Chereads / Deepwoken: Vow Of Vengeance / Chapter 20 - "Dreadstar"

Chapter 20 - "Dreadstar"

The journey would be long, but with the map he had and the knowledge that's been taught to him by his former captain, the journey wouldn't be too difficult. 

 The only difficult thing was the waters that once mesmerized him now only filled him with anger and sorrow. Despite hating long journeys, he had to complete this one because of all the loved ones he had lost and the requirements of the oath he had made in Zofia. Even though he despised it, he had to finish this journey. Argus couldn't sleep for even ten minutes on the first night of the journey. 

 The surroundings kept replaying his traumas. The waters around him constantly reminded him why he was here. His anger did not subside, and his heart ached. Even the magnificent views that emerged with the dawn did not bring him peace anymore. His whole life was full of pain. 

 After the sleepless first night, the breathtaking sunrise did not bring him peace. After another day of travel, evening came again. Argus spent the journey recalling his experiences and questioning whether he had made the right decision. His exhaustion could be seen in his eyes. 

 He managed to sleep on the second night. When he woke up with the rising sun, he could see the harbor of Isle of Vigils. He soon arrived at Isle of Vigils and asked one of the guards for Friid's location.

-Do you know where Galebreath Master Friid is?

-Yes, there's a bridge east of the Etrean Temple. After crossing that bridge, you'll reach Friid.

-Understood.

 Before heading to the Etrean Temple, Argus visited the inn on the island. After eating, he began to move towards the Etrean Temple. It wasn't very difficult to reach the temple. He crossed the bridge to the east of the temple and saw Galebreath Master Friid training with his students.

-Be wary, hateful one. You should be careful with that man. He's unlike any other melody master. Find a weakness and attack him at his weakest moment.

 Argus began to watch Friid's training from a distance. What he saw was incredible. He had never encountered such an attunement before. Friid's attunement could suffocate other attunements. The weapon Friid used was the Curved Blade of Winds, forged with gale essence in the early days of the Canticylsm and possessing its own unique song. This sword had a magnificent appearance. Every swing of Friid's sword was accompanied by a deafening sound of wind. 

 Argus approached Friid with a calm demeanor, his mind racing with thoughts of strategy and vengeance. As he engaged in conversation with Friid, he carefully observed the attunement master's reactions, searching for any sign of weakness or vulnerability.

-Have you come for gale training? Wait, these vein-like tattoos on your body... Did you... Did you make a Vow with Dreadstar?

-Destroy him, hateful one. The knowledge he has caused the death of many.

 From Friid's words, Argus understood that the Vow he had made was with Dreadstar. He heeded Dreadstar's words and without hesitation, Argus sprang into action, his movements swift and precise. With Skullpiercer in hand, he launched a sudden attack aimed directly at Friid's chest. Friid, taken by surprise, attempted to defend himself with his sword, but Argus's strike was so fast and powerful that it pierced his chest along with the sword.

-How... How is this possible?

 Blood started flowing from Friid's mouth. His death was imminent. The last thing Friid saw, unable to understand how this had happened, was the blurry silhouette of Argus, with his eyes bloodshot and his hair standing on end. 

 While Friid continued to vomit blood, Argus relentlessly pierced his body with hundreds of strikes. Even though Friid died shortly thereafter, Argus did not stop. He was determined to take out all his rage on Friid's lifeless body. 

 Despite Friid being turned into a shapeless mass of flesh, Argus continued to swing his rapier furiously. The students who watched what he did to their masters were traumatized. 

 With every move Argus made, they screamed in horror. They were helpless. All they could do was watch their masters die in such a manner... After a while, Argus turned his head in the direction of the screams.