Slowly, his wounds healed, and his missing limbs regenerated. Within moments, Kintu was whole again, standing amidst the destruction, completely unharmed. Confused and disoriented, he searched for an exit but found none. Suddenly, his right eye turned red, and his vision sharpened. He could see every detail of the room with perfect clarity. His gaze locked onto a section of the wall that seemed out of place. With a tentative hand, Kintu pressed against the wall, and to his amazement, it slid open, revealing the outside world. He stepped through, his mind racing with questions.

As he stood there, the wind whipping through his hair, a voice echoed in his mind: "Welcome, Relic User." Kintu froze, the words sending a jolt through his system. "Relic User?" he repeated, disbelief coloring his tone. "But…there are no relics left." "You have the final relic," the voice answered, calm and unyielding. "And you have met the conditions to unlock it." "What conditions?" Kintu asked, dread creeping into his heart. "You possess the Necklace of Life, you committed no sins against your creator, and…you died."

Kintu's hand instinctively went to the necklace his grandmother had given him. The truth hit him like a tidal wave. The relic had been with him all along, hidden in plain sight, waiting for him to fulfill the prophecy. Staring out into the vast wilderness before him, Kintu knew that his life had irrevocably changed. The relic hunts were far from over—and he was now at the center of it all. Kintu stood there, stunned by what he had just heard. "If I died, how am I still alive? And who… what are you?"

"I am the system for relic holders," the voice responded. "I guide them, provide stats, and list their abilities. You are alive due to the blessings of the Relic of Life. As long as you wear it, you can be reborn once a day at its base level."

Kintu's mind raced. "But how do I have a relic? I thought all the relics had already been found."

"That isn't true," the system replied. "Four relics remain, and they belong to the 13th God—Theda."

Kintu frowned. "Thirteen? I thought there were only twelve gods."

"That's not accurate," the system corrected. "After the gods' rebellion, the creator introduced something new—a concept she had previously seen no need for: death. Theda, the 13th God, governs death. The relic you possess is his Necklace of Life. There are four more relics you can find, and I detect one close by, to the north of your current position."

Kintu's thoughts churned as he processed this information. "So, the 13th God is the god of death… and I have one of her relics."

"Yes," the system confirmed. "And you have met the conditions to unlock it."

Kintu's gaze hardened with resolve. "Where am I now? He did not recognize the forest."

"You are in the territory of the God of Water," the system explained. "The exit you used was a teleportation door. It recognized the relic and transported you as close as possible to the next one. However, its power is waning, and it could only place you outside the city."

A surge of excitement rushed through Kintu as he realized what this meant. "I am finally a relic hunter! I am so close to the next one!" "The relic is indeed nearby," the system confirmed. "Head north, and you will arrive at the city where it is located." Kintu was eager to move, but curiosity held him back. "What about the stats and skills you mentioned earlier? Show me." In response, a translucent screen appeared before him, displaying his status:

Current Level - Five

Skills

Cheat Death: Level 1 Concealment: Level 1 Shadow Elimination: Level 1

"All three skills are at level one," Kintu noted. "So, they can be upgraded."

With newfound energy, Kintu set off north, the thrill of the relic hunt driving him forward. He walked for about thirty minutes before realizing that he was not getting tired. Intrigued, he began to run, feeling faster and stronger than ever before. "What's going on?" he asked the system.

"The Death Relics comes with a perk of unlimited stamina," the system explained.

Kintu grinned, pushing himself harder until he suddenly moved so fast that the world blurred around him. A new notification appeared:

Skill Unlocked: Shadow Step Level 1

Before he could fully process this, the system alerted him to a nearby danger.

"Monsters are in the forest. A band of relic hunters is currently fighting them. Their chance of survival is 5%. I recommend avoiding the area."

Kintu hesitated, then shook his head. "Wouldn't this be a good time to test my skills in combat?"

"Acceptable," the system replied, guiding him toward the hunters in trouble.

Far off in the forest there were five relic hunters, and their situation looked desperate. They faced off against eight gorilla bears—massive, gray-furred beasts with muscles like iron and sharp claws that could tear through flesh and bone. The air was thick with tension, the ground littered with debris from the fierce battle. The relic hunters were on their last legs. Among them was a female mage, her robes tattered and her energy nearly depleted. She summoned weak bursts of fire to keep the gorilla bears at bay, but it was clear she was running out of power. Two swordsmen, their blades chipped and bloodied, fought valiantly to protect the others, but their movements were sluggish, their strength fading. The bow and arrow user, a young woman with a determined expression, fired shot after shot, but the arrows barely slowed the beasts. And at the back was a terrified healer girl, clutching her staff, her hands trembling. And an older male mage stood beside her, his face grim as he chanted incantations, trying to cast protective barriers around the group.

