Chapter 5 - Sands of Sorrow

 Richard, after listening to everything the Green Spirit had to say, spoke up. "I knew you weren't as guilty as they made you out to be. This realm is full of evil and monsters, all fixated on capturing you. Why not confront those mages and wipe them out? You elves concern yourselves with trivial matters, ignoring what truly matters. When I first met the Green Spirit, he seemed full of spite, but I later discovered he wasn't what he appeared to be."As he finished speaking, the Green Spirit unfroze Tasar and the dwarf. The dwarf prince was the first to react, exclaiming, "We need to leave this place immediately, or at least make him leave. Let him face the punishment of the Phantom Sentinels alone." He opened the door and tried to pull Richard out.Tasar, however, was quiet. He stopped the dwarf prince and, thinking aloud, said, "If what you say is true, and let's assume I believe you, why didn't you report to Volsa's Castle as soon as you saw the mages at Glaucter fortress?"The Green Spirit, smiling, replied, "Are you joking? Two years before the incident, I tried to visit the outer walls of Volsa's Castle, and I was kicked out as soon as they identified me using the Spirit Flame."The dwarf prince, staring at Tasar with a look full of questions, said, "Seriously, Tasar, did you believe any of this? Everything he said is nonsense. Everyone knows this Spirit acts only for his own sake. He's never done anything for others, only for himself." "But who told us that, dear Varhir?" Tasar asked. "Wasn't it Tesior who proclaimed his victory, declaring in front of humans, elves, dwarfs, and others that all spirits are as bad as he said? Since then, we've believed any colored spirit is as evil as him. But in my experience, since I was born, I've met many spirits, and none were as bad as he claimed. This spirit here helped us in battle and didn't attack us when he wasn't restrained. We acted based on Tesior's words. I was furious, hating those mages, and that hatred transferred to this spirit as well. It wasn't true hatred but a deep distrust. So, yes, I think what he told us is true. Tesior is vile enough to do such a thing."Varhir, the dwarf prince, sighed. "Okay, okay, I think you're right, Tasar." He turned to the Green Spirit and continued, "But I have an important question, Spirit. You said most of the bodies you possessed couldn't handle your powerful force and didn't survive. But when you fought that orc and used your force, Richard didn't seem to suffer any side effects except for passing out."The Green Spirit replied in a calm voice, "Yes, that was the side effect on him. He is not powerful, and no human can fully bear my force. The reason the side effect wasn't as severe as before is that, first, the force I used was only for a few attacks, not many. Second, I am not as strong as I once was because the mirror I was trapped in drained my power every time I tried to regain it. But since I broke free, I've been slowly regaining my strength."The dwarf prince, with haste in his voice, said, "No time for chit-chatting now. We have to leave before the Phantom Sentinels find us."The Green Spirit responded, "It's not certain they will come since I haven't spilled out what they gained in exchange, but yes, you wouldn't want to risk finding out."Tasar, glancing out the door, added, "I'll handle the guards and tell them to send a report to the king that we checked the Spirit Flame on you, and everything we thought was wrong. You are a mage. I'll also have the royal army prepare to leave immediately. Richard and Varhir, you will come with us. Varhir, we'll address your issue with the orcs once we've dealt with this group, and then, hopefully, we can resolve the matter with Richard and the Green Spirit. If everything is clear, let's move now."The group quickly gathered their belongings and prepared to leave, each understanding the urgency of their situation.The royal elves' army launched their journey towards The Ruins of Castle Ravenloft. Scouts had spotted Corby's group camping there, and now the army, led by Tasar Valfir, was on the move. Tasar rode ahead on his horse, accompanied by Richard and Varhir Anvilfall, the dwarf prince, who shared a horse with Richard, as he didn't know how to ride.Varhir broke the silence, asking, "So, what's your plan with this group once we confirm they're still there? Are you going to kill them or capture them?"Tasar, his eyes fixed on the road, replied, "The king gave me full freedom to do what is right. I will capture them all if they are willing to surrender. If they resist, we will kill them and try to capture their leader only."The Green Spirit, with a voice full of calmness, interjected, "But do you even know who their leader is? Is he one of Glaucter Fortress' first admirals? If you don't know who's in charge, it means you don't know what you're doing."Richard added, "I think The Green Spirit is right. We should understand their strategy to defeat them easily and without letting our guard down."Tasar, still focused on the road, responded, "Are you here to tell me what to do? I didn't become the king's right hand by coincidence. I know who their leader is. He's an ex-bounty seeker from the Eternal Desert. He came here because he saw an opportunity to conquer with the help of some rebels from Glaucter Fortress. He is known by the name Scarblade."Varhir, with a questioning tone, said, "But don't we have an agreement not to cross into the desert, just as they have one not to come here? As far as I know, this agreement is under the protection of the Phantom Sentinels."Tasar, while answering Varhir, pulled a scroll from his horse bag and said, "Look here. This is a copy of that pact. Once we capture him, we will address his violation and deliver him to the Kingdom of the Eternal Desert. We'll demand a formal apology and the amount of coins we request. If their leader doesn't comply, we have the full right to call the Phantom Sentinels to end them."Varhir, shocked, asked, "Is this your plan from the beginning, or did you just come up with it now? Because what I'm seeing in the scroll is that the agreement only states that the side that will be punished is the one that crosses the border intending to cause trouble."As they talked, a guard approached and interrupted, "Sir, we've spotted the group near the entrance of Castle Ravenloft. Our scouts say they number between 80 and 100, all well-armed."Tasar took the scroll back from Varhir, rode his horse swiftly towards the army, and called for attention. "Alright, everyone, our primary goal is to capture their leader and as many of his soldiers as possible. If capturing proves difficult, focus on bringing the leader in alive. We'll divide into three groups.The first group will be under my command, and we will attack the main gate. The second group, led by Varhir, will cover the sides of the castle to intercept anyone trying to escape. The third group, led by Richard, will control the archers and handle our blind spots. Although Richard might appear inexperienced, he is a capable fighter and a mage, so follow his orders without hesitation.Remember, this enemy force is smaller but skilled in combat, evasion, and ambush tactics. Richard, be prepared for anything that might come from the sides, and ensure the leader is not killed. He is easily recognizable with a scar on his face, wearing desert clothing, and fights with two daggers."Each of the three leaders moved to their designated positions: Tasar headed towards the gate, Varhir prepared to cover the sides, and Richard took charge of the rear guard. Before the battle commenced, Tasar approached Richard and directed his words to The Green Spirit, saying, "I need you to handle this swiftly, Spirit. Richard, I know you lack experience in this kind of battle, but assist The Green Spirit as much as you can. We must win and capture their leader. I'm counting on you because I know he will be difficult even to spot, but I want you to do everything in your power."The rebel group, upon spotting the approaching royal army led by Tasar, quickly formed a line of fifty fighters while the rest retreated towards the castle to set up their defenses. Sensing something amiss, Tasar continued to lead his men. Suddenly, a rope embedded with daggers sprang from the ground, causing the first line of horse riders