Tap... Tap...
I sprinted towards the Citadel of Light, my heart pounding in my chest. The Nightcrawler was close behind me, its growls echoing through the darkness.
I could hear its footsteps getting closer and closer.
I knew that I couldn't outrun the Nightcrawler for long. It was faster and stronger than me.
But I had to try.
I had to reach the Citadel of Light.
It was my only hope.
'Just a little bit farther...'
I saw the light barrier ahead of me and increased my speed. I could feel the Nightcrawler gaining on me. It was only a few feet away now.
Tap... Tap...
I reached the light barrier and dived through it, just as the Nightcrawler's claws reached out for me.
I felt the cold wind of its claws brush past my cheek as I fell.
Swish...
I landed on the ground inside the Citadel of Light. I was exhausted, but I was alive.
I looked back and saw the Nightcrawler standing on the other side of the light barrier, its eyes filled with rage.
Grrr...
The Nightcrawler tried to claw its way through the light barrier, but it was no use. The barrier was too strong.
After a few futile attempts, the Nightcrawler gave up and disappeared into the Darkness.
I watched its retreating form, observing my enhanced dagger stuck in its underbelly.
"I'm alive..."
I stood up and brushed myself off. I was still a little shaken from my encounter with the Nightcrawler, but I was also relieved to be safe.
I had made it to the Citadel of Light.
***
Aeria, one of the Citadels of Light, is a magnificent city that is protected by a powerful light barrier. The city is a beacon of hope and refuge in a world that is always dark and dangerous.
From afar, Aeria appears to be a shimmering fortress of light. As one gets closer, they can see the city's towering white marble buildings, its lush gardens, and its bustling streets.
The city is divided into several districts, each with its own unique character. The central district is home to the city's most important buildings, including the High Priest's Temple and the Council Chamber. The surrounding districts are home to a variety of businesses, shops, and residences.
One of the most striking things about Aeria is its architecture. The city's buildings are all made of white marble and are decorated with intricate carvings. The streets are paved with gold and the buildings are illuminated by a soft, white light.
The city's gardens are also quite beautiful. They are filled with a variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs.
The city is also very safe. The light barrier protects the city from the creatures of the Darkness. The city also has a well-trained guard force that patrols the streets and ensures the safety of the citizens.
It is my home, the place where I was born...
***
"My new dagger..."
A long wail escaped my lips as I mourned the loss of my newly bought dagger. The weapon cost me an arm and a leg, and now it was gone in an instant.
"Bastard Nightcrawler..."
Cursing under my breath, I dejectedly began walking toward the nearest market to see if there was any chance of finding a cheap replacement for my cherished dagger.
"Hey, Note!"
Along the way to the market, an old man with a long gray beard called out to me. He sat on a rickety wooden stool, selling various trinkets and oddities.
"Need an explosive arrow or something?"
He smirked, holding out a small box filled with arrowheads that shimmered with a faint magical glow.
For a moment, I hesitated since the explosive arrows would cost me more than I was willing to spend.
They were very useful in combat, however, I wasn't a very good archer and relied more on my dagger skills.
"Nah, I'm good..."
I replied with a shrug, continuing on my way to the market.
The man glared at me for a moment, before his eyes found another potential customer.
Tap... Tap...
When I finally reached the market, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. There were stalls selling everything from fresh produce to exotic spices to magical artifacts.
I wandered through the market, browsing the different stalls. I was hoping to find a cheap replacement for my dagger, but everything was too expensive.
I was about to give up when I saw a small stall selling old weapons and armor.
I approached the stall and took a look at the merchandise. The weapons were all rusty and old, but the prices were reasonable.
I picked up a dagger and examined it closely. It was old and worn, but it was still sharp.
"How much for this dagger?"
I asked the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper, a wizened old man with a toothless grin, examined the dagger.
"That'll be two silver coins"
He said, throwing a look at the weapon I was holding.
I hesitated. Two silver coins were more than I wanted to spend, but it was the best deal I had found so far.
"Fine..."
I said. I handed over the two silver coins and took the dagger.
I thanked the shopkeeper and turned to leave.
As I walked away, I felt a sense of unease. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched.
I glanced over my shoulder, but I still didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
I shrugged it off and continued walking.
I had only taken a few steps when I heard a noise behind me. I turned around and saw a group of men following me.
'This day keeps getting better and better...'
Cursing, I quickened my pace, gripping the newly acquired dagger tightly.
The inn I was staying at was just around the corner.
Swish...
With a quick movement, I darted into the alley, hoping that a shortcut would help me lose my pursuers, however, this was a massive mistake.
The only reason I wasn't caught yet was because these men couldn't use their curses with so many people around, but in this secluded alley, I was at their mercy.
"Sprout..."
Suddenly, a root of a tree snaked out of the ground and tripped me, causing me to fall to my knees.
I struggled to regain my balance, but the root seemed to have a will of its own, tightening its grip around my legs.
Before I could break free, one of the bandits approached me, delivering a swift kick to my side.
Ughhh...
The pain radiated through my body as I grimaced in agony.
I could taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth as I gasped for air.
Once again.
I'm too weak to do anything...