Interiors - Aeternum Magic Tunnel - Day
Lemone, tormented by the words of the dark entity, decides to answer him.
Lemone: (In a determined tone) "You're right. I've accepted my dark side. I'm not a hero, I'm a sadist, a manipulator, a violent person. And I'm proud of it."
The dark entity seems satisfied with his answer.
Dark Entity: (In a darkly content tone) "Finally you embrace your true nature. Embrace your power, Lemone.
Become the dark lord you were destined to be."
Lemone smiles, a chilling smile that reflects the darkness growing inside him.
Lemone: (Sarcasticly) "Don't worry, I won't disappoint you."
The discussion ends, and the dark entity disappears, leaving Lemone alone with his dark thoughts.
Lemone leaves the tunnel and heads towards the inn where he left Elea. He has a bad feeling.
Arriving at the inn, Lemone is surprised to find that the innkeeper is not present. A young waitress replaces him.
Lemone: (In a worried tone) "Where is the innkeeper?"
Waitress: (In a shy tone) "I don't know, sir. He went upstairs a few hours ago and hasn't come down yet."
Lemone walks upstairs, her heart racing. He goes to Elea's room, but she is not there. On the nightstand, he finds a letter.
Lemone: (In a distressed tone) "What is that?"
He opens the letter and reads the following words:
"If you dare to denounce my involvement in child trafficking, I will kill Elea. Don't look for me, I know where you are. And don't forget: I am always one step ahead of you."
Lemone is furious and terrified. The innkeeper threatened him and kidnapped Elea. He must act quickly before it is too late.
Lemone, her heart on fire, scrutinizes the innkeeper's missive. Every word is a thorn stuck in his flesh. He activates his "Instant Remember" ability, delving into the innkeeper's thoughts at the time of writing. Images flash through his mind: an isolated place, a damp cellar, a muffled cry. He then focuses his analytical skills, cross-referencing the information from the letter with the memories gleaned.
The probabilities become clearer, a mental picture is formed: an old quarry, outside the city, a dark and forgotten place. Lemone smiled a cruel smile. He knows where to find Elea.
Exteriors - Former quarry - Night
Armed with his two dark swords, Lemone enters the darkness of the ancient quarry. The stone walls are damp and slippery, the air is heavy and laden with palpable tension. The cries of bats echo in the silence, a macabre concert.
He follows a narrow passage, his senses alert. Suddenly he hears a dull noise, a groan. He quickens his pace, his heart beating wildly. Around a bend, he discovers a scene of incredible violence: Elea, tied up and gagged, is suspended by her wrists, her face swollen. The innkeeper, a sadistic smile on his lips, looks at her with delight.
Lemone: (in a hoarse voice) "You dared to touch her?"
The innkeeper jumps, then bursts out laughing.
Innkeeper: (Mockingly) "Ah, Bard, my dear friend. I knew you would come eventually. But you are very naive to believe that you could save her."
Lemone doesn't respond, he acts. In one fluid movement, he draws his swords and rushes towards the innkeeper. The latter, panicked, tries to flee but Lemone is faster. He catches him and pins him against the wall.
Lemone: (In a cold voice) "You're going to pay for what you did."
He raises one of his swords, ready to deliver the fatal blow. But a more perverse idea comes to mind. He lowers the sword and starts laughing.
Lemone: (In a cruel tone) "No, that would be too easy. I'd rather you suffer slowly."
He begins to torture the innkeeper, punching and kicking him. Each blow is accompanied by hysterical laughter. The innkeeper screams in pain, begging for everything to stop. But Lemone is ruthless.
Lemone: (Sardonically) "You had fun with her, didn't you? So, it's your turn to play."
He takes one of his swords and begins to drag it along the innkeeper's body, inflicting deep, bleeding cuts. The innkeeper loses consciousness, but Lemone continues to torture him, as if trying to prolong his agony.
Lemone: (Icy tone) "It's for Elea."
He then turns to Elea and releases her. She collapses in his arms, trembling and traumatized.
Lemone: (In a soft voice) "It's over, Elea. I'm here."
He carries her out of the quarry and back to the inn. He gently lays her on a bed and promises to take care of her.
Elea, lying on the bed, slowly opens her eyes. She feels weak and her body is sore. She turns her head and sees Lemone sitting next to her, a look of relief on his face.
Elea: (In a weak voice) "Lemone... Did you save me?"
Lemone takes his hand.
Lemone: (Soft voice) "Yes, Elea. You are safe now."
A waitress enters the room, a tray loaded with medicines and compresses in her hand.
Waitress: (Smiling gently at Elea) "How are you feeling, miss? I prepared something to ease your pain."
She takes care of Elea with great gentleness. Once the treatment is finished, she turns to Lemone.
Waitress: (In a serious tone) "And our boss, where has he gone? He has been strangely absent since yesterday."
Lemone hesitates for a moment, then decides to tell him the truth.
Lemone: (Gloomily) "He'll never come back again."
The waitress looks at him, surprised.
Waitress: (Whispering) "Did you...kill him?"
Lemone nods.
Lemone: (In a calm voice) "He had kidnapped Elea and he was threatening me. I had no choice."
The waitress thinks for a moment, then nods in turn.
Waitress: (Sighing) "I can't say I'm surprised. That man was disgusting. He abused his power and exploited people. He deserved what happened to him."
Lemone: (Relieved) "Do you understand?"
The waitress smiled weakly at him.
Waitress: (In a gentle tone) "Yes, I understand. You did the right thing. But now you have to protect yourself. This man had accomplices. They will want revenge."
Lemone thought for a moment. The waitress is right. He has to disappear before they find him.
Lemone: (Determinedly) "We have to leave here, Elea. Immediately."
Elea nods, exhausted but grateful. She knows she can trust Lemone. Together, they leave the inn, ready to face a new future, far from the threat that hangs over them.
Lemone, after watching over Elea all night, decides it is time for her to rest.
Lemone: "Elea, rest a little longer. I'll take care of everything."
Elea, still weak but grateful, nods.
Lemone and Elea, now equipped with supplies, leave the inn. Their destination is clear: the royal palace. Lemone has a plan. He plans to enlist in the royal army, rise through the ranks, then, at the right time, eliminate the king. With the wealth of the palace, he will be able to finance the construction of his own kingdom, a place where he can reign supreme.
Along the way, Lemone stops in a small town. He enters an armory and, after spending a modest sum of 40 gold pieces, he acquires a pair of enchanted boots. These "Boots of Speed" give him increased agility and speed.
For Elea, he chooses a light and handy dagger, a weapon that she can easily wield if necessary.
Lemone: "Here, Elea. This will come in handy."
Elea thanks him, with a heavy heart. She knows their future is uncertain, but she has faith in Lemone.
Lemone: (To the merchant) "Tell me, do you have an exceptional sword to offer me? Something really special."
The merchant, his eyes wide, replies: "An exceptional sword? But of course, sir. I have just what you need in my reserves. Follow me."
The merchant leads Lemone to a secret room where a magnificent sword is displayed, encrusted with precious stones and strange-looking metal.
Lemone: (Assessing the weapon) "This one suits me just fine."
He purchases the sword, adding another piece to his already impressive arsenal.
Lemone and Elea finally arrive in front of the royal palace. It is an imposing building, surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers. Lemone walks to the front door and asks to see the commander.
Lemone: "I wish to enlist in the royal army."
The commander, a weathered man with piercing eyes, looks at him skeptically.
Commander: "And what makes you want to join our ranks?"
Lemone: (Assuredly) "The desire to serve my king and my country."
The commander smiled incredulously, but said no more. He orders a soldier to take Lemone to the recruiting office.