to fall. The rebels immediately attacked, killing the fallen soldiers. Tasar himself was unseated but managed to dodge some attacks and get back on his feet. Despite his efforts to regain control, the situation deteriorated rapidly as most of his front-line men were slaughtered. As he regrouped with his remaining forces to mount a counterattack, a net made of rope and daggers ensnared them, leaving them surrounded by the rebel fighters. Tasar was in shock, unprepared for the chaos of the unorganized skirmish, which nearly led to his capture. The Green Spirit, seeing the dire situation, commanded the archers to unleash a volley on the rebel fighters. However, the rebels were already aware of the archers' positions. Half of them fought the remaining royal army, while the other half stood guard over the captured soldiers, including Tasar, who was futilely trying to cut the ropes that bound him.The Green Spirit, assessing the situation, ordered the archers to hold their fire. From a distance, he summoned a magical bow, conjuring ten arrows at once. With careful aim, he fired towards the ropes, severing them and setting the captives free. Tasar, now liberated, was the first to charge, his army swiftly following his lead.Tasar fought fiercely, cutting down rebels one after another. He felt the sting of shame for both himself and his army, driven by anger rather than rational thinking. Pushing forward, he led his men into the ruins of Castle Ravenloft. However, the moment they entered, the door slammed shut behind them. Suddenly, the floor gave way, and they plummeted into a pit, one kilometer deep.As Tasar realized they had fallen into another trap, fury consumed him. He tried to leap out of the pit, but the rebels quickly closed the hatch, trapping them once more.When Tasar got trapped, a man emerged from the shadows, laughing. "Well, well," he said, "they say you're the best fighter among the ten warriors of the elven kingdom. Yet, here you are, beaten in a way that will forever shame you. I am Scarblade, and although I've never fought an elf before, I'm confident I could trounce one effortless—or perhaps even ten."Tasar, furious, pounded on the hatch to no avail. "You cowardly desert rat," he shouted. "You fight like a coward. Face me one-on-one, and I'll show you who will win. I refuse to be beaten by the likes of you."Still laughing, Scarblade began to climb a ladder. "You followed me for weeks, arrogantly thinking you could capture us easily. We saw your scouts before they saw us. We knew you'd come with your full army, and we tracked your scouts to gauge your numbers. Frankly, I expected more from King Ralnor Yinpetor. Only 250 soldiers? That isn't very kind. When I was a bounty seeker, an old headhunter sent over 700 men to kill me, and they failed. Yet you think 250 can get the job done?"Suddenly, a rebel entered from another door and threw down another prisoner—Varhir, the dwarf prince, who was heavily bleeding."No, no, no, Varhir the dwarf prince is here at our party too," Scarblade said with a grin. "Heal his wounds; we don't want our expensive hostage to die, do we, boys?"The rebels laughed as they tended to Varhir, ensuring he would survive as a valuable captive.The Green Spirit saw Tasar trapped within the castle and no sign of Varhir. He ordered the archers to approach the castle, but as they advanced, a heavy rain of arrows poured down on them. Acting on instinct and focused on protecting himself and Richard, he created a shield but forgot about the archers, who fell under the relentless barrage.The rebel archers, noticing the young man with formidable magical abilities, quickly reported to Scarblade. Minutes later, while Richard was still advancing toward the castle, Scarblade appeared on one of the castle balconies, laughing. "Well, well, a young mage. What brings you to work with a man like Tasar?"The Green Spirit, maintaining his calm demeanor, replied, "I don't work for anyone, Scarblade. I was only helping for a piece of coin. Now that they're beaten, would you like to hire a mage for a good price?"Scarblade, his eyes full of distrust, responded, "Young mage, but with a big brain. Do you think I would fall for such a plan? I saw you help Tasar in battle. You could have let him be captured. Explain that, and maybe I'll believe you."The Green Spirit used his power to leap up to the balcony where Scarblade stood. With a defensive stance, Scarblade watched as the Green Spirit said, "You know as well as I do that mages don't give their loyalty to anyone except another mage. So, 400 Copper Dragon Coins for two weeks. Deal?"Richard, not amused by the Green Spirit's actions, silently communicated his concern to the Green Spirit, "Are you mad, Spirit? You want to turn on Tasar and Varhir now?"The Green Spirit, freezing Richard from speaking or acting, responded briefly, "Just trust me, young boy."Scarblade, smiling, said, "Okay, mage, we have a deal. But I need to be sure about something. Follow me."As the Green Spirit walked in and followed Scarblade, they went directly to where Tasar was held. Scarblade turned to the Green Spirit and said, "Okay, to prove your loyalty to me, I want you to set fire to this pit. Of course, I won't let Tasar and Varhir burn since they are too valuable as captives, but I want you to burn the rest of the army."With his words, Tasar and Varhir were already being pulled out of the pit, tied up. As soon as Tasar saw Richard, he yelled, "You brick Spi... Mage! I thought I could rely on you, but you stabbed me in the back!"The Green Spirit, keeping his eyes on Scarblade, replied, "First of all, as I said, I don't give my loyalty to anyone outside my peers of mages. As for these soldiers, I don't mind giving them a death far more painful than fire." Turning his gaze to Tasar, he continued, "And you, do you think what you gave me was enough? You only told me you were going to capture a group of rebels, but you didn't mention that their leader is the Scarblade."Scarblade, observing the exchange, smirked, "So, mage, are you ready to prove yourself?"The Green Spirit, maintaining his calm facade, subtly gathered his energy, preparing for the next move. He knew that his actions here would determine not only his fate but also the fate of Tasar, Varhir, and the rest of the soldiers.The Green Spirit approached the pit, his hands glowing with magical energy. He looked at Scarblade and said, "Next time, try to be more rational and don't trust so easily. I thought you were smarter than this." With those words, he unleashed a burst of magic, cutting the ropes that bound Tasar, Varhir, and the rest of the army. He blew open the pit hatch and conjured a set of magical stairs, besides he created weapons for everyone, including Tasar and Varhir.As he turned to face Scarblade, ready to attack, Scarblade was already leaping toward him, his infamous daggers in hand. The Green Spirit quickly summoned a shield, but Scarblade's attack shattered it, and he managed to slash Richard's arm. Richard gasped in shock and pain.Meanwhile, Tasar, Varhir, and the rest of the royal army were engaged in fierce combat with the rebels, unable to assist the Green Spirit. The chaos of the battle raged around them, with the Green Spirit now facing Scarblade in a desperate fight for survival."So, I don't think you know why these two daggers of mine are famous," Scarblade taunted. "Since you don't, I'll enlighten you. I was a bounty seeker of mages, able to track and capture or kill any mage in Celestria. My daggers are forged from multiple magical elements and pure iron. Your magic won't work on me."The Green Spirit felt the pain in Richard's arm but remained composed. He grabbed a fallen royal army flag and wrapped it around Richard's wounded arm. Summoning two magical swords, he launched an attack on Scarblade. Scarblade effortlessly countered, shattering the Green Spirit's swords. Dodging Scarblade's next strike, the Green Spirit backed off into a defensive stance, pondering his next move. He glanced at Tasar, who was still engaged in battle and unable to help.The Green Spirit knew he had to outthink Scarblade. He observed the battlefield, noting the positioning and actions of the rebels and the royal army. A plan began to form in his mind, focusing on using the environment and his strategic advantage rather than direct magical