Became too much to bear. So, with a sad heart, she led him to a hidden temple—a sacred site where young men and women learned in martial arts and magic, talents badly required to survive amid the turmoil Hollow Creek had become. Years passed. Marcus grew strong, his days occupied with hard fighting drills and spell practice, his nights plagued by memories of the Drinkblood Walkers who had taken his parents. By the time he turned eighteen, he was no longer a vulnerable boy but a young man with a fire that matched his abilities. Visiting his grandmother one lovely afternoon, Marcus found her ready for an urgent meeting. She stared at him, her proud smile hardly covering her fear."Look at you," she remarked, her voice quiet yet overflowing with pride as they climbed into their chariot. My gallant boy—no, my brave young man. How's your magic training? And your combat? You seem strong." Marcus chuckled, his determination obvious in his eyes. I'm doing well, Grandmother. They say I'm among the best at the temple. Mrs Lewis nodded approvingly, but her look became serious as they neared the parliament's stone-arched meeting chamber. Inside, the air was thick with tension, with Hollow Creek's leaders grim-faced, deep in conversation about the witches and Drinkblood Walkers who were bringing disaster to their village. The whispers and disputes swirled about them as ideas were suggested, argued, and dismissed. The witches are too strong now, one elder said, shaking his head. Their fans multiply daily. We need more than brute force. What about securing the northern wall? Another recommended. "If we fortify it—" That won't stop them, interrupted another with a sigh. They've taken more than just Hollow Creek. Their shadows fall across every nook of this land. As the words faded, Marcus drew a steadying breath, his anger seething at the notion of the Drinkblood Walkers who had stolen his parents. Raising his hand, he waited till the room fell silent. His youth among the elders made him a striking figure, yet his confidence maintained their attention."Yes, young man?" Mrs. Lewis stared at him encouragingly, her eyes gleaming with both worry and pride. Marcus cleared his throat, his voice strong. "My name is Marcus," he continued, and I've spent years training at the temple in magic and physical battle. I know the atrocities that have devastated Hollow Creek —I've lived them. His stare moved across the room, lingering on each face, as if urging them to feel the fire within him. "I believe we need more than walls. We need magic—real, tremendous magic. Some of the elder council members exchanged doubtful glances, but Marcus persisted, undeterred. I urge you to attend the temple, to meet with the teachers there. They contain ancient information that could aid us. Our fighters, even our most skilled, cannot stand alone against the Drink Blood Walkers. But with the temple's wisdom, we might have a shot. Silence followed his comments, and then one elder leaned forward, nodding slowly. Perhaps this young man has a point. We've exhausted every thought we have. Mrs Lewis grinned, her heart bursting with joy. Marcus says the truth. The temple is a beacon of hope, one we have not yet ventured to consider. The head of the council, an imposing man with silver-streaked hair, rose. "Very well," he declared. We shall go to this shrine and seek their guidance. If there's even a chance they have answers, we cannot ignore it. Young Marcus will take us there. A buzz of agreement swept through the room. Marcus gazed at his grandmother, a burst of purpose racing through him. She gave him an approving nod. And so, as the council prepared for their journey, Marcus's heartbeat with eagerness. He knew the temple held the knowledge they needed to combat the powers destroying Hollow Creek, but it would take more than talent and magic; it would demand courage, a strength of spirit, and perhaps a touch of destiny.
At the mysterious temple, hidden deep among the remote and mist-covered forests, Marcus and the committee arrived in solemn stillness. The temple was huge, with ancient stone constructions ornamented with mysterious symbols. The air pulsed with energy, a continual reminder of the vast power buried beneath its walls. As they stepped inside, the elders of the monastery, a group of seasoned monks dressed in flowing robes, greeted them with wise, knowing eyes. Master Kaiden, the chief monk, had an aura of calm might. He bowed slightly, acknowledging the parliament's attendance and Marcus's return. What brings you here, travellers? He inquired, his voice deep and resonant, almost as if it carried the weight of the old wisdom of the temple. Marcus came forward, his heart heavy with the burden of his plea. Master Kaiden, the elder of the temple, the situation outside grows increasingly bad by the day. The village is under siege by beings possessed by black magic. Innocent individuals are turning into bloodthirsty monsters, killing and sucking the blood of their victims.
Master Kaiden turned to the legislative committee. "This is indeed a grave matter," he replied, his deep voice resonating in the chamber. The other monks, clothed in their modest robes, sat in deep concentration while Kaiden continued. The dark magic that plagues your village is not one to be taken lightly. These witches and wizards you speak of have tapped into old demonic forces. They will not stop till they have consumed everything. The head of the parliamentary committee, a tall man named Lord Elric, nodded thoughtfully. That is why we've come to seek your guidance. We need a means to stop them before more innocent lives are lost. Master Kaiden strode slowly across the stone floor, his expression severe. "There is a way," he said. But it is not without significant risk. To overcome such darkness, we must employ a power equally strong, one that has been dormant for ages. The room grew silent as the words floated in the air."What power?" Marcus asked, stepping forward. Kaiden's eyes darted across to Marcus. The might of the Light Bringer. It was a power created to oppose evil magic. But the last person who wielded it vanished many years ago. He hesitated, gazing directly at Marcus. "That person was your ancestor." Marcus froze, his heart hammering aloud in his ears. "My ancestor?" Yes, Kaiden affirmed. Your family has a long pedigree of magic users, but this ability of light was forgotten as time passed. You, Marcus, have the potential to awaken it. The members of the parliamentary committee glanced at each other in amazement. Lord Elric spoke up. If this power exists, then we must harness it. Marcus, are you willing to complete the training necessary to use this power? Marcus clenched his fists, the memory of his parents' deaths driving his resolve. "I'll do whatever it takes." Master Kaiden nodded approvingly. Very nicely. The route ahead will be arduous. You will need not just to master the Light Bringer's power but also to fight the six witches and wizards directly. They will sense the awakening of this power and come after you. I understand, Marcus said, his voice steady."Then let us begin," Kaiden said, turning toward the other monks. "Prepare the training grounds." As the monks moved swiftly to prepare, Marcus felt a surge of determination. For too long, he had been consumed by his anger and grief. Now, he had a chance to strike back, to put an end to the darkness that had taken so much from him. But little did he know, the six witches and wizards were already aware of his presence. In their hidden lair, their dark magic pulsated as they gathered around their demonic mirror, watching Marcus with sinister smiles."The Light Bringer is awakening," one of the witches hissed, her eyes gleaming with malice. "But he will not live long enough to use it." The others laughed wickedly, already planning their next move against Marcus and the forces of light that stood in their way.