Nestled amongst a flourishing forest a campfire crackled with intensity under the stars. Over it was freshly cooked mackerel; the smoke from the flames carried its mouthwatering scent into the air as Zephyr gave a sigh of relief. Finally his meal was ready.
"It's been so long since I had a proper meal." He said as he went into deep thought.
'I wonder how they're doing back home, everything should be alright shouldn't it?'
He realized the amount of pain Naomi and Nikko would be going through. Wondering where he could have gone, whether he was alive or not. But he found himself asking the same questions. Who is the say that they aren't dead? The planet was put through hell when he encountered death, and many certainly lost their lives. Those closest to him certainly could be part of the casualties. Then there are all the other threats that the Earth faces.
His heart raced as all these thoughts rushed his mind. Deep breaths were taken as his emotions got the better of him; an intense fury emerged from deep within. He was angry, really angry; at himself, at the world and at Diablo.
"No, everything will be fine. There's still time." He said, reassuring himself.
Putting out the campfire, he grabbed the fish and started devouring it. Close by was an unconscious man. He had white skin and, scruffy, brown hair. His pupils were sparkling brown with a lime green outer ring, making them some of the most unique pair we've seen.
After finishing his meal Zephyr went to him and shook him awake. Startled, the man jumps back at the sight of someone else.
I however ignore his antics and crouch. Looking him straight in the eyes I ask a simple question.
"Why did you kill those men?"
Behind this straightforward sentence was a hidden agenda. Depending on the answer this man gives, Zephyr will decide to end his existence or not. The young man knew this far too well, he too was an experienced killer, but the monster before him seemed almost heartless.
"You're wasting my time." Zephyr emphasized, bloodlust activating for a brief moment to prove his point.
"Well then, allow me to introduce myself." The man said.
He stood up and rested on a tree, inhaling deeply he continued.
"I am Xavier Luther, the rightful heir to the Lord of Evertale." He spoke with utmost pride.
'I'm assuming that town is called Evertale, but if he is the heir to the throne what's the reason for killing those men?' I pondered.
"If you are the heir, then explain your actions." I stated.
He hesitated for a bit before looking up above.
"This town was once a great city, well on its way to becoming a kingdom of its own. However that didn't seem to please the heavens. Disaster after disaster struck the land. Floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, drought and disease swept the land constantly. The devastation brought about by this reduced our once flourishing Evertale to a mere settlement of refugees."
"That still doesn't explain anything." I said.
He seemed to twitch as I said that trying his best to hide his annoyance.
"Anyway, my father did not want this to be the end, so he pleaded with the heavens for mercy. For days on end he would starve himself while tending to the needs of the people, working hard to ensure there were enough resources for all. This would grant him favor as a mystical artifact fell from above. Through it he was able to reshape the very earth beneath our feet into his image, ensuring the prosperity of the people. In a span of a decade this town was built and he was anointed the title of Lord. Years later he had a son, bringing joy to the townsfolk; all except one. My uncle was next in line in the case of the Lords death, but he couldn't contain his jealousy. Throughout my life he always despised my very existence and for my downfall."
*Sigh*
He took a deep sigh before continuing.
"He had had enough; striking my father in his sleep he attained the crown. I was considered too young for the role and the elders passed it over to the bastard. Soon after the weapon that had slain my father was found within my quarters, giving more than enough reason to completely cut me off. Right then and there I knew I had been framed by the one closest to my father. Thus I escaped with the very weapons that implicated me."
Xavier clenched his fists as he finished the tale.
"Huh, as much as I'd like to take your word for it I can't just believe you."
His turned towards me as he reached for his dagger, but it was nowhere to be found.
"You looking for this?" I said, bringing out the weirdly curved blade.
The wind then blew intensely as the sun began to rise. The trees danced in the breeze as leaves fluttered through the air. The two looked at each other and none spoke.
"I don't have time for this, you are just an outsider so mind your business and best be on your way."
'Alex, could you scan his a stats please'
[Initiate scanning process]
[Displaying General Statistics]
[Opening Character Profile]
[Name: Xavier Luther, The Heir to Evertale
Age: 21
Stats:
Strength-7
Speed-7
Health-6
Dexterity-8
Intelligence-9
Level: None
Exp: None
Skills: None
Inventory: Empty
Rank: D]
His stats were just as weak as mine when I first got the system, so I was reassured that he'd be no threat.