attacks. He needed to buy time and find a way to neutralize Scarblade's advantage.The Green Spirit initiated his plan by hurling multiple magical daggers at Scarblade. He then sprinted towards him, picking up a fallen sword at the last moment. Scarblade, anticipating the move, shifted his attack and stabbed Richard in the back with his dagger. The Green Spirit pushed Scarblade away and pulled his dagger out, barely managing to stand.With Richard's eyes turning green, the Green Spirit pushed his limits, summoning multiple swords from the ground and fighting Scarblade remotely. Despite his efforts, Scarblade remained unscathed. Charging at the Green Spirit, Scarblade abruptly changed direction, targeting an unprotected spot. Just as he was about to strike, Tasar appeared in front of him, striking Scarblade with the hilt of the magical sword that he was fighting with."Richard, are you okay? You're bleeding non-stop!" Tasar exclaimed. Richard's eyes returned to their normal color before he crumpled unconscious. The dwarf prince, Varhir, rushed over to help as he finished off the last rebel fighter.Scarblade, smiling, taunted, "Well, now it's just me and the two of you. That seems unfair, but it'll be a good fight."Tasar, with focused eyes, responded, "Show me what you've got."As Tasar finished his words, he charged at Scarblade, but as he approached, the magical sword vanished, weakened by Richard's worsening condition. Seeing an opportunity, Scarblade attacked. Tasar successfully dodged and swiftly grabbed a fallen sword nearby.Scarblade retrieved his second dagger, the one he had stabbed Richard with, and with eyes full of evil intention, he sneered, "Now, let the fight begin."The fight between Tasar and Scarblade was cruel, pushing one of the best fighters of the elven world to retreat twice from Scarblade's relentless attacks. In a moment of intense combat, Tasar, facing his formidable opponent, said, "You were given a talent that all of us need to protect the realm, but you chose to fight in the wrong place. It's a pity you'll be among the fallen."Scarblade, eyes blazing with anger, retorted, "You elves only think about your own matters, and now you say I'm on the wrong side. You always try to look like the good guys. I'll show you how the good guy acts soon enough."Tasar, standing amidst the chaos, saw his sword lying far away beside one of the corpses of a fallen rebel fighter. Scarblade noticed what Tasar was eyeing and, as Tasar made a run for his weapon, Scarblade swiftly followed, attempting to cut him off. But in an instant, Tasar vanished, leaving Scarblade shortly confused. As Scarblade turned around to search for his elusive opponent, he found Tasar holding the sword, its tip pointed at his neck, leaving Scarblade with no chance to run or resist.Varhir, the dwarf prince, said, "Finally, you took care of that fucker. Tie him up, and let's hurry—Richard is in bad condition. I managed to stop his bleeding, but he's already lost a lot." Tasar tied Scarblade up, searched him, and disarmed him of his daggers and hidden weapons. He turned to the dwarf prince and said, "Okay, I've finished. Let's hurry to our horses. Scarblade will be with me, and Richard will be with you. Attach your horse to that wagon outside, and put Richard in it."As they completed their preparations, Scarblade laughed and said, "From what I'm seeing, your poor friend is already dying. Mages' bodies are weak; such a severe attack won't be easily survived." Varhir took a veil and hushed Scarblade's mouth, saying, "Anyway, are we heading to Volsa's Castle or where?" Tasar, with no expression, replied while cleaning his sword, "Why not go back to Hudale's Castle since it's closer? We'll leave him there and head directly to the Eternal Desert territory."Varhir, eyes wide with surprise, said, "Areyou kidding me? You know the Phantom Sentinels are likely to come looking forhim. Instead, we should head towards Silverwood Dominion's Forest. There's a hidden shelter there with everything we need to help him. We'll leave him there until we get back."Tasar looked at Varhir and said, "And if they do come, are we going to leave him alone to face them in his condition?"Varhir, eyes fixed on Richard, replied, "Trust me, Tasar, that place is perfect for him. If you want to stay and keep the prisoner with us, I have no problem."Tasar, looking at Richard with a sad expression, said, "Okay, we'll leave him there. But we need to hurry up and get back as soon as possible."They hit the road as soon as possible towards Silverwood Dominion's Forest. As they rode, Tasar asked, "To whom does this shelter belong? You didn't tell me a thing about it."Varhir, eyes fixed on the road, replied, "This shelter belongs to me. Seven years ago, I was preparing for a championship that was supposed to be the biggest ever. I equipped the place with everything to improve my physical form and first aid supplies. Unfortunately, the championship got canceled, and I never went back to remove the shelter."Tasar started laughing. "How funny you are. Did you think that being a stronger prince would solve your problems? Back then, you needed brains more than muscles. Okay, let's continue. This place might be filthy or already destroyed. We're heading to a place we don't even know if it is still standing. Oh, Varhir, such a brainless dwarf."As soon as they reached SilverWood Dominion's Forest, Tasar slowed his horse and let Varhir take the lead. Varhir searched everywhere for the shelter, appearing to have forgotten its exact location. After several minutes, he finally found it. The shelter was untouched, with a cleverly hidden hatch that was difficult to spot. Varhir carried Richard inside, while Tasar waited outside, unable to fit through the entrance.Richard found the entrance a bit tight, but once inside, the shelter was larger than his bedroom at Hudale's castle. Varhir administered the necessary medications to Richard and wrote a letter explaining that he and Tasar would return in a few days. He instructed Richard not to follow them or leave the shelter.With Richard settled, Varhir emerged from the shelter, rejoined Tasar, and the two continued on their adventure towards Eternal Desert.Five days after Tasar and Varhir departed, Richard woke up with a throbbing headache. He directed his words to The Green Spirit, "My head... What did you do, Spirit? Did you freeze me again and leave me here wounded because of your actions?""I don't know what happened either," The Green Spirit replied. "When your body collapsed in the battle and you fell unconscious, my powers also diminished bit by bit until I lost consciousness as well."As Richard scanned the room, he found the letter Varhir had left for him. After reading it, The Green Spirit said, "At least they managed to capture the bounty seeker. He was a tough opponent for us to face in such a condition."Richard stood up and began checking the rooms one by one. In one room, he found equipment for physical training. The Green Spirit remarked, "This is what you need, Richard. Once you regain your strength, you need to train. If we want to become powerful enough to defeat Tesior and return home, our only chance is for you to have a perfect body and the endurance to handle my forces. I am regaining my powers bit by bit, but I doubt you can endure them yet. Training is the only way to become a better version of yourself."Still inspecting the room, Richard said, "I don't know what I need to do to build muscles, but let's heal first. During the healing process, we can look through the books in the other rooms for guidance."Richard returned to the bedroom and, settling himself comfortably, said, "Spirit since there's time and nothing to do until I'm fully healed—and hopefully, they'll return soon—why don't you answer some of my questions? My mind is brimming with things I need to understand. Is that okay, Spirit?"The Green Spirit responded with a tone of indifference, "Sure, sure. Ask away. What do you want to know?"Richard, sitting with a tone full of joy, began, "Okay, first, as I heard from you back when we were on Earth, you mentioned another realm called 'Cadearus.' But from what I've gathered from the elves, mages, and dwarves, it seems there are more realms than just those two. I've heard snippets of conversations, and mentions of places and names that are unfamiliar