Weeks had passed since the fierce battle that had taken place in Rivenbrook. The aftermath of that day still lingered, the city slowly recovering from the chaos and destruction.
Luke's home in the capital city of Valeria, once a sanctuary, felt different now. The weight of his emotions and the memories of that battle had kept him confined within its walls, struggling to come to terms with the conflicting whirlwind of questions within him.
The morning sun filtered through his windows, casting a somber light across the room. Luke stood before a mirror, his reflection showing a face marked by a grim determination. It was time to move forward, to face the world once again. He knew he couldn't stay holed up forever.
With a heavy sigh, Luke began to prepare himself for the day. He donned his leather armor, each piece a reminder of the battles he had fought. His fingers traced the familiar patterns on his ice fang dagger's hilt as he sheathed it at his waist. It was a weapon that had served him well, its icy enchantment a reflection of his strength.
Before leaving his home, Luke's mind fell upon the ethereal presence that had become a constant companion. He called out to the shadow system, its voice responding in its characteristic robotic tone,
[YES, INHERITOR.]
"Show me my present status," Luke requested, his tone serious.
The information materialized before him:
l[NAME: LUKE GRAHAM]
l[JOB: ADVENTURER]
l[CLASS: SHADOWMANCER <
l[SUB-CLASS: SWORDSMAN <
l[LVL: 5]
l[VIT: 115]
l[MP: 115]
l[STR: 40]
l[DEX: 48]
l[INT: 30]
l[SP: 25]
l[AP: 10]
l[SKILLS: 3]
l[<
l[<
l[<
l[<
l[TITLES: 2]
l[INHERITOR OF THE SHADOW SYSTEM]
l[THE ONLY SURVIVOR]
l[ITEMS]
l[ICE FANG DAGGER]
l[ATTACK SKILL: FROSTSTRIKE]
l- Has a chance of freezing an enemy when a critical blow is landed -
l[RESISTANCE SKILL: COLD RESISTANCE]
l- Grants little resistance to cold temperatures -
He took note of the level increase from 3 to 5, his stats boosted by the +10 points from levelling up twice, and the gained SP and AP. His skills had also undergone changes. [Shadow Reflection], [Sword Slash], and [Appraise] had each leveled up, showing his progress since the battle with Vice.
As his eyes settled on the +25 SP he had acquired, Luke contemplated how to allocate it. He knew that, for now, increasing his speed and reflexes would serve him well. He decided to invest the SP in his [DEX], raising it from 48 points to 73 points. With a purposeful nod, he acknowledged the change, feeling a subtle shift in his body as he focused on the enhancement.
His preparations complete, Luke stepped outside. The familiar streets of the city greeted him, a reminder of the life that continued to move forward despite the battles that had been fought. He made his way to the adventurer's guild, his mind set on the quests that awaited him.
The guild was bustling with activity, adventurers of all kinds discussing quests, sharing stories, and planning their next moves. Luke approached the quest board, his gaze sweeping over the available assignments. He chose a few that resonated with him—tasks that involved combat, challenges that he hoped would provide an outlet for the turmoil within.
With the quests accepted, Luke left the guild and set off on his path for the day. Each step was a testament to his determination to move forward, to confront the battles that lay ahead, both within himself and in the world around him.
As he walked, Luke's thoughts returned to the battle that had shaped his recent journey. He couldn't shake the memories of Vice's cryptic words, the enigma of his disappearance, and the lingering doubt that had taken root within him. Despite the uncertainty, he knew one thing for certain—there was much more to the story than he had initially believed.
With each step, Luke moved closer to uncovering the truth, to untangling the web of mysteries that had been woven around him. The journey was far from over, and he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way. As he ventured forth, the city's bustling sounds enveloped him, a reminder that life continued to march forward, and so would he.
…......
General Elara's office was a chamber of authority and strategic planning, adorned with maps, documents, and the trappings of command. She stood at the head of a long wooden table, facing a man whose demeanor matched the gravitas of the room. Reginald Evergreen, the king's trusted advisor and strategist, regarded Elara with a mixture of skepticism and reserved consideration.
Elara's voice was firm as she recounted the events of the battle in Rivenbrook. She spoke of Vice's survival, Luke's encounter with him, and the ominous undercurrent that hinted at larger forces at play. "sir, this situation goes beyond what we anticipated. There's more to Vice's ambitions, and I believe there are other individuals or groups involved."
Reginald's expression remained unreadable as he listened to Elara's account. When she finished, he leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in thought. "General, I understand your concern, but we must approach this matter with caution. You speak of suspicions, but where is the concrete evidence?"
Elara's gaze didn't waver, her resolve unyielding. "I agree that we lack undeniable proof, but Vice's survival alone is cause for worry. And Luke's words hold weight. We should extend our forces to investigate further, gather more information before we make any decisions."
Reginald's lips thinned, his voice measured. "But if Vice is dead, as you say, then the matter is resolved. The presence of a body is not always necessary to confirm death. Why should we trust the account of a young, unseasoned adventurer like Luke?"
Elara's frustration simmered beneath her composed exterior. She understood the implications of her argument. "Because I believe in the strength of Luke's character and the conviction in his words. I've seen his dedication firsthand."
Reginald's tone remained cool. "We've positioned Captain Whitewood as the new leader of Rivenbrook. She's more than capable of handling any remaining threats. We shouldn't escalate the situation unnecessarily, especially if there's a risk of causing panic among the people."
Elara sighed, her agreement tinged with reluctance. "You have a point, sir. I won't openly challenge your decision. But I assure you, I will secretly investigate this matter further. I can't ignore the possibility that there are forces we don't yet comprehend."
Reginald's frustration was palpable now. He leaned forward, his voice laced with an undercurrent of irritation. "GENERAL!, you're walking a dangerous line here. Sometimes the pursuit of truth can lead to unintended consequences. I need you to understand the bigger picture."
Elara's jaw clenched, her expression resolute. "I do understand, SIR!. But I can't ignore the responsibility that comes with my position. I owe it to Valeria to ensure its safety, even if that means delving into the shadows."
Reginald's frustration reached a boiling point. He pushed back his chair, his voice raised in exasperation. "You're too stubborn, General Stormheart. You can't see beyond your own convictions. Do as you wish, but remember the risks."
With those words, Reginald stormed out of the office, leaving Elara alone with her thoughts. She watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling within her. She couldn't deny the frustration that had soured their conversation, but she also couldn't ignore the weight of her duty to protect the kingdom.
As the door closed behind Reginald, Elara's gaze drifted to the maps on the table. The kingdom of Valeria was a realm of beauty and power, but it was also a realm of secrets and dangers. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to come, more challenges that would test her resolve and the strength of their kingdom.
With a heavy sigh, Elara turned her attention back to her duties. The aftermath of the battle was only the beginning. The future of Valeria held uncertainties that she was determined to face, even if it meant navigating the treacherous paths of darkness.