Arthur was worried. After the failed assassination attempt on Lord Varic, he knew that his face had been seen, and Varic would not rest until he was found. Sitting in Lyra's cozy cabin, he felt the weight of his predicament pressing down on him.
"Lyra, what do I do now? Varic saw my face. He won't stop until he finds me," Arthur said, frustration evident in his voice.
Lyra looked at him with concern. "We'll protect you, Arthur. But you need to think about your next steps. Running forever isn't a solution."
Arthur shook his head. "I don't want to put you in danger. I've already lost too many people. I can't lose anyone else."
Lyra sighed, understanding his dilemma. "Then we need to figure out a plan. What are you thinking?"
Arthur glanced at one of the maps on Lyra's wall. "What about the other countries? Where can I go to get stronger and eventually take Varic down?"
Lyra walked over to the map, tracing her fingers along the borders. "Our cabin is near the border of both the Empire and the Theocracy. Let me explain a bit about each."
She pointed to the western part of the map. "The Empire of Drakoria is to the west. It's a land where strength rules. The Emperor, an Awaken with a Diamond mana core, has been in power for centuries. It's a place of constant warfare and expansion. You could grow stronger there by proving yourself in battle."
Next, she pointed east. "The Theocracy of Solaria is to the east. It's ruled by High Priests who worship the Celestials. They have strict laws and a rigid society, but they also have powerful magic users. If you go there, you might learn more about magic and the Celestials."
Arthur studied the map, considering his options. "Which one do you think is better?"
Lyra hesitated. "The Empire might suit you more. Your desire for power and vengeance aligns with their values. Plus, you'd be able to fight and grow stronger without as many restrictions."
Arthur nodded. "But I don't want to rush into anything. I need to think this through."
That night, Arthur lay in bed, unable to sleep. His mind raced with thoughts of his next move. He decided to talk to Baal, hoping the demon might have some useful insights.
"Baal, what should I do? Should I go to the Empire or the Theocracy?" Arthur asked mentally.
Baal's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm and dark humor. "Oh, finally asking for my opinion, are we? Look, kid, both options have their merits. But if you want my advice, the Empire is your best bet. It's a fucking dog-eat-dog world over there. Perfect for someone like you."
Arthur considered Baal's words. "And what about the Theocracy?"
Baal laughed. "Do you really want to deal with a bunch of self-righteous assholes who think they're gods? Sure, they have powerful magic, but you'll be jumping through hoops to get anywhere. In the Empire, you just need to kick some ass and take names."
Arthur couldn't help but smirk. "Alright, the Empire it is. But how do I get there without attracting attention?"
"Leave that to me," Baal said. "I'll start your real training tomorrow. We'll make sure you're ready for anything those bastards throw at you."
The next morning, Arthur told Lyra about his decision. "I've decided to go to the Empire. Baal and I talked it over, and it seems like the best option."
Lyra nodded, though her eyes were filled with concern. "I understand. But remember, the Empire is dangerous. You'll need to be prepared for anything." She handed Arthur a small pouch of gold and some essential supplies. "Also, consider joining a guild of adventurers. It will give you a cover and access to resources."
Arthur hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Lyra. For everything."
With a final wave, Arthur turned and began his journey toward the Empire. The path ahead was uncertain, but he knew he had to move forward.
---
Arthur's journey was just beginning. The first few days on the road were uneventful, giving him time to reflect on his training and the new skills he had learned. However, he remained vigilant, knowing that danger could strike at any moment.
One evening, as the sun began to set, Arthur noticed a flicker of light in the distance. Curiosity piqued, he approached cautiously and discovered a small group of travelers around a campfire. Among them were merchants and a few hired guards. Arthur hesitated, but then decided to join them.
"Hello," Arthur greeted, trying to appear friendly but keeping his guard up. "Mind if I join you for the night?"
The lead merchant, a burly man with a thick beard, looked Arthur over and nodded. "Sure, lad. More company, the better. Come, sit by the fire."