The gorilla bears, however, were relentless. They charged at the group with ferocious speed, their roars echoing through the trees. Meanwhile, the healer girl stands at the center of the group, her hands trembling as she tries to maintain a protective barrier around her comrades. She watches in horror as one of the gorilla bears grabs the swordsmen, slamming him into the ground repeatedly until his body goes limp. Blood pools beneath him, and the healer girl screams, her concentration breaking as she struggles to keep the barrier intact.

The female mage, despite her fatigue, continues to launch spells, but the beasts are relentless. One of them breaks through her defenses, its massive fist smashing into her side. She cries out as ribs crack, but before it can land another blow, the other swordsman intervenes, driving his sword into the beast's side. The gorilla bear roars in pain, but its retaliation is swift—it grabs the swordsmen by the head and crushes his skull with a sickening crunch.

The female mage cried out in fear as one of the gorilla bears lunged at her. The older mage managed to cast a barrier just in time, but the force of the beast's impact shattered it, knocking the mage to the ground. He coughed up blood, struggling to get back on his feet.

"Hold on!" the female mage shouted, rushing to protect the healer. But another gorilla bear intercepted her, its massive fist slamming into her side. She crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath as blood spilled from her wounds.

The healer girl screamed, tears streaming down her face as she watched her comrade fall. The bow and arrow user is perched on a rocky outcrop, taking careful aim. She fires an arrow, and it strikes one of the gorilla bears in the eye, blinding it. The beast howls in pain, thrashing wildly, but her victory is short-lived. Another gorilla bear leaps at her, smashing through the rocks and forcing her to dive out of the way. She rolls and produces another arrow nocked, but the bear is already on her. She releases the arrow embedding it in the creature's throat, but it barrels into her with unstoppable momentum, crushing her beneath its massive body.

The healer girl and the old mage are the only ones left standing, with the older mage struggling to breathe, leaning on his staff for support. The remaining gorilla bears close in, their eyes filled with bloodlust. The healer girl, tears streaming down her face, frantically tries to heal the older mage's wounds, but the exhaustion and fear have drained him.

The older male mage shouts in anger. He raises his staff and calls down a bolt of lightning, striking one of the beasts directly in the chest. The air crackles with energy as the gorilla bear is momentarily stunned, but it quickly shakes off the attack. The older male mage face pales as he realizes the limits of his power against these monsters.

As the beasts prepare for their final attack, morale shatters. The older male mage, seeing no other option, begins to chant a spell that will expend all his remaining energy in a final effort to protect the healer girl. But before he can complete the incantation, one of the gorilla bears pounces on him, tearing into his back with razor-sharp claws. He collapses, his spell fizzling out as blood pours from his wounds.

The healer girl, now alone, backs away, clutching her staff tightly. The remaining gorilla bears slowly advance, sensing defeat. She closes her eyes, bracing for the end, when suddenly, a dark figure darts into the fray. Kintu burst into the clearing, moving faster than the eye could see. With a swift, precise strike, he uses Shadow Step to appear behind the gorilla bear, his staff already in motion. Before they can react, he swings his staff, the hidden mechanical spikes snapping out as he delivers a devastating blow to the nearest beast. The spikes pierce through its thick hide, and with a twist of his wrist, he tears them free, leaving the creature howling in agony.

The battle shifts as Kintu skillfully maneuvers between the remaining gorilla bears, using his enhanced speed and stamina to outpace their attacks. Each strike of his staff is precise, targeting weak points on the beasts, and within moments, two more fall to his relentless assault.

The last gorilla bear, seeing the tide turn, hesitates, but Kintu does not give it a chance to flee. He charges forward, his staff glowing with dark energy as he unleashes a powerful strike, obliterating the creature in a single blow. The forest falls silent as the final beast collapses to the ground, defeated.

The older mage, struggling to his feet, looked at Kintu with a mix of relief and amazement. "Who… who are you?"

Kintu did not answer immediately. He stood among the fallen beasts, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The battle had been intense, but he felt exhilarated, alive.

"My name is Kintu Baganda and I'm a relic hunter," he finally said, turning to face the remaining hunters. "And it looks like I got here just in time."

After the intense battle, Kintu discovered the true

identities of the relic hunters. The healer girl, who had been tirelessly

tending to the wounded old mage spoke first introducing herself as Princess

Elara Eldertide. The older mage, who had fought valiantly then revealed himself

to be Lord Malachai, a court mage, and her escort. The revelation left Kintu shocked.

They explained that they had been returning from a series

of diplomatic missions across multiple cities. The other now-deceased relic

hunters had been the elite party they hired for protection, reputed to be the

strongest in the country. Yet, despite their formidable reputation, the

monsters they encountered were far more powerful than anticipated, overwhelming

even the most seasoned warriors.

As they discussed their next move, Kintu inquired about their destination. Elara and Lord Malachai explained that they were headed back to the royal capital. Despite his initial reservations, Kintu agreed to guide them, the system advising him to remain cautious. His status as a relic user made him a target, and he could not afford to be careless, especially with the relics he carried. To complicate matters, the system also noted that the direction they were headed in was the same as where the next relic was located—a coincidence that made Kintu even more uneasy.