to me. It's like there's a whole network of worlds interconnected in ways I can't even begin to comprehend. Could you tell me more about these realms? How many are there? What are they like? How are they connected? And why is Cadearus so significant compared to the others? I feel like understanding this would give me a better grasp of where we are."The Green Spirit, as usual, was shocked by the number of questions since he already knew what he would ask, he stopped a bit and then said," Okay I will tell you everything and something else as an extra but do not interrupt me until I finish, okay?"Richard listened intently as the Green Spirit began to explain the different realms. "There are indeed multiple realms beyond Earth and Cadearus," the Spirit started to. "Deonnixus, the Realm of Eternal Twilight, is a place where time stretches, allowing prolonged periods of both day and night. Then there's Akkeatria, the Realm of Shifting Realities, where the fabric of reality itself fluctuates, leading to unpredictable changes in both the environment and its inhabitants. Cadearus, the Realm of Harmonious Magic, is where we currently find ourselves; here, magic flows in perfect harmony with nature, endowing its dwellers with mystical powers, and of course, as it is already obvious the mages who made that great work, and of course the old good mages, not these. Eashurhia, the Realm of Eternal Storms, is constantly shaped by relentless tempests that sculpt the land, presenting both peril and opportunity. Lastly, Earth is known as the Realm of Natural Harmony, where diverse ecosystems thrive, and humanity resides alone."The Green Spirit continued, "These realms are interconnected by ancient portals and mystical pathways, accessible only to those with the knowledge and power to traverse them. These travelers are usually the Chief Mages and of course the second-line mages/ witches, and the High Spirits with hosts that can endure such highly focused power. Cadearus holds special significance because it serves as a nexus of magical energy. The harmony of magic here influences and stabilizes the flow of magic throughout all the realms. This makes Cadearus not only a place of great power but also a crucial realm for maintaining balance across the entire multiverse."Richard, still trying to grasp the intricacies of what he was learning, furrowed his brow thoughtfully. "Aaah, I get it now," he mused aloud. "But how is Earth connected with these other realms if we can't see them from here? You mentioned that mages empowered Earth as a realm, so does that mean elves, dwarves, and other creatures aren't originally from Earth?""The Green Spirit replied, "Indeed, Richard," he began, "Earth is intricately connected to these other realms through ancient portals and mystical pathways that transcend physical boundaries. These pathways, though hidden from the view of most humans, serve as conduits for beings and energies to travel between realms. Each realm of the Five Realms is far away from the others, perhaps even from different parts of the universe. The powers that the mages infused into Cadearus enabled the stabilization and interconnection of the other four realms. Normally, no realm has any direct connection with the others. And with that other question will be answered on its own, there's something significant that I will share with you, but you must promise not to speak of it to anyone, alright?"Richard nodded solemnly as The Green Spirit continued, his words carrying the weight of ancient history. "As you know, there were good mages before, especially before the Great War and its cause, which was once again because of them. However, what they didn't anticipate was that when we sought to create a full shield to protect our realm from all outside intruders, the involuntary consequence was the random opening of several portals from other realms into ours. Before this, dark mages were already present here on Shadowsoul Isle. The elves came from Alfheim, and the dwarves from Nidavellir or Svartalfheim, as some say - essentially the same realm where dwarves and dark elves reside. Humans, orcs, goblins, and dark dwarves also found their way here, though it was the portal from Jotunheim to the north that had the greatest impact. Giants poured through, seizing control and decimating the mages who had castles in the region. This sparked a war that remains unforgettable, marking the beginning of a new era we now call the aftermath of the Great War. It's a chapter best left undisturbed for now, as it was a harrowing conflict. What's significant is that after the war, the Phantom Sentinels first appeared."Richard interrupted, "Oh, so the Phantom Sentinels weren't from this realm as well, or what?" The Green Spirit, with an angry tone, responded sharply, "I told you not to interrupt me. Anyway, before the Great War, we knew that this realm was protected by guardians. They didn't interfere with our affairs, and we didn't know their identities or intentions. But after the war, they approached us with anger in their eyes and strict orders." Eldor (The Green Spirit)Their leader stepped forward, addressing Eldor, the Greatest Mage, with a mix of formality and menace, "Eldor, I am delighted to see you." They exchanged greetings and then had a private meeting to discuss the recent events and their purpose in coming to the realm.The Green Spirit continued, "At that time, Eldor thought the Phantom Sentinels had come to help manage the realm after the chaos. The leader of the Phantom Sentinels, the only one who spoke from the entire army, still kept his face hidden.The leader began the conversation in the meeting by saying, 'Eldor, you know why we came. We didn't want to interfere in the past fights between you pure mages and the dark mages, but this is too much. The impact on the universe is far greater than anything that has happened before. I was hoping you could defend your cause and your mages, and tell me what happened. Otherwise, you and your mages will be punished.'He continued, 'This war, which I believe will be known as the Greatest War ever, lasted only five months but resulted in over twenty million deaths—elves, orcs, mages, goblins, and others. They died for nothing. From what I understand, the spark of this war was a mere misunderstanding. So, tell me what happened.'""Eldor, a mage known for his bravery, began to sweat as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. After a moment of silence, he stammered, 'But... you know that... you know we didn't mean for this to happen. Our intention was only to create a shield to protect our realm. Since we connected our realm with the other four realms, ours started losing stabilization. Many intruders began coming to our realm, causing much destruction. The only solution we saw was to create a shield to keep them out. But we didn't anticipate what would happen when we activated it.'The leader of the Phantom Sentinels interrupted, 'I'll tell you what happened. You mages didn't think the matter through. You forgot that by creating a shield to reflect and stop all magic, you also doubled the magical lines connecting you to the other realms. This massive influx of magic caused a spark in the shield that created portals to other realms, both inside and outside of this one. Not only did new creatures come here, but beings from here were also forcibly transported to other realms. The portals were uncontrollable, swallowing all creatures within a two-kilometer radius. The giants are a particular problem—they're here to stay, and hopefully, they won't cause too much trouble.'Eldor, trying to sound optimistic, replied, 'Don't worry. We'll do whatever we can to regain our power and restore order to this realm with all the new creatures here.'The leader chuckled seriously. 'No, there's no need for that. Despite your good intentions, the damage was severe. As punishment, the elves will now control the realm. They were the most sane race during the war. Your punishment, along with all the pure mages, will be declared in front of every leader of the other races.'Eldor fell silent, knowing he deserved what was happening to him. He had grown up hearing from the older mages that no matter how great a mage he became, he could never defeat the old guards—the Phantom Sentinels. With a painful smile, he said, 'Okay, I will let everyone know about this meeting.'The leader interrupted him, standing and walking toward the door. 