Arthur sat down, grateful for the warmth. As the night progressed, he learned that the group was heading to a nearby town to sell their goods. They shared stories and food, and Arthur felt a brief sense of normalcy.
Suddenly, a rustling noise came from the bushes. The guards immediately stood up, weapons drawn. Arthur's senses heightened, and he prepared for a fight. Bandits emerged from the shadows, weapons gleaming in the firelight.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Easy pickings," one of the bandits sneered.
Arthur's blood boiled. Memories of the attack on his village flashed through his mind. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, using his chi to enhance his speed and strength. He summoned a fireball, hurling it at the nearest bandit.
The fight was intense. Arthur moved with precision, combining true magic and fake magic to take down his enemies. The guards and merchants watched in awe as he decimated the bandits with ruthless efficiency.
Baal's voice echoed in his mind, dripping with dark amusement. "That's the spirit
"Don't let any of these bastards escape."
Arthur's anger fueled his attacks. With each spell and strike, he felt a surge of satisfaction. The bandits, caught off guard by his ferocity, quickly fell to his might. Soon, only one bandit remained, trembling in fear.
Arthur grabbed the bandit by the collar, his eyes burning with rage. "Who sent you?" he demanded.
The bandit stammered, "We... we weren't sent by anyone. We just... we saw an opportunity."
Arthur glared at him, then tossed him aside. "Get out of here. And if I ever see you again, you won't be so lucky."
The bandit scrambled away, disappearing into the darkness. The travelers stared at Arthur in stunned silence, then slowly began to cheer and thank him.
"Thank you, lad. You saved us," the lead merchant said, clapping Arthur on the shoulder.
Arthur nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment but also a gnawing emptiness. "Just doing what needed to be done."
That night, as the camp settled down, Arthur sat by the fire, lost in thought. Baal's voice broke the silence.
"Not bad, kid. But you've got a long way to go. That was just a small taste of what's out there."
Arthur nodded. "I know, Baal. But it's a start."
The next morning, the merchants offered to travel with Arthur for a while, grateful for his protection. Arthur accepted, knowing the journey would be safer in numbers. As they traveled, he listened to their stories, learning more about the lands and the dangers that lay ahead.
One evening, as they set up camp near a forest, Arthur decided to practice his new skills. He moved away from the group, finding a quiet clearing. Focusing his mana and chi, he began to train, pushing his limits.
Baal observed, his tone a mix of sarcasm and encouragement. "You've got potential, kid. But don't get cocky. The Empire is a whole different beast."
Arthur smirked. "I'm ready for whatever comes my way."
As the days turned into weeks, Arthur continued his journey. He encountered various challenges--wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and more bandits. Each obstacle tested his strength and resolve, but he pushed through, growing stronger with every step.
One afternoon, as they neared the border of the Empire, the merchants decided to part ways with Arthur. They thanked him once more for his protection and wished him luck.
Arthur watched them go, then turned his gaze towards the horizon. The Empire awaited, a land of opportunity and danger. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead.
Baal's voice echoed in his mind. "Ready to dive into the lion's den, are we?"
Arthur nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'm ready, Baal. Let's see what the Empire has to offer."
With renewed resolve, Arthur began his journey into the Empire. The path was uncertain, but he knew he had the skills and determination to face whatever challenges awaited him. As he crossed the border, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. The journey was just beginning, and Arthur was ready to carve his path to power and vengeance.
---
Arthur traveled for days, making his way deeper into the Empire. The landscape changed, becoming harsher and more unforgiving. He encountered various travelers and creatures, each experience adding to his knowledge and strength.
One evening, as he set up camp near a rocky outcrop, he heard a rustling sound. His senses heightened, and he prepared for a potential threat. Emerging from the shadows was a young woman, her clothes tattered and eyes filled with fear.
"Please, help me," she begged, collapsing to the ground.
Arthur rushed to her side, helping her sit up. "What happened?"
"Bandits... they attacked my village. I managed to escape, but they're still out there," she said, her voice trembling.
