As Aric Von Caelum and Mayor Tobias arrived at the site where Xavier's fateful battle with the Hairstalker had unfolded, a heavy silence hung over the eerily quiet forest. The air carried a lingering sense of tension as if the very trees held their breath in anticipation of the Grade Three disciple's investigation.
Aric stepped forward with an air of authority, his expression stern and contemplative as he surveyed the surroundings. The once serene woodland bore the scars of a tumultuous clash, marked by scorched earth and charred remnants that bore witness to a cataclysmic confrontation.
The ground beneath their feet bore deep fissures, remnants of fiery clashes that had rent the earth apart. The trees, once towering sentinels of the forest, stood scarred and blackened, their branches twisted in agony. Wisps of smoke lingered in the air, a haunting reminder of the inferno that had raged through this once-tranquil landscape.
Aric's keen eyes scanned the area meticulously, his gaze tracing the erratic patterns of devastation that marred the terrain. He stooped down to examine the scorched marks etched into the ground, tracing their paths with a sense of meticulous scrutiny.
Mayor Tobias, standing at a cautious distance, observed with trepidation as Aric meticulously examined the remnants of the battlefield. The Grade Three disciple's expression remained inscrutable, his movements deliberate and methodical as he assessed the aftermath of the clash.
With each step, Aric's brow furrowed deeper, the gravity of the situation dawning upon him. The scorched imprints on the forest floor told a tale of immense power unleashed, a chaotic struggle between fire and fury that had left its indelible mark upon the land.
The once-vibrant foliage now lay wilted and smoldering, the vibrant hues replaced by an ashen pallor. The scene painted a grim narrative of a battle that transcended mortal comprehension, a clash of forces that defied the natural order.
As Aric continued his investigation, his lips formed a thin line, betraying a hint of perplexity mingled with a growing sense of apprehension. The sheer magnitude of destruction bore testament to an unfathomable force, one that exceeded the limits of a grade one rated human.
Aric Von Caelum's contemplation led him down a path of unsettling realization. The evidence scattered across the battleground didn't align with mere chance or luck. The scorched marks, and the inexplicable clash of forces, all pointed to a conclusion that Xavier, a mere Grade One hunter, had faced the Grade Two Hairstalker and survived. Such an outcome defied the norms of their hierarchical structure, hinting at an anomaly that Aric found unsettling.
A furtive hunger gleamed in Aric's eyes as he rose to his feet, a realization dawning upon him. Xavier's survival hinted at the existence of an artifact or a hidden power, something far beyond the capabilities of someone from this humble town. The thought of such a treasure being in the possession of and an insignificant figure like Xavier fueled a covetous desire within Aric.
The Grade Three disciple's mind whirred with ambition and greed. Whatever artifact or secret Xavier held, Aric was determined to claim it for himself. To him, the notion of a lowly individual holding such power was inconceivable, an injustice that begged correction by falling into more capable hands, his.
Avarice danced in his calculating gaze as he turned to Mayor Tobias, the sudden movement making the mayor flinch involuntarily. Aric's voice, a cold command that brooked no argument, cut through the tense air,
"Mayor Tobias, upon our return, ensure that Xavier is brought to me for immediate questioning."
Mayor Tobias, his nerves taut with apprehension, nodded fervently.
"Yes, sir. I will make sure Xavier is brought to you without delay," he replied, eager to comply and avoid the wrath of the imposing Grade Three disciple.
Aric's lips curled into a self-satisfied smirk, a sense of entitlement seeping through his demeanor. He turned away, his thoughts consumed by the allure of the artifact or secret that Xavier possessed.
For Aric, it wasn't a matter of 'if' but 'when' he would claim what he believed was rightfully his. The small town's secret, whatever it might be, was destined to fall into the hands of someone more deserving, his.
---------
Xavier was in the midst of a rigorous workout, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead as he pushed himself through a series of push-ups in his modest dorm room. The air was thick with determination, his muscles straining with each repetition when an unexpected knock disrupted his focused routine.
Pausing mid-push-up, Xavier hesitated for a moment, wiping a droplet of sweat from his brow before making his way cautiously to the door. With a quizzical expression, he cracked it open, only to be greeted by the grizzled figure of the Mercenary Guild's leader, an imposing man known for his stern demeanor and occasional wry humor.
The leader's gruff exterior softened momentarily as he met Xavier's gaze. "Xavier, my boy, hope I'm not interrupting your daily dose of muscle-building," he jested with a half-smirk, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement.
Xavier chuckled, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected visit. "Not at all, sir. Just keeping myself in shape for... well, you know, whatever comes our way," he replied with a touch of lightheartedness.
The leader's expression turned serious as he leaned in slightly.
"On a serious note, lad, the church's disciple is asking for you. Seems it's about that business with the Grade Two Hairstalker," he informed, his tone conveying the gravity of the situation.
Xavier furrowed his brow in confusion. "Me? Why would they want to see me about that?" he asked, bewildered by the unexpected summons.
The leader scratched his beard thoughtfully before answering. "Seems like they're investigating the incident, and you being the survivor of that encounter... well, you've piqued their interest," he explained, his tone tinged with a mix of seriousness and a touch of pride for Xavier's resilience.
Xavier's expression shifted to one of apprehension, a furrow deepening on his forehead as he processed the information.
"Investigating? What could they possibly want from me?" he muttered to himself, a sense of unease creeping into his thoughts.
The leader clapped a hand on Xavier's shoulder with a reassuring squeeze.
"Guess you'll find out soon enough. Best not to keep them waiting, lad. Head over there, cooperate, but don't let them ruffle your feathers," he advised before giving a playful wink.
"And try not to scare the church folks too much with your 'survived-a-Grade-Two' aura," he added with a chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood.
Xavier nodded, a mix of uncertainty and determination in his eyes as he prepared to face the church's disciple. With a final nod of thanks to the guild leader, he readied himself to confront the mysterious summons, his mind swirling with questions about the investigation and what it might entail.