The journey through Elderland was fraught with danger. As they moved deeper into the dense forest, they encountered all manner of hostile creatures. Giant spiders, their black exoskeletons shimmering in the dim light, emerged from the underbrush, their venomous fangs poised to strike. Kintu, with his enhanced abilities and keen reflexes, made quick work of them, his staffs spikes bashing them into the ground with deadly precision. Scaled lizards, resembling miniature dragons with glowing eyes, slithered out from the foliage, hissing, and snapping at the group. But they too fell to Kintu's staff, their menacing presence quickly subdued.

By nightfall, they finally reached the outskirts of Von Teria, the capital city of Elderland. The sight before them was awe-inspiring—a city of great majesty and formidable defenses. Tall, gray stone walls surrounded the city, their sheer height and thickness a testament to the kingdom's strength. Towers punctuated the walls, rising above the skyline like sentinels keeping watch over the land. The narrow, winding streets below were bustling with activity, leading to a grand castle that dominated the cityscape.

The castle itself was a sight to behold. Its dark stone façade was adorned with intricate carvings, each one telling a story of the kingdom's rich and storied history. The gates, made of reinforced iron and emblazoned with the royal crest, were guarded by knights in shining blue armor. Their presence was imposing, their vigilance unwavering. Kintu had heard rumors that the royal family was under the protection of the Water Goddess, Zodina, and the sight of the knights only reinforced those whispers. The aura of power that surrounded the city was palpable, and Kintu knew that whatever lay ahead, he would need to stay on his guard.

Upon entering the castle, Kintu is given an audience with the King. King Cedric, A figure of regal authority, the king's presence is undeniable even in his frail, older form. His deep brown skin contrasts with the striking white hair that flows down to his shoulders, a testament to both his age and the burdens he has carried. His long, flowing beard, the same shade of white, frames a face etched with the lines of countless battles, each wrinkle telling a story of wars fought and lives saved or lost. His sharp, perceptive eyes, dark and piercing, seem to see into the very soul of those who stand before him, conveying both the wisdom gained over decades of rule and the unyielding command that has kept his kingdom secure.

The crown upon his head Is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with gleaming blue jewels that catch the light and reflect it in a dazzling array of shades, symbolizing the depth of his royal lineage. His throne, an Imposing seat made of ocean-blue marble, seems almost to pulse with the power of the sea itself, adding to the aura of strength that surrounds him.

Two guards stand at attention on either side of the throne, their presence adding to the gravity of the scene. As Kintu looks upon the king, he cannot help but feel the weight of the man's experience, a blend of wisdom and strength that radiates from him like an invisible force. In that moment, Kintu realizes that this frail old man, despite his appearance, is a ruler forged in the fires of conflict, tempered by years of leadership, and still formidable in his own right.

Kintu knelt before King Cedric Eldertide; his eyes lowered out of respect for the monarch. Princess Elara, standing beside her father, took a step forward and introduced Kintu. "Father, this is Kintu Baganda, a mighty warrior who saved my life," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. Lord Malachai, ever the proud and slightly cantankerous mage, added with a smirk, "We were doing just fine, Your Majesty, but I must admit, Kintu's help was invaluable."

King Cedric's eyes softened as he gazed upon Kintu. He rose from his throne, his regal presence filling the room. "Kintu," he began, his voice warm and sincere, "you have done this kingdom a great service by saving my daughter. For that, you have my deepest thanks."

Kintu, though humbled by the king's words, maintained his composure. "Your Majesty," he replied, his tone respectful, "I acted out of a sense of duty and righteousness. It was the right thing to do." He felt the weight of the king's gaze and knew that his words were taken to heart.

The king, clearly moved by Kintu's humility, offered him a reward for his valor. "Anything within my power to give, you need only ask," King Cedric said, his tone inviting and earnest. But Kintu, ever modest, shook his head. "Your Majesty, I require no reward. All I ask is for directions to the local guild where I might rest."

King Cedric's expression shifted to one of admiration. "You are a rare man, Kintu," he said. "But I insist, as a token of our gratitude, that you stay here in the castle's guest quarters. We shall revisit the matter of a reward in the morning." His voice carried a tone that left no room for argument.

Kintu nodded, accepting the king's generous offer. He was led to a lavish guest room within the castle, its walls adorned with rich tapestries depicting scenes of Elderland's history. The bed was large and comfortable, draped in fine linens that promised a restful night's sleep. As Kintu began to prepare for rest, the system suddenly chimed in, its tone serious. *"Kintu, never remove your relic unless you are holding another. Its importance cannot be overstated."* The warning was clear, and Kintu acknowledged it with a nod, understanding the gravity of the system's advice.

As Kintu drifted off to sleep, his mind finally at ease after the long journey, unseen forces within the castle walls began to stir. Shadows moved in the darkness, and whispers echoed through the corridors—whispers of treachery and betrayal. Plans were being made, schemes were being woven, and somewhere within the castle, a plot against the royal family was taking shape.