Arthur's anger flared. "Which direction?"
She pointed to the east. "Not far from here."
Arthur stood up, his resolve hardening. "Stay here. I'll take care of them."
Baal's voice chimed in, eager for the fight. "Time to show those scum what real power looks like."
Arthur moved swiftly through the forest, his mind focused on the task at hand. As he neared the village, he saw smoke rising in the distance. The bandits were celebrating their raid, oblivious to the danger approaching.
He launched his attack with precision and fury, using a combination of magic and physical prowess. The bandits, caught off guard, fell quickly to his onslaught. Arthur moved through them like a whirlwind, his anger driving each strike.
The fight was brutal and swift. As the last bandit fell, Arthur stood amidst the carnage, his breath heavy but his resolve unshaken. He searched the village, ensuring there were no survivors among the bandits. Satisfied, he returned to the young woman, who was waiting anxiously.
"It's done. They won't bother anyone again," Arthur said, his voice firm.
Tears of relief streamed down her face. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Arthur nodded, feeling a sense of grim satisfaction. "Stay safe. Find a place where you can start over."
She nodded, gratitude evident in her eyes. "I will. Thank you, again."
As Arthur continued his journey, he reflected on the encounter. Each fight, each challenge, was a step towards his goal. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face it.
One night, as he camped near a river, Arthur decided to take stock of his progress. He sat by the fire, deep in thought.
"Baal, we've come a long way. But there's still so much to do."
Baal's voice was a comforting presence. "True. But you're not the same kid who stumbled into that cave. You're stronger, smarter. Keep pushing forward."
Arthur nodded. "I will. We'll make it to the top."
With renewed determination, Arthur prepared for the next leg of his journey. The Empire awaited, and he was ready to face whatever challenges it had in store.
---
The road to the Empire's heartland was long and treacherous. Arthur encountered various challenges and dangers, each one testing his resolve and strength. He fought off wild beasts, navigated treacherous terrain, and faced off against more bandits.
One evening, as he set up camp near a dense forest, he heard a rustling sound. His senses heightened, and he prepared for a potential threat. Emerging from the shadows was a young woman, her clothes tattered and eyes filled with fear.
"Please, help me," she begged, collapsing to the ground.
Arthur rushed to her side, helping her sit up. "What happened?"
"Bandits... they attacked my village. I managed to escape, but they're still out there," she said, her voice trembling.
Arthur's anger flared. "Which direction?"
She pointed to the east. "Not far from here."
Arthur stood up, his resolve hardening. "Stay here. I'll take care of them."
Baal's voice chimed in, eager for the fight. "Time to show those scum what real power looks like."
Arthur moved swiftly through the forest, his mind focused on the task at hand. As he neared the village, he saw smoke rising in the distance. The bandits were celebrating their raid, oblivious to the danger approaching.
He launched his attack with precision and fury, using a combination of magic and physical prowess. The bandits, caught off guard, fell quickly to his onslaught. Arthur moved through them like a whirlwind, his anger driving each strike.
The fight was brutal and swift. As the last bandit fell, Arthur stood amidst the carnage, his breath heavy but his resolve unshaken. He searched the village, ensuring there were no survivors among the bandits. Satisfied, he returned to the young woman, who was waiting anxiously.
"It's done. They won't bother anyone again," Arthur said, his voice firm.
Tears of relief streamed down her face. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Arthur nodded, feeling a sense of grim satisfaction. "Stay safe. Find a place where you can start over."
She nodded, gratitude evident in her eyes. "I will. Thank you, again."
As Arthur continued his journey, he reflected on the encounter. Each fight, each challenge, was a step towards his goal. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face it.
One night, as he camped near a river, Arthur decided to take stock of his progress. He sat by the fire, deep in thought.
"Baal, we've come a long way. But there's still so much to do."
Baal's voice was a comforting presence. "True. But you're not the same kid who stumbled into that cave. You're stronger, smarter. Keep pushing forward."
Arthur nodded. "I will. We'll make it to the top."