One week later, fully healed, I dreaded the impending punishment Mark, the head of the orphanage, promised. Thankfully, he had left Egypt for Cameroon to visit family, granting me a temporary reprieve. Slipping outside without alerting the watchful adults in the living room, I navigated the crowded market.
In the midst of the bustling crowd, I caught a glimpse of a woman with ghost-like hair and felt a surge of excitement. I pushed through the throng until I reached her, confirming it was the mysterious elderly woman—a guardian with long silvery white hair that resembled a ghost's. She smiled down at me and kissed my head. "I was just looking for you, little one," she said with a light, sweet voice.
Despite the hardships I faced, the Ghost Woman always appeared when I needed solace the most. Her silvery hair and hazel eyes held the wisdom of ages, offering comfort and soothing words in contrast to the harshness of my daily life.
I often questioned the adults about the Ghost Woman, but they dismissed her existence, leaving me puzzled and intrigued. She would vanish whenever I asked about her, leaving only the echoes of her kindness.
The Ghost Woman shared tales of heroes and adventures, transporting me to realms beyond the city's confines. Her narratives painted vivid images of the Three Great Kingdoms—Luminara, a pillar of unity; Infernia, home to craftsmen and forgers; and Bloodborne, nestled in the depths of the Forest of Vrantra, where bloodthirsty Orcs roamed. These realms comprised the Earth, known as the Human Realm.
As I delved into the stories, I could almost feel the essence of each kingdom. Luminara, a beacon of unity, welcomed beings of all races, serving as a pivotal trade route for exotic items and weapons. Infernia, the home of craftsmen and forgers, thrived on the mastery of skills and the creation of powerful artifacts. Bloodborne, concealed in the Forest of Vrantra, was the domain of bloodthirsty Orcs, creating an ominous presence that cast shadows over the city.
Later that day, after spending time with the Ghost Lady, I headed home, making my way through the market towards my destination. Overhearing a group of men discussing a creature known as Aquavor that was reportedly devouring people by the riverside, my curiosity piqued. Trying to appear focused on the fruit on display, I was actually listening intently to the conversation.
Engrossed in the gossip about this mysterious creature, I overheard snippets of information. "They say it can manipulate the currents," one man with a scar across his eye remarked. Another chimed in, fear evident in his widened eyes, "Someone said when they saw it, it had scales like that of Diamond, and his teeth, my God, the teeth looked as if they could tear through steel."
As I absorbed the details, a thought began to form in my mind, evolving into a full-fledged plan the longer I listened. "What if I slay this creature? Everyone would deem me a hero," I whispered to myself. My excitement surged as I rushed back to the orphanage, eager to plan out the steps and details of how I would capture and subdue the beast.
Sitting on my bed with a candle and paper, I began thinking through what I would need for capturing the Aquavor. I would obtain Spider Silk from the market to entangle the beast, as it was waterproof and very durable—not even steel could cut through it. I planned to block off downstream so the beast wouldn't be able to escape, then craft another net from the spider's silk, like that of a fish net, and haul the beast to the surface to deal the final striking blow. I would also need a sword, so I decided to steal one from the barracks.
Three days passed, and I collected all the needed supplies. As the city slept and the Nile whispered its secrets, I huddled over a makeshift map, tracing the river's curves and imagining the creature's lair. My mind buzzed with anticipation, fueled by the prospect of turning fear into admiration.
Driven by the whispers of the river and fueled by a determination to be hailed as a hero, I meticulously crafted a plan to capture Aquavor. My thoughts danced with visions of strategic traps and cunning maneuvers, the thrill of turning the tables on the legendary river monster.
As the night unfolded, my plan took shape like the crescent moon hanging above the city. I envisioned luring the creature into the open, where I could confront it with a blend of courage and ingenuity. My youthful bravado, mixed with a desire to prove myself, propelled me into the moonlit waters, armed with a makeshift harpoon and the determination to face the legendary Aquavor.
The next day, I set my plan into motion. Weaving a giant net from rare and sticky spider silk, I ventured into the clandestine corners of the market, obtaining the coveted material from an unsuspecting vendor. The silk, designed to entrap prey with its strength and stickiness, was the perfect tool to ensnare the water-dwelling beast.
Blocking off the river downstream, I patiently waited for Aquavor to take the bait. The legend spoke of the creature's lair upstream, hidden in an underground cave. As the fish tangled itself in the net, I flexed my formidable strength, hauling the monstrous creature from the water.
However, the encounter took an unexpected turn. Aquavor, a creature not easily subdued, unveiled its arsenal of tricks. The waters around us rippled with unnatural energy, and I soon realized that this legendary river monster was not about to surrender to a mere mortal's plan.
As the moon cast its silvery glow over the unfolding spectacle, I found myself entwined in a battle of wills with a force of nature—a clash between determination and the unpredictable prowess of Aquavor.
In the chaotic embrace of the river's depths, I struggled against the relentless currents. Aquavor, the mythical river monster, unleashed its wrath upon me, tearing through flesh and bone. As the battle raged, an unseen force intervened. A surge of power coursed through me, awakening a dormant ability within.
Swept away by the tumultuous currents, I felt an overwhelming surge of energy pulsating within. In a transformative moment, I tapped into an innate power—the ability to harness the primal force of Rampage. The waters around me echoed with my newfound strength