'I've already told them. There's no need for you to say anything.'"Every leader accepted the invitation to attend the great meeting held in Dunewindia, at the castle of mages, now known as Volsa's Castle, the seat of the elves. They were transported from Celestria to Dunewindia via a portal in the Great Hall. Leaders from all factions were present: the dark and pure mages, orcs, goblins, giants, humans, dwarves of light, and dwarves of darkness. Each leader took their seat, creating an air of tense anticipation.The leader of the Phantom Sentinels called Eldor aside to a private room. "After multiple meetings with my consulters," the Sentinel leader began, "I have decided on your punishment. However, I will give you an honor for your previous deeds before the Great War. You have a choice: you can let everyone know about your punishment, or I will announce that all of you will be killed. Of course, that is not the real punishment I have decided for you. It's your call. I won't reveal it until you choose whether to hear it here and keep the others in the dark or to hear it along with everyone else in the Great Hall."Eldor, his eyes filled with sadness, replied, "Just tell me now and leave the rest in darkness. Tell them that I will be thrown, along with the pure mages, into Shadowsoul Isle's dragon nest."The leader of the Phantom Sentinels, who will be known as Liam, approached the table where the realm's leaders sat. His presence was imposing, his demeanor serious. It was the first time anyone had seen him, and they were all uneasy. As they looked around, they noticed other guards dressed similarly, adding to their apprehension. Liam spoke, "I understand that none of you know who I am or why I am here in this realm, or what you are here in this realm as well. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Liam, I am the leader of the Phantom Sentinels, a group of ten loyal guards dedicated to keeping this realm at peace. Any attempt to destroy this realm is considered an attack on us."He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "You might wonder why we protect this realm in particular. The magic here sustains all other realms and is essentially our mother realm. For that reason, we were sent to guard it 800 years before the Great War. From now on, you will live in this realm. Any attempt to open another portal outside will endanger it. You have the right to know why you came to this realm."Liam then recounted the events that had led to the current chaos—the mages' mistake that had sparked the war, causing widespread destruction and death. He explained how everyone had thought they were under attack by the others until months of fighting revealed the truth. As the realization dawned, all eyes turned to Eldor with a mix of anger and hatred.The leader of the orcs, enraged by what he heard, attempted to stand and attack Eldor. But before he could make a move, Liam used his power to force him back into his seat. The display of strength was a warning to the others. However, the leader of the dark dwarves was not intimidated. He stood up and charged at Liam, shouting, "No one has the right to tell me what to do or not to do. I came here only to find out who was speaking in my head, you piece of shit." As he neared Liam, ready to strike, Liam swiftly drew his sword and, with a single motion, split the dark dwarf leader in two.The room fell silent, the leaders' eyes wide with fear despite their efforts to hide it. Liam calmly cleaned his sword with his glove and addressed the remaining leaders, "You, the guard who accompanied this poor leader, come and take his place. Everything you have heard here today, you must repeat to all the dark dwarves. From now on, you are their new leader."The guard, shaking, stepped forward and took the seat. The other leaders, now fully aware of Liam's power and the seriousness of the situation, sat in stunned silence, absorbing the gravity of the new order imposed upon them.As the room fell into a heavy silence, Liam stood up again and said, "Alright, let's move on to other matters. First, I would like to address the punishment for the pure mages who, albeit unintentionally, plunged this realm into chaos." The eyes of the leaders brightened with anticipation while Eldor raised his head, anxiously awaiting Liam's next words. Liam continued, "The punishment for Eldor and all pure mages will be death by the ancient ways of this realm: they will be tied up and thrown into the dragon's nest on Shadowsoul Isle. Now, does anyone have anything to say before we proceed?"The leader of the humans raised his hand and said, "I propose that we, as humans, split into two groups. We are not at peace and barely agreed that I would be the leader until further notice."Liam responded, "Do whatever you want, all of you, but do not cross the terms and laws that I will outline in a few minutes. Anyone else?"The leader of the giants, with a voice full of scorn, said, "With your permission, I want no one to step foot inside the continent where we reside. We have cleansed it of mages and no one is there now. We do not want to be disturbed, so that place is ours from now on."Liam paused, then said, "Yes, of course. The continent of Zephyria is now yours, but you must adhere to the decrees of the realm's keepers and respect all laws. You must also heed the directives of the Peace Keepers."The giant leader asked, "And who are the Peace Keepers?"Liam, fixing his eyes on the leader of the elves, said, "From time to time, we will select the most suitable and sane race to be responsible for maintaining order in this realm. Right now, it will be the elves. Whatever the elves' leader decrees, you and your people must comply with. If any of you disobeys an order from the elves' leader, you will be punished. I will not intervene unless things become dire or a Pact Protector is broken."Everyone began to murmur and exchange glances. The elves' leader asked, "Pact Protector?"Liam stood up and explained, "I will implement two new laws for this realm, and the rest will fall under your responsibility, elves' leader. First, I will introduce a Pact system that you will use to protect your agreements under our supervision. Leaders can use it, elves can use it—everyone can use it. It will be used if two parties make a deal, an agreement, or any arrangement, whether willingly or by force. If the terms of the pact are broken, the Phantom Sentinels will come and destroy the violator. If the breach is severe and causes significant chaos, I will personally come to deal with it."The elves' leader asked again, "And what if both parties want to cancel the pact?"Liam, eyes sparkling with approval, said, "I already like you. You've proven my choice to appoint the elves as rulers to be wise and just. Only the party with the upper hand can cancel the pact. If both parties are equal in standing, they must bring the pact scroll to the ruler, who will then hear from both sides and decide whether to cancel it. Any other questions?"The room remained silent as the leaders absorbed the new laws and responsibilities, the weight of their roles settling upon them.The dark mages' leader, his voice tinged with unsteady silence, raised his hand and said, "What about us, Your Highness Liam? After the pure mages are killed, we are the only original inhabitants left, along with the monsters," he added with a laugh. "And still, we will be under the ruling of these elves? With all respect, this is unfair, as we should be the realm's rulers after the pure mages are gone."Liam fixed him with sharp eyes and replied, "Well, well, you already know why I didn't choose you to be the ruler. Your history in this realm speaks for itself. You stepped into Sable Sanctuary and wanted to claim it as your home, disregarding the pure mages' decision that it was to remain untouched. Yes, I know it was likely because they defeated you in a war and forced you to reside in Shadowsoul Isle. That decision wasn't mine, but it stands until the elves' ruler determines otherwise and grants you new terms of residence."As the dark mages' leader attempted to speak again, Liam silenced him with a raised hand and continued, "Enough. I have something else to address. Since this realm is now home to many