"How about I make an offer you can't refuse."
He listened.
"I'll hand over your dagger, and if you can beat me in combat then I'll aid you in your quest."
This was a surefire way to test his resolve, for if he truly wanted revenge then he'd have no problem giving his all in this fight.
"You knocking me out the first time was a fluke, this time I'll have you on your knees."
I threw the dagger over to him. He got into a battle stance, while I stood there with my guard down.
In a fraction of a second he rushed towards me, clenching the dagger tightly with both arms as he approached. As he closed the distance between us in an instant he thrust the blade into my side, piercing my flesh and digging into my abdomen.
Surprise etched its way onto my face as blood trickled down the blade, staining Xavier's hands red. He looked up at me, stoic as he attempted to slice right through me.
Sensing this I leaped backwards, holding unto the open wound as I panted heavily.
*Argh*
Zephyr yelled in anguish as the two stared down one another.
'What the hell happened? His stats are far too low to give that sort of damage. And to top it all off I'm not healing'
"Oh, are you surprised that a weakling could harm you?" He asked mockingly.
"No, it's the dagger." Zephyr realized.
"Right you are, this is the very weapon that slew my father. I have no idea how my uncle acquired this weapon but I've been putting it to good use."
[I have noticed something very alarming]
"What?"
[Your Qi is being drained at an ungodly rate]
I immediately felt the world breaking strength I had acquired gradually leaving my body.
"Oh, it seems you're skilled enough to notice. This blade can not only cut through anything but it can weaken the abilities of any struck by it."
"Open Inventory."
I quickly brought out the bracelet of transfiguration, getting into a certain stance as I poured the remainder of my energy into it.
My grip on it tightened as both of my arms clung to the newly formed blade. Standing in a well-balanced posture, my right foot thrust forward and the sword rose carrying with it a surge of pure energy yet controlled energy. This strike moved like a wave washing over the shore, and my body moved like a stream running smoothly. Each motion flowed seamlessly, accompanied by streaks of emerald-green emitting from the series of slashes.
The first attacks cut right across him, leaving a deep gash on his chest. Instantly he jumped backwards before rushing towards me with a consecutive series of slashes. Luckily I had enough energy to deal with him at the moment but that wouldn't be the case for long.
We moved through the trees with insane precision as an exchange of strikes occurred. I had gotten a few more cuts all over my body, while his shoulder was deeply slashed into.
"You're pretty good, but soon enough all your strength will be gone permanently."
"Huh, so that's how it is huh. Well then I guess I have to finish this as quickly as possible." I said while smirking.
My energy was almost entirely gone, making this my last chance. So with a final endeavor I rushed forwards at supersonic speeds. A massive dust cloud followed my trail as the trees were sent flying. Bolting forward with everything I've got my jade blade swerved like a dancing stream as I readied a final attack.
Xavier as well rushed towards me with great speed and was prepared to end this encounter as well.
Both crashed into the other and with a resounding chime the jade blade broke in half. Zephyr stood at the mercy of Xavier as the dagger was right at his throat.
"Dammit, ran out of power." Zephyr cursed.
Xavier however gave a sigh of relief as he put his weapon down, easing the tension before the two. With this Zephyr dropped to the floor, drained of all his might as the assailant stood victorious.
"That was a good fight; I can tell that you're a great warrior with some killer techniques."
I chuckled at his remarks, it was true, my skills and techniques are epic.
"I also know that you're strong enough to help me." He said.
"Well, I can't do much of that now can I if I don't get my energy back; for heavens' sake I'm bleeding out." I retorted.
Xavier paused for a moment before bringing the dagger close to his face, staring intensely at a particular red gem engraved within it.
"Then how about we make a deal, I return your strength to you in exchange for assistance."
At this point there was no reason to refuse, so I weakly nodded my head. With that settled he broke the gem, and with a great flash of light I felt the Qi I had left return. So with my strength back I got back up. We nodded in agreement as I picked up the bracelet and stored it.
"Let's get this over with." Xavier said.
"Yeah."
(A/N): The next chapter will be the fourth and last portion of the Keeper of Light arc, and it promises to be extra-long.