Chapter Eight

Vinicus's mind reeled from the vision… the images had been so vivid and a lot faster. Just as the Guide had warned, it was fragmented and he wasn't sure which one came before the other. What he knew for sure is that Kara Rhys, a young girl who barely knew him, got mixed up between Duke and him… Knowing what Duke was capable of, he would not hesitate to hurt the girl. That was not something he was going to allow to happen. He had to help her and make sure Duke was stopped….

He got up and walked out of the meditation chamber, he went to the main cavern. 

"Guide" he called out. "I need to leave the Sanctum, I need to find the Rhys family and help them" 

"You are not yet fully prepared, Vinicus," the Guide said "Your training is incomplete. You have only just begun to understand the symbols and incantations. There is still much to learn."

"I don't care," Vinicus said, determination hardening his voice. "I saw Duke holding a knife to that girl's neck. I can't let that happen. I have to do something, even if I'm not ready. The power I have now is better than nothing."

The Guide was silent for a moment, as if considering Vinicus's words. Finally, it spoke. "Very well. But know this, Vinicus: the outside world is dangerous. I may be with you but we must be cautious. The system will guide you and protect you but to help others will require you to use your instincts and your judgment." 

Vinicus nodded, feeling the weight of the pendant against his chest. "I promise, I'll be careful. I just… I can't stand by and do nothing."

"Then let us go," the Guide said. 

Vinicus picked up a bag and picked up some potions from the sanctum. The sanctum generated some artifacts that he could carve symbols on and keep in a room. 

He might not be fully trained, but he had enough knowledge to get started. He knew a few incantations and symbols that could aid him. A couple of books flew into his bag; the incantation and symbols books. 

As he approached the entrance to the Sanctum, the stone walls seemed to ripple, revealing a hidden doorway. Vinicus stepped through it, feeling a rush of cool air as he emerged into the outside world. He took a moment to get his bearings….

"Guide, do you know the way to the Rhys family?" 

"Yes. Just follow the path till we get to town. I'll guide you" 

When he arrived at the town, he looked around; The city was a stark contrast to the serene peace of the Sanctum. Vinicus could hear the distant sounds of merchants hawking their wares, and children laughing. He moved quickly, he made his way through the bustling crowds. His destination was clear in his mind—the Rhys family House.

As he approached the Rhys estate, a sprawling manor set back from the main road, he could feel a palpable tension in the air. The grand gates were slightly ajar, and the gardens looked neglected, overgrown with weeds. Vinicus slipped through the gates and made his way up the path to the front door.

He knocked twice, the sound echoing through the empty courtyard. After a moment, the door was opened by a servant, who eyed him warily.

"I'm here to see the Rhys family," Vinicus said, his voice steady. "I'm a healer."

The servant hesitated, looking Vinicius up and down. His simple clothes and unassuming appearance didn't exactly scream 'healer' But there was something in Vinicus's eyes, a quiet confidence, that made the servant step aside and allow him in.

Vinicus was led through the grand entrance hall, its once-opulent decor now faded and dusty, and into a sitting room where a middle-aged man stood by the window, looking out over the grounds. His hair was streaked with gray, and his face was lined with worry.

Mr. Rhys?" Vinicus asked.

The man turned, his eyes narrowing as he took in Vinicus's appearance. "Who are you?"

"My name is Vinicus," he said. "I've come to help. I understand your daughter is ill."

Mr. Rhys's face softened with a mixture of hope and skepticism. "We've had many physicians come through these doors, all of them promising cures. None have succeeded. Why should you be any different?"

Vinicus met Mr. Rhys's gaze, his voice calm and assured. "Because I carry a power that no other possesses. The illness afflicting your daughter is not natural; it's a curse. And I am the only one who can lift it."

Mr. Rhys's eyes widened. "A curse? You're saying this is sorcery?"

Vinicus nodded, Mr Rhys looked at him as though realization was setting in. No one could cure his daughter and no one could say exactly what was wrong with her….. but a curse?? Was sorcery still practiced???

"This way." he said hurriedly…

He led Vinicus through the mansion and up a grand staircase to the second floor. At the end of a long corridor, they stopped in front of a heavy oak door. Mr. Rhys knocked softly, then pushed the door open.

The room was dark, the curtains drawn tight against the afternoon sun. A young woman lay in the bed, her skin pale, there were beads of sweat on her forehead. Her breathing was shallow, and she seemed to be in pain even in her unconscious state. Vinicus could feel the malevolent energy in the room, a dark presence that hovered over the girl.

"This is my eldest daughter, Elara," Mr. Rhys said, his voice breaking with emotion. "She… she's been like this for days. None of the medicines we've tried have worked."

Vinicus stepped forward, his hand instinctively moving to the pendant around his neck. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the System flowing through him. The Guide's voice echoed in his mind, calming and steadying him.