races, I intend to introduce another group: the Spirits. These magical spirits will wander the realm freely. The ones you see with colors are powerful, while the colorless ones are normal spirits. The colorful ones can possess bodies, and once they do, they become as strong as the spirit's inherent power.""You may wonder why," Liam added with a smirk, "Perhaps because I want to see a battle between them and the dark mages. Regardless, these spirits will have their pact called the Pleasure of the Spirits. This pact will be available only to powerful mages, witches, and colorful spirits. It will be directly overseen by us, the Phantom Sentinels. We can assist, but the penalty for breaking the pact is severe. If you inform anyone else of its contents, you will be punished—most likely with death."Liam turned to the dark mages' leader and asked, "Are we good now? I've given you a special pact for you and the spirits."The dark mages' leader, realizing the gravity of Liam's words and the power he held, nodded reluctantly. The room remained tense, each leader processing the new rules and the presence of the powerful Phantom Sentinels.Richard, with a curious tone in his voice, interrupted The Green Spirit once again, his question pressing on his mind. "And what was the punishment that Eldor received? You didn't tell me. And earlier, you used 'I' and 'We'. Do you mean...? No, that's not true!" The Green Spirit responded solemnly, "Yes, what I told you, no one else has ever known, not even the other spirits, both powerful and weak. Their memories were wiped clean. This was my only request to Liam at the time—that no one else would know. I want you to promise me, Richard. Promise me that you will keep this secret."Richard attempted to speak, but The Green Spirit cut him off again, insisting, "Promise me first, young man!" With a serious nod, Richard quietly uttered, "I promise, Eldor. But I can't help but wonder—you said you were once human. Yet since we first met, I've noticed, with no disrespect, that you no longer exhibit any human qualities. Your emotions are restrained, and you seem disconnected from any emotional response." The Green Spirit, wanting to close the topic, explained, "Yes, that was one of the gradual changes that Liam foresaw. Every hundred years, I lose a bit of what makes me human. Now, after eight hundred years, I've lost all emotional connection. I can think and reason, but my heart no longer plays a part."Richard chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, Spirit, that's because you don't have a heart anymore. Have you forgotten?" For the first time, The Green Spirit chuckled joyously and replied, "Yes, yes. And you, young man, seem to lack a brain, given how long it took you to grasp the moral of the story I just shared."Twenty-five days after Tasar and Varhir departed, The Green Spirit turned his attention to Richard, his words pointed and directive. "Good job today, Richard. You've completed your to-do list, but tomorrow's goals will be higher. No mercy."Richard, his voice tinged with exhaustion, protested, "Come on, I need tomorrow off to recover. Today alone, I did a hundred push-ups and lifted over thirty kilos of iron for more than three hours. I'm not used to this yet. Can't we keep the same goals for tomorrow? That's all I ask."The Green Spirit responded with enthusiasm. "Nah, I don't think so. I want to see progress every day, just as we agreed." His determination was evident, showing his relentless commitment to Richard's growth and development.Richard threw himself onto his bed, groaning, "What a day. It's been over fifteen days of non-stop workouts, and each one feels like the first time. And it's been thirty days since Tasar and Varhir left. Did something happen to them, Spirit? I have a bad feeling, but I don't want to jump to conclusions."The Green Spirit responded calmly, "No need to worry, young man. Every race faces risks, but Tasar and that tiny man Varhir are resilient. They might be dealing with something significant, but our situation here is even more pressing. We have to prepare to face Tesior, and at the same time, the Phantom Sentinels could come for us at any moment. People have broken pacts before, and sometimes it took the Sentinels over three months to exact their punishment. We're constantly at risk, and we need to be ready for both them and Tesior."The day Tasar and Varhir departed, Varhiremerged from the shelter, saying, "Richard will be okay in a matter oftime. It might take three to ten days; I'm not an expert, but I know he'll pullthrough."Tasar, rising from the ground, hoisted Scarblade back onto the horse and said, "Good news. It's a relief to hear he'll be okay. That young man did well, considering the risks he's facing."Scarblade chuckled. "Oh, are you alright, Tasar? Saying a mage did well—now that's hilarious."Varhir chimed in, "Oops, Tasar, you forgot to hush the mouth of that dog behind you."Scarblade laughed harder. "You don't like hearing the voice of big men, do you, tiny man?"Varhir, mounting his horse, retorted, "Shush, desert fox. We know you're trying to rile us up, but it won't work."They started their journey toward the Eternal Desert. After a day of riding, the horses grew tired, and they decided to camp beside the line of trees marking the border between the Mystic Marshlands and the Eternal Desert. Tasar dismounted and helped Scarblade down, then turned to Varhir. "We need to stay focused from here on out. The Eternal Desert is full of desert monsters, Outlaws," his eyes shifted to Scarblade, "and a lot of bounty seekers in the territory."Scarblade laughed. "And still I was and still I am considered one of the best bounty seekers out there."Ignoring Scarblade's boast, Varhir gathered sticks for a fire and asked, "So what's the plan? We're two days away from the Eternal Desert Kingdom. Have you planned what to do when we get there? Do we have any information about the king?"Tasar, his voice weary, replied, "No idea. All I know is that he's a cruel king, doing whatever he likes, from killing his people to exploiting his kingdom for his benefit."Scarblade, with a sharp look, added, "I know you don't want to hear from me, but since I'm already doomed, I'll tell you what he's like. Before he became king, he was one of the members who killed the previous king. As the leader of that group prepared to take over, our man—the present king—killed him in his sleep. Everyone knew about it, but he kept his inner circle small, so only a few people know the details."Tasar, his eyes filled with questions, asked, "And how did you know about this? You said only a small circle knew about it. How did you get this information?"Settling into a comfortable position, Scarblade replied, "Believe it or not, I was the admiral and the commander of his army. But things went wrong with my family—they were killed. That drove me to leave everything behind to seek justice."The atmosphere between Scarblade and both Tasar and Varhir improved. They began listening to him, talking about many topics, and asking questions about the territory. Scarblade, without misleading them, provided all the information they sought. Their conversation stretched on for hours, and finally, everyone slept peacefully—except for Tasar, who stayed up as the night's watchful eye.Another day on the road, they ventured deeper into the Eternal Desert, hoping to avoid encounters with monsters or outlaws. Scarblade had warned them that these threats were growing in both number and strength. As they reached the desert, they stopped to camp for the night. They spent the evening discussing various topics, with Scarblade doing most of the talking, while Varhir and Tasar mainly listened.At one point, Tasar moved closer to the fire, his eyes fixed on Scarblade. "You said that you were a commander of the desert kingdom's army, but how did you end up as a bounty seeker? I believe you were a commander, given your fighting skills. But what I don't understand is how you went from being the army's top officer to a bounty hunter looking for Copper Dragon Coins, all while claiming you were seeking justice for your family. Your story doesn't add up." Scarblade, in a serious tone, replied, "Okay, I will tell you my story, but this story of mine, I haven't shared with anyone. I hope you respect my wish to keep this from your king." Tasar nodded, accepting his wish for secrecy.