Twilight and Rafe studied the map carefully, tracing the lines and symbols with their fingers. The map was old, the parchment yellowed and creased, but the ink drawings were still sharp and clear. The map showed a path that led north, through mountains and forests, to a fortress that was marked with a tick.
"Gonna take a guess that's where to go," Rafe said.
Twilight nodded, but she was distracted by the thirst that was gnawing at her throat. She rummaged through her pack and found a waterskin, which she handed to Rafe. "Drink," she said. "It's enchanted. It never runs dry."
Rafe took the waterskin and drank deeply, savoring the cool, clear water.
He handed the waterskin back to Twilight, who took a small sip and then stowed it back in her pack.
They left the castle, walking past Flower's body without a glance. They both knew that any items he carried would have been destroyed with him, so there was no point in trying to salvage his sword or any other gear.
They walked north, following the tick on the map that had been left by the previous owners. The path wound through rocky terrain and dense forests, but they were able to navigate their way thanks to the map and Twilight's keen sense of direction.
They walked in silence for the most part, both lost in their own thoughts.
Twilight was still reeling from the fight with Flower, and she couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Rafe, on the other hand, was focused on the task at hand. He had his mind set on reaching the fortress, hopefully there were others.
It wasn't until they were passing through a dense thicket that they encountered their first obstacle.
A wolf-like beast with three eyes and a gaping mouth blocked their path.
It had eight long legs and two giant wings on its torso, but it didn't seem to be able to fly. Twilight felt a surge of fear as the creature lunged at them, its jaws snapping.
She drew her rapier and prepared to strike, but Rafe was already swinging his Dao. The creature was quick and agile, but Rafe's blade was faster. He sliced through one of its legs, and Twilight lunged forward, stabbing it with her rapier.
The creature howled in pain and fury, but Twilight used her ability to blind it, causing it to stumble and fall. Rafe took advantage of the opening and slashed at its neck, severing its head.
The creature thrashed and bled, but it was no match for the two skilled adventurers. Soon it lay still, dead from its wounds. Rafe looked down at the creature's body, his dao dripping with blood.
"That wasn't too bad" he said.
Twilight nodded, feeling a mix of relief and satisfaction.
She had been worried that they might encounter something they couldn't handle, but it seemed that they were more than capable of taking on whatever the world threw at them.
[Creature Slain: Corrupted Korgin]
[Item Received: Korgin Eye]
'Interesting...'
"Got an item"
Twilight looked up at him. He continued:
"Korgin Eye"
"What's it do?"
Rafe focused for a moment, and with a thought his status appeared before his eyes.
Name: Rafe
Title: Rafe of the Fallen
Rank: Wanderer
Inheritance...
Items: [.....]
There it was....
[Korgin Eye]
"Well...?"
Rafe glared at the girl.
"Give me a fucking minute"
He focused again, and with that thought, the item's status appeared.
Item: [Korgin Eye]
Item Description: Created to kill the Lord of Faces, the Korgin was a terrible beast. It's eye could see behind any mask. The eye could see one's true face. With that, it defeated the Lord of Faces.
Abilities: [Lost Fascade]
Ability Description: You can sense lies.
'Well...isn't that ideal. Especially for someone like me'
"It increases your sight"
The eye twitched.
[Consume Korgin Eye?]
'No. Not yet'
As they continued on their journey, Twilight began to feel an uneasy sensation creeping up on her. At first, she tried to ignore it, but the feeling persisted, causing her to glance over her shoulder multiple times. Rafe noticed her behavior and asked her what was wrong.
"I don't know, Rafe. It's just this feeling. Like someone or something is watching us," Twilight replied, scanning their surroundings.
Rafe's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his Dao as they both became more alert. They didn't have to wait long before a small, innocent-looking rabbit-like creature hopped out from behind a nearby boulder. Twilight thought it looked cute, but a sudden gut feeling made her step back and warn Rafe.
"Be careful, Rafe. I have a bad feeling about that rabbit."
As they watched in horror, the rabbit suddenly transformed into a grotesque monster, growing horns out of every pore of its body and sprouting a third eye in its stomach. It stood at least two meters tall, towering over the duo. They immediately readied themselves for a fight, knowing that this was no ordinary creature.
Twilight charged forward with her rapier, aiming for the creature's eyes. Rafe followed suit, swinging his Dao in a wide arc. The creature was fast and agile, dodging their attacks with ease. However, they managed to get in a few good hits, slicing through its thick hide.
As the battle continued, Twilight's instincts proved to be correct. The creature was incredibly strong and skilled, and its horns were like sharp weapons that it wielded with deadly accuracy. Despite their best efforts, Twilight was eventually knocked back, landing on the ground with a thud.
Rafe was faced with a difficult decision. He could go to Twilight's aid, but risk leaving himself vulnerable to the creature's attacks. However, he knew he couldn't just watch as the monster went in for the kill.
In a moment of desperation, Rafe used his ability to speed towards Twilight in record time, grabbing her and pulling her away from the creature's stomping feet. However, the effort left him exhausted and panting for breath. They both stared at the creature, ready to continue the fight.
The creature roared, its third eye glowing with an eerie light. Twilight and Rafe braced themselves for the next round, determined to take down this formidable foe. They knew it wouldn't be an easy battle, but they were ready to face whatever came their way.