Halfling

The screams of the villagers were a familiar symphony of chaos as Kaito materialized back in the burning village. The stench of blood and smoke filled his nostrils, a grim reminder of the endless cycle of death and destruction he was trapped in. But this time, something was different. A newfound resolve hardened his gaze, a determination to unravel the mysteries of Aethelhum and break free from this looping nightmare.

He ignored the familiar pang of guilt as he bypassed the alleyway where he usually found Elara. He wouldn't save her yet. Not until he understood the rules of this twisted game. He needed knowledge, and knowledge meant venturing into the unknown, even if it meant risking his own life.

He sprinted towards the elder's house, his mind replaying the fragmented memories of previous loops. He remembered the shadowy figure attacking the old man, the glint of the blade, the chilling silence that followed. He had to reach the elder before it was too late.

He burst through the door of the elder's house, his heart pounding. He found the attacker, a hulking brute with a bloodstained axe, looming over the frail old man. The elder, his eyes filled with terror, was backed against the wall, his hand clutching a small, ornate box.

Kaito didn't hesitate. He charged forward, his makeshift club raised high. He swung with all his might, the club connecting with the attacker's shoulder with a sickening crack. The brute roared in pain, stumbling back.

Kaito pressed his advantage, his attacks a flurry of desperation and rage. He ducked under a wild swing of the axe, his club striking the attacker's knee, sending him crashing to the floor. He didn't let up, his blows raining down on the attacker until he lay still, his life extinguished.

Kaito, his breath ragged, turned towards the elder, his heart filled with a mixture of relief and dread. He had saved the elder, but for what? What was the point if he was just going to die again in the next loop?

"Thank you," the elder rasped, his voice weak. "You have a brave heart, young man."

Kaito knelt beside him, his eyes searching the old man's face. "Tell me about the curse," he pleaded. "Tell me what I need to do."

The elder coughed, a trickle of blood staining his lips. "The curse... it is ancient... bound to this village... to the Devil's Tower..."

He reached out a trembling hand, clutching Kaito's arm. "You... you must break it... save her... save them all..."

Kaito's brow furrowed in confusion. "Save who? Who are you talking about?"

The elder's eyes widened, his grip tightening. "The chapel... outside the village... save her... please..."

His voice faded, his hand going limp. Kaito felt for a pulse, but there was nothing. The elder was dead.

Kaito's mind raced. The chapel? Save who? He had so many questions, but no answers. He had to trust the elder's dying words, had to follow this new lead.

He sprinted out of the house, heading towards the village outskirts. He found the chapel, a small, crumbling building nestled among the trees. He pushed open the creaking door, his heart pounding with anticipation.

Inside, he found a young girl, no older than ten, sitting on a wooden pew. Her eyes were closed, her face pale and lifeless. Beside her sat a boy, his head bowed.

Kaito recognized the boy. It was Thomas.

As Kaito approached, Thomas looked up, his eyes red and swollen. He saw Kaito and his face contorted with rage.

Kaito's blood ran cold. He recognized Thomas instantly, the boy's face now etched with a chilling familiarity. The memory of the blade, the betrayal, the cold-blooded murder – it all came flooding back. Fear pulsed through him, a primal instinct warning him of the danger this seemingly innocent boy posed.

Suddenly, Thomas's body began to shimmer, his form shifting and growing. Within seconds, he transformed into a man, tall and imposing, with dark, piercing eyes.

"Why?" Kaito gasped, his voice barely a whisper.

"Why?" the man sneered. "She was an abomination. A halfling. She didn't deserve to live."

He gestured towards the lifeless girl. "She was not like us. She was a danger to us all."

Kaito felt a surge of anger and confusion. A halfling? What did that even mean?

Before he could ask, the man lunged, his hand reaching for Kaito's throat. Kaito tried to dodge, but it was too late. The man's grip tightened, cutting off his air.

"You should not have interfered," the man hissed, his voice cold and menacing. "Now, you will die."

He twisted his hand, and Kaito's vision went black.

[Death Confirmed]

Cause of Death: Strangulation.

Time of Death: Unknown

Location: Unknown

Resurrection Point Set.

Returning to the designated checkpoint.

Kaito's eyes snapped open. He was back in the burning village, the screams and the stench of blood a grim reminder of his endless torment. He had failed again. He had failed to save the girl, he had failed to understand the curse, and he had failed to escape the loop.

But he had learned something. He had learned that the truth was far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined.

He had to try again. He had to keep fighting. He had to find a way to win.