Chapter Ten - The Commoners & the Skar Troupe

DARK CITY | 4

Commoner Village - Dark City Bunker | Sector One

Commoner Ray: Welcome Hunter, please- walk with me. I know this place isn't much, but it is safe from the outside. If we could just leave we would, but- the chief refuses such.

Samo Hatu: If I was you, I'd give up on this City. The place is a blight of death, let me handle the curses and that Atlus guy, but figure something out. This place isn't your home anymore.

Commoner Ray: That isn't for you to decide unfortunately, the history of our city is rich, and our people are devoted to the mountains. Sir Robin Hood allowed you entrance, so you must have had something in you he saw.

Samo Hatu: I get it, you guys don't trust me- I'm not from here. But I ain't no sicko, I'm a guy working a job. That's all, I can make a profit off this gig, an I ain't leavin without something.

Commoner Ray: The reasons you want to help out people don't interfere with our end goal. The head of Atlus is yours, if you want. But be weary, he is a Giant- from the age of War.

Samo Hatu: Not much different than the current era, The Demon Era, or whatever they call it.

Commoner Ray: Atlus makes Demons look like children, like sheep compared. You aren't prepared for this challenge, no matter how powerful you may be...

...The chief will decide if you will help us or not.

Samo Hatu: I need hands, I got a few- but they aren't very strong. You're blind friend seems strong, he can help me out.

Commoner Ray: Maybe you underestimate the hands you have, our people can sense mana. And someone who entered this City contains hidden mana.

Samo Hatu: Doesn't matter, the kids a novice and the girls a alchemist/Enchantress.

Commoner Ray: You have more than enough hands, but you need to train. Only if you are ready- You must be pure of heart to accept our gift.

Samo Hatu: Whatever gets the job done, like I said- I don't want anyone innocent dying. But I ain't bending my back for anyone either.

The Chief Quarters | Bunker - Sector Two

Chief Sullivan, a short man- around the height of 4'3. A long beard with twisted side burns, one blind eye, another greenish blue. His attire was a beaten cloth.

Chief Sullivan: This is the one Robin Hood sent us? A pity, he smells impure-

Samo Hatu: Look, I got time- I got things to worry about on my side. I just need to know the area, and what I'm going up against is all. Since none of your guys will help me.

Chief Sullivan: Come close young man, I will test your resolve. If you pass, you will join our Troupe. If you fail, you will leave our City immediately. Or we will force you out- You are impure, you can not be trusted.

Samo Hatu: I'll play you're damn game, but just cause I'm a hunter doesn't make me a monster.

Commoner Ray: Just play along with it, you'll see what the chief is trying to achieve if you actually listen.

Samo Hatu: Whatever, trust me- don't trust me. I got things to do and I gotta hurry up. So test my resolve or whatever you're gonna do.

In the moment, Samo fell to the ground- curling into a ball... A cold sensation rushed over him, as he had entered his challenge.

THE TEST OF SPIRITS RESOLVE

*Echoed Voice*... *Static*

Chief Sullivan: *static* You will be tested by the spirit of Skar. A warrior from the Era of Giants. If you fail, you will leave immediately, but if you pass- You will become a temporary member of The Skar Troupe. One more thing, whatever you see- it's a reflection of yourself.

The Spirit of Skar: Samo Hatu, Bounty Hunter - Wolf Knight - Marked by Death. Impurity runs through your veins, I will purify your soul. And reawaken your resolve, come now- it has already begun.

Samo Hatu: Can't say I've ever tripped before, guess I can cross this one off my bucket list.

3 doors appeared

FOG

SILVER

AVIAN

The Spirit of Skar: Choose a door, find what you need to find. I promise you, the trouble lies beyond the fray.

Samo Hatu: Here goes nothing...

To Be Continued