A Burning Execution – The Holy Order Strikes

Returning to Town – Theories and Nonsense

The group moved quickly through the dense underbrush, leaving the ruins of the temple behind. No one spoke of the man they just seen.

Arlan's heart still pounded from their encounter. His artifact was gone. Stolen. And the man who took it… he wasn't just powerful. He was something else entirely.

Mira shot Arlan a glance, but he avoided it. He couldn't explain. Not now.

Instead, Tomas sighed dramatically, breaking the tense silence.

"Alright. Let's just talk about the real issue."

Beren cracked his neck. "You mean the crazy old man lurking in the depths of that death hole?"

Tomas nodded. "Exactly."

Leila smirked. "Go on. Enlighten us, oh great one."

Tomas stroked his chin. "Alright, hear me out. Maybe—just maybe—he was the last survivor of an ancient kingdom, cursed to guard those scrolls for eternity."

Beren snorted. "That's stupid. He was obviously a ghost pretending to be alive. A cursed scholar who feeds on adventurers."

Leila rolled her eyes. "Or, you know, just a really strong mage."

Tomas shook his head. "Boring. I like mine better."

Mira exhaled sharply. "Can we focus? We need to get back before nightfall."

Arlan, who had been quiet the entire time, forced a smirk. "I don't know, Beren's ghost idea is pretty solid."

Beren grinned. "Damn right it is."

The tension faded—at least for now. But Arlan's mind stayed elsewhere. Bartholomew's words echoed in his head.

"When your powers grow, I will find you."

And something about the way he said it… made Arlan wonder if that was a promise or a threat.

A City in Flames (But Not Literally)

The moment they stepped through the gates, something was wrong.

The air was thick with tension. People moved quickly, muttering in hushed voices. The town square was packed, the noise growing louder by the second.

Mira frowned. "What's going on?"

A merchant hurried past, arms full of goods. "You didn't hear?"

"Hear what?" Tomas asked.

The man glanced back, lowering his voice. "The Holy Order caught one."

Leila stiffened. "One…?"

"A necromancer," the merchant whispered. "They're burning her."

The words hit like a hammer.

Arlan's breath stopped.

Mira went pale.

Leila's hands curled into fists.

Tomas looked dumbfounded.

Before anyone could react—the distant roar of the crowd cut through the streets.

They were cheering.

The Execution

The town square was packed. Hundreds of people gathered around a makeshift pyre. Wood piled high, flames licking at the base.

And in the center—a girl.

She couldn't have been older than sixteen, her hands bound, her clothes torn.

Tears streaked her face, her screams already hoarse.

A priest in golden robes stood beside her, chanting. A Holy Knight in shining armor watched, unmoving.

Then—fire erupted.

The girl shrieked.

Arlan's body locked in place.

He had seen death.

Felt it.

But this—this was different.

This wasn't a battle. This wasn't monsters.

This was people.

And they were cheering.

The smell of burning flesh filled the air.

Leila turned away, hand over her mouth.

Tomas' fists were shaking.

Mira whispered, "Make it stop…" but her voice was lost in the noise.

Arlan's heart pounded.

He couldn't look away.

The flames rose higher.

The girl's screams faded.

And then—it was over.

Just ashes.

And silence.

The knight turned to the crowd, his voice booming.

"This is the fate of all who traffic in the arts of the dead! The Order will not allow their return."

The crowd cheered again.

And then—the knight's gaze swept the audience.

His eyes stopped on them.

"You there," he called.

The group froze.

The knight took a step forward.

"Adventurers. You've been in town for a while, yes? Have you seen anything… unusual?"

Arlan's stomach plummeted.

Escape or Stay?

Tomas, to his credit, spoke immediately.

"Unusual?" He let out a nervous laugh. "You mean besides the burning human being?"

The knight didn't flinch.

Tomas shrugged. "We've been busy dungeon diving. Fighting actual monsters. The real threats."

Mira glared at him.

Tomas ignored it.

The knight studied them for a long moment.

Then he turned.

"The Order will continue to investigate. If you hear anything… report it."

And then—he walked away.

The group didn't move.

Not until the crowd started dispersing.

Not until the fire burned itself out.

Not until Mira finally whispered, "We need to leave."

Arlan swallowed hard.

They all knew the truth.

This town wasn't safe anymore.