(852 Years AGW - Ten years ago) The family of Scarblade"Yafeu, come here! We should go to the market as we planned. Come on, honey," Masika called out to her husband."Okay, sweetie. Let me take my armor off, and we'll go right away," Scarblade, whose real name was Yafeu, responded.Known to be a tough and formidable man, Yafeu transformed into the gentlest soul when at home. With his beautiful wife, Masika, and their two wonderful children, a boy named Mempbis and a girl named Zahra, he cherished his family above all else. In the kingdom, he was renowned for his devotion to his family and his deep love for his wife. No one dared to mistreat Masika, especially when she ventured to the market alone.They went to the market and completed their errands. On their way back home, Yafeu noticed a fight breaking out. He signaled to his wife to wait for him and approached the commotion, saying, "Hey there, stop that right away, or all of you will be taken to the kingdom's justice court."As he got closer, one of the fighters drew a sword and attacked him. With a swift dodge, Yafeu drew his sword and defended himself. From a distance, Masika watched, unfazed, knowing how skilled her husband was. Soon, the rest of the group, totaling eight men, drew their swords and attacked him simultaneously. Armed with only an iron sword and no daggers, Yafeu managed to kill every one of them in a short time. The kingdom guards stood by, watching, after he had ordered them not to interfere.After the fight, Yafeu ordered the guards to dispose of the bodies and walked back to his wife. Masika gazed at him with eyes full of pride."I am proud of my hero. I'm sure you could fight a dragon and still win; it's in your genes. Whoever dares to face my man will be punished," Masika said. Yafeu stood frozen, unable to respond to her sweet words. She continued, "I want you to promise me that wherever you go and whatever happens in this kingdom, you will always win and stay on the right side. I never want to hear that my husband is a killer, cheater, or devil. I want only to hear good things about you, which I know are true."Yafeu moved closer to her, eyes full of love, and said, "And all I want from you, sweetie, is that you never leave me alone. I want you always to stay near me. I am nothing without you." At that moment, a knock on the door interrupted their tender exchange."Who is there?" Yafeu called out.A kingdom guard replied, "Sorry, sir, but urgent orders came from the King."Yafeu stepped out of the house to meet the guard, who continued, "Sir, the King wants you immediately. This is related to the outlaws who have been stealing our goods."Yafeu quickly donned his armor, hugged his wife, kissed his children, and said, "I'll be back soon, honey. Take care of yourself. This job may take more than ten days because we will be heading into the desert."Masika smiled and said, "Don't take too long, honey. We will be right here waiting for you, as always."The king of the Desert Kingdom, KingHurbasa the First, addressed Yafeu, "Hello, my bravest fighter of alltime. I want you to go to the northwest of the desert. We've located thoseoutlaws who have been stealing from the goods that were coming from Huydale'sCastle. I want them dead, and I want the head of their leader. If you don'tbring back the head, don't come back." He ended hiscommand with a laugh. Yafeu, his face void of emotion, responded,"Okay, sir. We will leave right away." As Yafeu launched his journey,one of the scouts came riding towards him on horseback. The scout, with urgency in his voice, called out, "Commander, I bring important information! The group of outlaws that have been stealing the kingdom's goods is the Viper Reapers. The entire scout team was killed by them, and I was..." Before he could finish, he fell from his horse onto the desert sand, his back riddled with arrows.Yafeu quickly examined the arrows and noted the snake venom on their tips. Desperately, the scout managed to speak, "They are heading towards the borders between us and the Mystic Marshlands. They plan to steal the new shipment from the dwarves once again and..." With those final words, the scout succumbed to his injuries.Yafeu closed the scout's eyes and ordered two gate guards, "Bury him with honor." He then turned to his army of 800 soldiers, considering their strength in contrast to the estimated 350 outlaws. Confident in their superiority, he believed his forces were more than sufficient to defeat the Viper Reapers.As Yafeu and his army began their journey to the borders of the Mystic Marshlands, he felt a surge of confidence. The defeat of the Viper Reapers would elevate his status in the Eternal Desert Kingdom. This group, notorious for being among the few humans capable of facing and killing 100 mages, had an almost mythical reputation. While no one knew exactly how they achieved such feats, everyone believed the tales to be true.Yafeu, however, remained skeptical. He had always believed that mages were beyond the reach of ordinary fighters. Even though he was an exceptional warrior, he doubted his ability to defeat even a single mage. This mission, therefore, was not just a quest for glory but a test of his long-held beliefs.Three days into their journey, Yafeu and his army finally reached the borders of the Mystic Marshlands. As one of the scouts was returning with information on the outlaws' location, an arrow struck him in the neck, killing him instantly. Yafeu scanned the clear desert horizon, searching for the source of the attack, but found no clues. Moments later, a cloud of arrows rained down upon them.With barely enough time to react, Yafeu and most of his soldiers raised their shields to defend themselves, but several soldiers were struck and fell, succumbing quickly to the snake venom that tipped the arrows. In the chaos, Yafeu realized they were surrounded. The Viper Reapers had outmaneuvered them, encircling the army with deadly precision. The once-clear desert now felt like a deadly trap, and Yafeu knew they were in for a fierce battle against the notorious outlaws.The battle between the Kingdom of Eternal Desert, led by Yafeu, and the Viper Reapers was deadly, filled with blood and screams. As the fighting raged on, Yafeu began to believe that this group might indeed have killed 100 mages. Their fighting style was deceptive; they would throw balls that created smoke, then somehow vanish within the desert only to reappear elsewhere.Scarblade, recounting the story to Tasar and Varhir, said, "Even now, as I'm telling you about it, I still don't have a clue how they did that."And so the story continued from where he left off: The Viper Reapers wreaked devastation among the desert soldiers, and Yafeu found himself constantly on the defensive, fending off relentless attacks. Suddenly, Colton Blankley, the leader of the Viper Reapers, materialized out of nowhere and launched a swift attack aimed at Yafeu's head. Yafeu managed to evade most of the strike, but not completely, leaving a deep scar across his face. This moment marked Yafeu, as he was the only one to survive such a direct confrontation with Colton Blankley and live to tell the tale.Colton was infamous for wielding a blade infused with dark elements that seemed to drain the very essence of those it touched, causing an unbearable agony. Despite the pain, Yafeu fought back, determined to find a way to escape the dire situation they were trapped in.Yafeu devised a daring plan to break free from the deadly siege, knowing it would come at a heavy cost to his soldiers. With resolve and a sense of urgency to return to his wife, he ordered his men to execute a risky maneuver. Each soldier paired up, one attacking blindly into the smoke while the other defended, creating chaos among the Viper Reapers. Yafeu himself fought fiercely alongside a soldier, managing to eliminate three outlaws and injure another. As the battle tilted in their favor, Colton Blankley emerged to strike again. Ina sudden turn, the desert itself seemed to intervene. A monstrous entity knownas the Nightwalker, a skeletal figure with glowing eyes and a hunger for fearand life essence, emerged from the sands. It attacked Colton Blankley, catchinghim by surprise and causing chaos among his men. Wounded and barely able toescape on horseback, Colton fled