"Trust in your knowledge, Vinicius. Use the symbols, the incantations. You can save her."

Vinicus placed his hands over Elara's body, he whispered the incantation for the basic healing and felt the energy begin to flow. The symbol he had learned for purifying energy appeared in his mind, and he checked his bag, finding one of the artifacts. It was a bracelet, he carved the symbol on it and wore it over her wrist. The bracelet glowed…. 

The evil energy in the room recoiled, as if recognizing the threat. Elara's body convulsed slightly, and Vinicus increased his focus, drawing on more of the healing energy. He moved his hands over her, repeating the incantation, the light from the symbols growing brighter.

Slowly, the dark presence began to dissipate, replaced by a warm, soothing energy. Elara's breathing steadied, the pain lines on her face easing. The color began to return to her cheeks, and Vinicus felt the evil energy disappear….

He reached into his satchel, pulling out a small vial of a healing potion he had gotten from the Sanctum. He gently tilted Elara's head back, letting a few drops fall into her mouth. As the liquid touched her tongue, her body relaxed even more…

Elara's eyes opened and she took a deep breath, as if waking from a long sleep.

Arthur gasped, tears of relief filling his eyes. "You did it… You saved her."

Vinicus nodded "She's not completely out of danger," he said. "The curse has been weakened, but it's not gone."

Arthur frowned "You know, this thing… It started with my grandfather. He was afflicted with a strange illness that no one could cure. Now, it seems to have passed on to Elara." 

"Guide," he called. "I need your help. Do you know who placed the curse?"

"Vinicius. It is the work of a powerful witch. She has kept this curse alive for many years, feeding off the suffering it causes. You must be cautious. She is dangerous."

Vinicus's heart pounded. He had not encountered any witch but he was determined to save Elara. "Where can I find her?"

"I can sense her presence not far from here," the Guide replied. 

Vinicus left Rhys' home alone on a path to finding the witch, he didn't know what he needed to do after finding her but he trusted that the system would help him anyways…

As he ventured deeper into the woods, the air grew colder, and a sense of unease settled over him. Vinicus could feel the magic thickening, a dark and oppressive force that tugged at his senses. He knew he was getting close. He pushed forward, his hand brushing against the pendant for reassurance.

Suddenly, the trees parted, revealing a small clearing. In the center of the clearing stood an old small cottage. Vines crept up its walls and it looked just like a simple cottage but Vinicus could feel the pulse of dark magic emanating from it, a sinister energy that set his nerves on edge. 

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. This was it. He stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the clearing.

The door to the cottage creaked open, and a young woman emerged. She was tall and slender and very beautiful, her hair as black as night, cascading down her back in wild waves. But there was something unnatural about her, something that just didn't feel right…. She couldn't be the witch… could she? Her lips curved into a knowing smile. 

"Welcome, Vinicus," the witch said, her voice smooth and melodic. "I've been expecting you."

Vinicus stopped in his tracks, his heart pounding. "You know who I am?"

The witch laughed softly. "Of course. I can sense the power within you, the magic that surrounds you. You are no ordinary healer. And you have come here to stop me, haven't you?"

Vinicus refused to be intimidated. "I know you've cursed the Rhys family. You've caused them nothing but pain for years. I'm here to end it. Release them from your curse, or face the consequences."

The witch's smile widened. "Bold words for someone so young and inexperienced. Do you think you can challenge me, boy? I have lived for more than a century, mastering the dark arts. Your fledgling powers are no match for mine."

Vinicus felt a surge of anger. "Maybe not," he said, his voice steady. "But I'm not alone. I have my Guide and the power of the Grand Master Healing System on my side."

The witch's eyes narrowed, and she took a step forward. "The Grand Master Healing System, you say? How intriguing. You are truly full of surprises, Vinicus. But I wonder… Do you even know why I cursed the Rhys family in the first place?"

Vinicus hesitated, taken aback by her question. "What are you talking about?"

The witch's smile faded, replaced by a look of cold hatred. "One of their ancestors jilted me," she hissed, her voice filled with venom.

 "He promised to marry me, to share his life and wealth with me. But then he cast me aside, marrying another woman for political gain. He humiliated me, broke my heart. So I cursed his family line, vowing to make them suffer for his betrayal."

Vinicus's eyes widened in shock. "You've done all of this because of a grudge? Because of something that happened over a hundred years ago?"

The witch's eyes blazed with fury. "Yes! And I will continue to make them suffer. They will pay for what was done to me. I will not rest until the Rhys family is nothing but dust and ashes."

Vinicus shook his head, disgusted. "You're insane. You've let your hatred consume you. But it ends tonight. I won't let you hurt them anymore."

The witch's laughter rang through the clearing, cold and cruel. "You think you can stop me? You, useless son of your father and a mere apprentice in magic, barely scratching the surface of your powers? Very well, Vinicius. Let us see what you are capable of."