The Burdens of the Lost pack up for another adventure to a nearby town named Windon. Ready to make their mark, the pack trudges along the dirt path leading them to the town. With the road as their only guide, they set off. With the promise of an exciting and fulfilling journey ahead of them, the Burdens of the Lost anticipated a prosperous and memorable experience, but as screams blast their ears, this will not be the case.
Arino: "Not even one hundred feet walked, someone's in trouble. This is annoying."
Katria: "Very much annoying, I just had to fight off people. Now this?"
As the crew moved towards the location of the screams, something was being shot at them. As they ran, they heard bullets zipping past them and ricocheting off the walls of the alley.
Musabori: "Why are people after us? The hell did we do wrong?"
As the crew moved towards the location of the screams, something was being shot at them. As they ran, they heard bullets zipping past them and ricocheting off the walls of the alley. As the crew runs out into the open area they find themselves surrounded. A group of hooded figures with weapons raised were waiting for them. Arino summons his sword, not in the mood to deal with any sort of attempt of intimidation. As he readies it, a man comes out of the crowd clapping his hands.
Man: "You did well to come here. Now you're under arrest for treason against the kingdom."
Arino doesn't hesitate to slice off the man's left hand. The group that surrounded them grow mad and try to restrain Arino. With a single swipe, blood spatters around the crew.
Arino: "So, who has you under their control?"
Man(scared): "N-Nikuyoku, our savior. Our savior Nikuyoku!"
Arino: "So why would you attack her family then?"
The man's soul is filled with rage as he is shocked by Arino's assertion. He bites his lip and clenches his fist, unable to accept that the woman who trusted him with Windon's prosperity has a large family. He suddenly realizes the full ramifications of Arino's statement, including the fact that he is accountable for the futures of many people he has never even met in addition to Windon.
The man now understands that he has been given a significant responsibility.
Man: "So, what did she ask you to get."
Arino: "Nothing, I just wanted a vacation. I'll get your arm in check, just let us be free."
Man: "As you wish."
**years ago**
The surrounding area is engulfed in flames.
The atmosphere is broken by screams. If one doesn't want to die, sorrow has become a good thing to breathe. This is the suffering of the war's losers bracket.
Everyone else loses; only the invaders are winners.
While the conquerors enjoy prosperity, the conquered suffer in anguish and are further marginalized by the laws of the land.
This harsh reality is a testament to the fortitude of the conquerors as well as the unbreakable spirit of those who endure its aftereffects.
Despite being demolished by the invaders, the conquered exhibit resilience in their spirit, determined to overcome the great burden they carry and make something of their lives. That glimmer of hope eventually evolved into a prayer that was heard by the heavens.
The once-conquered beastfolk rejoiced in her presence as a woman with silver hair and purple eyes blessed the town with her wisdom and essence.
The woman's name was Nikuyoku, and she was a demon who ascended the depravity of Hell. The woman was now the savior of beastfolk worldwide. As the people of Windon bowed down to her, she welcomed their bow as a form of kindness. The woman rebuilt their desolate lands with the beastfolk as if she were one of them. Anytime the beastfolk would try to repay the woman with gifts of lavender fur or amethyst, she would instead tell them to make those into products to further the Winden economy. After four short years, Windon was back at the top of the economic standings. Her intelligence led the people to a golden age. They immortalized her impact with a statue made of purple clay and amethyst, signaling to the heavens above their thanks.