Wha- what's happening? Blood, blo- Mom?... Dad... Arghhh... Luce... Jin... Wh-what hap-e-happened? What's going on?
Everything went black.
I woke up, my body drenched in sweat, heart pounding fast.
Argh, another nightmare, I muttered.
I've been having the same nightmare over and over since the day my family was murdered. The serial killer was caught three days later after killing several families-my family among them. The police apprehended and executed him. Yet, I haven't felt at peace since. It's like there's something burning inside me. His execution wasn't enough. I wished he had been tortured, at least.
On that day, I was outside in the forest gathering wood. It was a bright morning, snow covering everything. My dad had sent me to get wood for the fire. My mother and siblings were making breakfast. I was gone for only two hours. When I returned, the door was open, and my family was... covered in blood.
Alright, enough of that. I should stay positive. What's happened can't be changed. My journey to Bosoru has started. I have no idea what I'll face, but I hope everything goes well.
While walking to Bosoru, I saw a small village nearby. It wasn't far from my hometown. But the weird thing is, it wasn't on the map Gina gave me. I decided to head to the village and pick up some supplies.
As I approached, I noticed it was small and old, with only a few houses. There was a large sign reading: Village of Resda.
Stop there! a loud voice called out.
A blonde-haired girl stepped forward. She looked about my age and was shorter than me.
What do you want, boy? she asked.
I just came to get some supplies. Why are you asking?
Get some supplies? Wait, are you traveling? She looked excited.
Yes, I just started my journey.
Wah... you're lucky to be able to travel around. I want to travel too, but my family won't allow it.
What's with this girl? She's telling me her life story without me asking.
Hello? Can you hear me? She waved a hand in front of my face.
My name is Von, so stop calling me 'boy.' We're the same age.
Yeah, you're actually right, bo- I mean, Von.
I ignored her and started walking toward the village.
Wait! Why are you so mad, Von? Let me help you find your supplies. I know everything about this place.
No, thanks. I'll find my way myself. This village isn't that big, anyway.
Alright, I won't help you. What an unkind boy, she muttered, turning and walking in another direction.
It's my fault. She probably just wanted to help. I felt bad about it. I went to the first shop I saw, a small wooden building.
H-hi, could I have some supplies, like water and food?
Whoa, are you the traveler boy who made Ria mad? Hahaha! She was just here, talking about you.
I saw the girl from before running out of the shop earlier, but I didn't expect her to tell the shop lady about our encounter immediately. She'll probably tell the rest of the village too. All I did was refuse her offer to help me. What a childish girl.
I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make her mad.
Oh, don't worry! She's always like that. She was just excited. You're the first person her age she's ever seen, after all.
There aren't any other teenagers here? I asked curiously.
Well, she had a twin sister, but her sister died two years ago. Since then, Ria's been the only kid in town. That's why everyone here cares for her so much and treats her like their own daughter. So don't make her mad again, understood?
Y-yeah, I'm sorry...
I'm just playing with you, kid! Relax, she laughed loudly.
Here you go-four bottles of water and some food.
She handed me enough supplies. And don't worry about paying. The first time buying from our shop is free.
That's very kind of you; thanks.
I took the supplies and left. There wasn't much else to do in the village, so I headed out. This time, I didn't have to pay to leave. Probably, that only applies to large cities.
About twenty minutes after leaving the village, I decided to turn around. I'd sensed someone watching and following me since I left.
The area around me was empty-no trees, just grass and a pathway. And there, hiding behind a rock, was a familiar flash of blonde hair. It was Ria.
Come out, Ria. I can see your hair.
Huh? You already caught me... she said, looking disappointed.
Of course. Your footsteps are so loud, and you sneezed three times. How could I not notice?
Wow, you're smart, Von.
This has nothing to do with being smart. It's just common sense, I thought.
So, why are you following me?
I'm not following you! We're just going the same way.
Oh, really? The same way, huh? Then where are you headed, Ria?
Um... t-to, you know... the same place as you.
That literally means you're following me.
Okay, fine! I was following you, but only because my parents finally allowed me to go on an adventure-as long as I traveled with someone safe.
Weird parents, letting their daughter go with someone they haven't even met. Sure, I'm safe, but still... Seems like they just wanted to get rid of her.
Alright, fine. You can come along, Ria. But remember, it won't be eas-
A wooden arrow...
For a split second, everything seemed to stop. An arrow shot right through Ria's head, entering from the left and exiting from the right. She went from a face full of energy to one frozen in shock.
Her body crumpled to the ground, and before I could react, something hit me from behind.
Everything happened in a split second.