Chapter 10 - chapter 9: the visitors

The forest was dense and dark, with towering trees and twisting vines that seemed to reach out and grab at anyone who dared to enter. The sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds filled the air, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot broke the eerie silence. It was in this ominous setting that a group of men found themselves wandering, their path uncertain and their destination unknown. As they walked deeper into the forest, they became aware of a presence lurking in the shadows, and a feeling of unease settled over them. Suddenly, they heard a faint whisper, and a figure emerged from the mist ahead of them.

Tom: "Hey, guys, did you see that man standing over there? He looks mysterious."

Jack: "What man? Where?"

Tom: "Over there, under the tree. He's just standing there, looking at us."

Mark: "I see him now. He does look a little strange. Do you think he's lost?"

Tom: "Maybe. Or maybe he's up to something. Let's go talk to him and find out."

Jack: "I don't know, guys. He looks kind of creepy to me. What if he's dangerous?"

Tom: "Relax, Jack. We're all grown men here. Besides, we've got each other's backs. Let's just go over and say hi."

As they approached the man, he turned to face them. His eyes seemed to pierce through them, and for a moment, the men were taken aback.

Tom: "Hi there. We were just passing by and noticed you standing here. Are you lost or in need of help?"

Mysterious Man: "No, I am not lost nor in need of help. I am merely observing."

Mark: "Observing what?"

Mysterious Man: "Human behavior. The way you interact with each other, the way you think and feel. It's all very fascinating."

Jack: "Are you some kind of Alchemist or something?"

Mysterious Man: "No, I am not an alchemist. I am much older and much wiser."

Tom: "Okay, that's a little vague. Can you tell us more about yourself?"

Mysterious Man: "I am a traveler of sorts. I wander the earth, seeking out knowledge and enlightenment."

Mark: "So, you're like a philosopher or a mystic?"

Mysterious Man: "In a way, yes. I have studied the ways of the universe and the secrets of the soul. I have seen things that most men can only dream of."

Jack: "That sounds incredible. Can you tell us more?"

Mysterious Man: "Perhaps another time. For now, I must bid you farewell. But remember, my friends, there is more to this world than meets the eye. Seek out the truth, and it shall set you free."

With that, the mysterious man turned and walked away, disappearing into the shadows.

Tom: "Well, that was certainly interesting. What do you guys think?"

Mark: "I'm not sure what to make of it. But I have to admit, he did seem pretty wise."

Jack: "Yeah, I guess so. But something about him gave me the creeps."

Tom: "I know what you mean. But maybe that's just because he's so mysterious. Who knows, maybe we'll see him again someday and learn more about his story."

***

After walking through the forest for days, the group of men finally arrived at their destination: the land of thrall. The land was unlike anything they had ever seen before, with towering castles, bustling marketplaces, and sprawling fields of crops.

As they walked through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this new land, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

"This place is amazing," one of the men said, his eyes wide with wonder. "I can't believe we're actually here."

"Me neither," another replied. "It's like a dream come true."

But their excitement was short-lived, as they soon realized that this new land was not as welcoming as they had hoped. Everywhere they went, they were met with suspicion and hostility.

"They don't like outsiders here," one of the men said, as they walked through the crowded streets. "We'll have to be careful."

As they continued to explore the city, they noticed a man watching them from a distance. He was tall and lean, with piercing eyes that seemed to bore into their very souls.

"Who is that?" one of the men asked, nodding in the man's direction.

"I don't know," another replied. "But he's been following us since we arrived."

The man continued to watch them, his eyes never leaving their group. Finally, he approached them, his expression serious.

"Greetings, travelers," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "What brings you to our land?"

"We're just passing through," one of the men replied, trying to sound casual. "We heard this was a beautiful place and wanted to see it for ourselves."

The man studied them for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not to trust them. Finally, he nodded.

"Very well," he said. "But be warned, this land is not as peaceful as it may seem. There are dangers here that you cannot even begin to imagine."

With that, the mysterious man turned and walked away, leaving the group of men to wonder what kind of dangers awaited them in this strange and foreign land.

***

Townsfolk: "I can hardly believe it. Eric was a fierce opponent. How did Vladimir manage to defeat him?"

Townsfolk: "It was a long and grueling battle, but Vladimir fought with all his might. In the end, he was able to disarm Eric and claim victory."

Townsfolk: "Incredible! I never would have thought that such a young man could take down such a formidable enemy."

townsfolk: "It just goes to show you, age and experience aren't always the most important factors in battle. Sometimes it's sheer determination and skill that wins the day."

Townsfolk: "Yes, that's certainly true. We should all strive to be more like Vladimir, to never give up and always fight for what we believe in."

Townsfolk: "Indeed. Vladimir's victory has inspired us all to be better, to be stronger, and to never back down in the face of adversity."

Townsfolk: "Well said. Vladimir truly is a hero, and we should all be proud to have him fighting for our land."

The group of men overheard the discussion of the townsfolk about the incident that happened recently.

"Hey boss there talking about Eric the leader of this village the one we made a contract with, was recently dead after battling with Vladimir."

The boss of the group of men was furious.

"What the fuck are you saying!" Huh!!"

"Um boss," can lower down your aura the pressure is suffocating me please boss."

"Who the fuck is this Vladimir?" The boss asked".

"He's just a brat boss," he replied."

"How can a brat kill Eric?!!! How!!!"How can a brat kill Eric who rivals my strength?!

The boss was so angry that he released a small amount of his aura and punched the ceiling of the house. The ceiling was completely turned into bits.

"Investigate everything about this brat what was his name again? Oh yes Vladimir I will not forget your name! You will pay blood for blood, flesh for flesh, and for hindering our plan."

The boss commands his troupe "move now," Also contact the king and the demonic cult I have something to discuss about them about the demonic harvest."

***