with his men, leaving behind a scene ofcarnage under the ominous gaze of the Nightwalker. Yafeu, facing the Nightwalker, ensured his surviving men retreated safely from the perilous encounter.The Nightwalker was infamous for its razor-sharp claws capable of swiftly draining a soul. It was known to retaliate fiercely against those who attacked it, showing no mercy to its aggressors. Yafeu, with unwavering focus, watched as his men retreated towards the safety of the kingdom upon his command. He knew they couldn't aid him against such a formidable foe.With urgency, Yafeu instructed his men to deliver a report to the king, stating that the outlaws had escaped, while he prepared to confront the Nightwalker alone. He understood the grave risks involved—once the Nightwalker's kin sensed the death of one of their own, they would seek revenge by descending upon the spot in a vengeful horde.Despite the odds stacked against him, Yafeu steeled himself for the imminent battle. He knew that if he managed to defeat the Nightwalker, he would have to flee immediately to avoid the wrath of its kin. With resolve carved on his face, he squared his shoulders and prepared to face the skeletal terror that stalked the desert under the mysterious glow of its hollow eyes.Yafeu's hands trembled with each strike against the Nightwalker, the pain from Colton Blankley's scar still raw and searing. Despite the agony, he focused on the battle, a harrowing struggle to evade the Nightwalker's lethal claws that could steal a soul with a single touch. After a relentless assault, Yafeu finally slew the monstrous creature. Relief washed over him, but his respite was brief as he sensed the ground trembling—the approach of the nightwalker's kin. Exhausted yet determined, he vaulted onto his horse and spurred it onward. Casting a glance behind, he saw the desert seemingly chasing him, driven by the scent of blood. Knowing safety lay only within the kingdom's protected borders, shielded by the pact with dark mages, Yafeu urged his men to flee. Most were too slow, and only four soldiers returned from the 800 who had ventured on this perilous journey. The people of the Eternal Desert Kingdom welcomed them with shock and sorrow, mistaking them for survivors of a lost battle against outlaws. Yafeu swiftly dispelled these notions, addressing his people with belief: "Our kingdom faced a ruthless band of outlaws who fled after our encounter with a Nightwalker. We fought bravely and slew their leader, but most of our soldiers fell to the Nightwalker's vengeance. Do not doubt our courage." Despite his words, the people remained down, their eyes reflecting grief. Undeterred, Yafeu proceeded directly to the king's great hall.The king, having heard Yafeu's account, began solemnly, "It's alright, my dear brave friend. However, there is something crucial you must know. During your absence, trouble brewed in our kingdom. Visitors came, some causing significant disruptions..." Yafeu's voice cut through the king's words, filled with alarm, "Yes, sir, I'll handle it. But please, grant me an hour to see my wife and children first, then I'll attend to this immediately." The gravity in the room was palpable as all eyes fixed on Yafeu. Suddenly, his expression turned shocked, as if a dreadful thought had struck him. "Don't tell me..." he muttered, his helmet slipping from his grasp. Ignoring any protocol, he dashed towards the hall's exit, shedding his armor as he went. With each step, he repeated the same words under his breath, "No, all lies, no, all lies."As Yafeu reached his home, he found a group of people waiting there, anticipating his return. Moments later, he pushed open the broken door and was met with a devastating sight—his wife and children lay lifeless on the ground. Overwhelmed with grief, Yafeu cried out, tears streaming down his face, as he embraced his wife's body and cradled his children. His eyes, now bloodshot, turned towards a nearby kingdom guard, demanding, "Who did this? I want him or them alive, tell me!" The guard, his voice trembling, replied, "We don't know, sir. It happened suddenly. The kingdom center was chaotic, and no one saw the incident unfold. The door was broken, and they were found like this. We only know that a group of dark mages came as visitors. They caused trouble when a vendor here refused to meet their demands."Yafeu stood amidst the wreckage of his home, his mind a whirlwind of disbelief and anguish. Learning that the dark mages who might be responsible for the brutal murder of his wife and children had been released under the king's order only heightened his rage. He fought back the urge to attack the nearest guard, his fists clenched in a futile attempt to contain his grief.Commanding the guard to leave his house, Yafeu slammed the broken door shut and bolted towards the palace, his heart pounding with fury and accusation. Bursting into the king's chamber unannounced, he confronted the monarch with seething anger, accusing him of conspiring in the slaughter of his family by allowing the mages to escape justice.The king, visibly taken aback by Yafeu's accusations, tried to placate the grieving warrior, explaining the complex political ramifications of detaining the mages. But Yafeu's sorrow and rage were unrelenting.Drawing his sword, Yafeu's eyes burned with an intensity that sent a chill down the spines of the king and his guards, who instinctively reached for their weapons. Yet they knew they were no match for Yafeu's skill and determination. His voice, though controlled, carried a chilling threat as he vowed retribution against the king for failing to protect his family."If you won't bring justice for my family, then I will," Yafeu declared with cold resolve. "I'll find out who did this, and I'll make sure you pay for what you've allowed to happen."The king, torn between empathy and fear, ordered his guards to apprehend Yafeu, but they hesitated under the weight of his piercing gaze. As Yafeu turned to leave, his footsteps echoing in the tense silence, the king's voice rang out with a mix of authority and unease."Your grief is understandable, Yafeu, but such threats are not acceptable," the king asserted, trying to maintain control in the face of Yafeu's turmoil. "I understand your pain, but trust that everything is being handled."Yafeu's departure left the chamber cloaked in an uneasy silence, where accusations and sorrow hung heavy in the air, marking a fracture in the kingdom's unity that would resonate long after Yafeu's departure.(862 Years AGW - Present)Scarblade said, "I left everything behind. However, the path to justice was far from clear. I took up the mantle of a bounty hunter, hoping to glean information and resources that might lead me to the truth. In my pursuit, I tracked down the mages who were implicated in the tragedy. After a long night of interrogation, I learned they were innocent. Yet, year after year of searching, I found myself drawn deeper into the world of bounty seeking, relying on it not just for survival but as a means to sustain my relentless quest."Tasar and Varhir sat attentively as Scarblade recounted his journey, detailing the trials he endured and the singular focus that drove him forward—the need to avenge his family's brutal murder. As the night wore on, their camaraderie deepened, forged through shared stories of hardship and perseverance. Eventually, fatigue overtook them, and one by one, they settled into an uneasy sleep.As dawn spread its light over the desert, Tasar stirred from his watchful doze, only to find himself and his companions surrounded by figures emerging from the morning fog. Among them strode a commanding figure, his presence unmistakable."Long time no see, Scarblade," the leader declared, his voice carrying familiarity and menace. "Or should I say Yafeu, right?"The name echoed through the desert. Scarblade, tensed at the recognition, instinctively straining against the ropes that bound him. The leader's words hinted at a shared history fraught with unresolved conflicts and lingering grudges spanning years.As the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows over the sands, Yafeu stood defiant, his gaze fixed on the unexpected figure. The air crackled with tension, pregnant with unspoken challenges and unanswered questions, poised to disrupt the fragile peace of the morning.