On a cliff, far from the cave.
Neil has almost arrived after being sent by his master to where his family (the tribesmen) were 'buried'.
Along the way, there were beasts that longed the area, but despite their presence, none approached him.
He was like a plague.
.
He was given a pouch by his master.
His master said that the pouch apparently drives monster away from the wearer.
Although skeptical about it, he chose to trust his master to avoid misunderstanding and to compensate for the guilt.
Inside were a variety of herbs and materials; the most notable one was a sword, which was given to him by his master.
It was like a treasure shining in silverish light; its scabbard was incredibly light.
Receiving such a treasure, he couldn't help but feel indebted to his master.
Not only did Master save my life, he even arranged this grave for them...
Along the journey, he felt joy, yet inexplicable dread kept whispering on him.
He arrived.
Fog governed the area, highlighting the gloomy atmosphere.
His eyes shone in brilliance, and the fog dispersed at once as though creating a path for him.
Thud—
His knees went numb, and the clothes that were given by his master now sullied with mud.
His breathing became rough as his stomach turned upside down. An intense emotional burden splashed on him like raging waves—the pain, powerful enough to hurt physically.
It was only by then did the feeling of loss fully immerse him.
"Augh ahhhh."
Sob.
"Gahhhhh."
...
"I only... If only -sob.."
Anguish cries echoed within the fog.
Neil's mouth trembled, causing his words to be paralyzed—frozen in helplessness.
In his hands, he gripped on tightly the carvings of their names—the symbol of their friendships—now the same reminder of the tragedy.
Then...
A bang echoed coming from the far direction of the cave; the wind intensified, starting him.
He tried to get up, but his knees betrayed him.
It was too late.
Swoosh—
The wind, like a roaring beast, rushed to him. The speed was terrifying; it assaulted his senses.
Thud—
He was sent flying by the shock, his body trembling in despair as he gripped the pouch given to him by his master tightly.
The cliff was incredibly high, his eyes shone in flickering despair as his face distorted in a horrible cry.
Swooshp—
...
Guh.
Neil threw out a mouthful of blood; his eyes were forcing shut, twitching immensely.
I... survived that fall...?
Neil's body trembled from the shock; he fell from a high cliff due to the shockwave.
Suddenly.
Ah ahhhh!!
A mind wretching pain assaulted his body; his screams covered the entire vast expanse of abysmal darkness.
The screams of anguish pierced through the shadow that seemed to stretch infinitely.
His hand wanted to cover his mouth, but its bone was already shattered; it was unmoved.
He gritted his teeth, forcing his mouth shut, even biting his tongue, causing it to bleed.
But he couldn't feel anything—the numbness completely swallowed him.
Huff. Huff
His breathing turned rough and uneven.
He turned pale as his gaze landed at the pouch just beside him.
His hand extended, but it was unmoved.
It turned completely useless, but he didn't care.
Persevere... Master must be waiting for me!
I haven't finished what he tasked me yet!
And... My revenge!
Persevere... persevere!
Huff.
His body started to twitch in attempt to reach the pouch.
Desperately, he used his already broken limbs to travel small distances.
He pushed.
Pushed and pulled.
He pushed and pushed and pulled.
Adrenaline rushed him to the extreme with the door of life and death as witnesses creeped to him like his shadow.
Each movement was a trail of blood.
The distance was so close yet so far.
Come on!
Gaahhhhh!!!
His screams turned into grunts as he used his mouth to move the pouch towards his shattered hands.
He moved his hand swiftly; although already broken, it was the only way to access the pouch.
His body was already starting to shut down.
Thoughts swarmed him like moths being attracted to light.
At last he found it!
A sealed box and two full vials of healing potions.
He used his hand to 'tightly' grab it, then, using the last force in his body, he curled sideways, pulling the items out.
Shoowshh—
A majestic, blinding light appeared on the brink of his passage.
Neil felt his body turn cold, like he was submerged inside an icy cage.
I'm sorry... everyone.
His body lightened up like falling leaves of autumn, his voice a whisper of impending death.
Thud.