"It's a bustling place, full of merchants, travelers, and folks of all sorts. You'll blend in fine," the man assured Kaelan.
He paused, his tone turning slightly more serious. "But I should warn you. Lately, there have been strange happenings around the forest. People talk of shadows moving, sounds in the night. Some say it's just wild animals, but… well, others think darker things are stirring. Just keep your wits about you, alright?"
Kaelan nodded, keeping his expression calm despite his racing thoughts. Perhaps these disturbances were linked to the demon king's influence—the very darkness he had been warned about. If that were the case, danger was already seeping into the world, even in these quiet, peaceful lands.
"Thank you for the warning," Kaelan replied, nodding with appreciation.
The man smiled, seeming reassured by Kaelan's response. "Of course, traveler. And should you need any supplies for the road, stop by the inn or the general store before you head out. Safe travels to you!"
After thanking him once more, Kaelan made his way through the village, gathering a few basic supplies and acquiring a modest cloak to better blend in. With his provisions secured, he set off along the road the man had described, following the moonlit path into the unknown.
As the village faded behind him, Kaelan found himself alone with the quiet of the night once more. The trees grew thicker, casting long shadows across the road. Somewhere in the distance, the call of an owl pierced the stillness, accompanied by the rustle of leaves. Yet he pressed forward, step by step, knowing that every moment brought him closer to Rivermoor—and to whatever awaited him there.
The forest around him felt alive in an eerie, almost watchful way. Shadows between the trees seemed to stretch and sway, as if hiding something just beyond his sight. The rustling of leaves overhead was constant, like whispers carried by the night wind.
Maintaining a steady pace, Kaelan tried not to let the atmosphere unsettle him. Still, he remained vigilant, each sound sharpening his focus. Hours passed as the path wound deeper into the woods. The night sky peeked through gaps in the branches, guiding him forward.
Then, abruptly, a chill ran down his spine. The air around him stilled, and the forest fell silent—no owls, no rustling leaves. Just silence. The shadows ahead seemed to thicken unnaturally, dark and shifting, blocking his path.
Instinctively, Kaelan's hand moved to his side, though he had little to defend himself with beyond sheer will. Suddenly, the shadows twisted and formed a shape—a figure cloaked in darkness, barely visible except for two glowing eyes. It was no ordinary creature; it was something dark, something tainted. Perhaps a minion of the demon king, sent to test him.
A cold, echoing voice filled the air around him, emanating from the shadow itself. "You… are not of this world, are you?" It sounded more like a statement than a question.
Kaelan steadied himself, standing tall. "Who I am is none of your concern," he replied, his voice calm but firm.
The creature seemed to consider his words, the glow of its eyes narrowing. "Perhaps. But the one I serve senses a shift… a disturbance. An outsider meddling in matters that do not concern them."
It took a step closer, its form shifting with each movement. Kaelan felt an oppressive weight pressing down on him, but he refused to falter. This was only the beginning, and if he couldn't face this creature, how could he hope to confront the demon king himself?
Without another word, the shadow lunged forward, claws forming out of the darkness. Kaelan barely dodged to the side, feeling a rush of icy air as it swiped past him. He needed to think quickly. Scanning the ground, he grabbed a thick branch, wielding it as an improvised weapon.
The creature hissed, a sound like nails scraping across stone. Kaelan swung the branch, surprising it with a solid hit. The blow forced it back a few steps, and though it recoiled, it was clear he had garnered its attention.
As it prepared for another attack, Kaelan felt a faint warmth rising from within him—a spark of the power the god had mentioned. He closed his eyes, letting it grow, focusing on the sensation. When he opened them again, a faint glow emanated from his hand, a sign that he was not entirely defenseless.
The shadow hesitated, sensing the power within him. This time, it spoke with a hint of fear. "Perhaps… the rumors were true." With a final, seething hiss, it retreated into the trees, dissolving into the darkness.
Breathless but victorious, Kaelan remained on guard, watching the shadows fade. Though the creature was gone, he knew this was only the first of many encounters. In that moment, however, he felt stronger—a reminder of the power waiting within him, ready to be unlocked.
With renewed resolve, he continued along the path, each step bringing him closer to Rivermoor—and to the challenges and allies that awaited him.
The night air grew colder as he pushed forward, but the brief clash left him with a strange mix of exhilaration and caution. The road felt lonelier and more ominous than before, yet the spark of power he sensed within himself was a comforting reminder that he was not entirely defenseless. He pressed on, feeling that each step brought him closer to the destiny laid out by the god in the void.
As dawn began to break, soft light filtered through the trees, and the forest around him shifted from shadowy mystery to vibrant life. Birds began to sing, and the rustling leaves seemed almost welcoming. The road ahead wound down a gentle slope, and through the thinning trees, Kaelan caught sight of Rivermoor in the valley below.
The city was larger than the village he had left behind, with high stone walls surrounding it and watchtowers perched along the perimeter. Even from this distance, he could see the busy streets, the rooftops of bustling markets, and the spire of what must be a grand temple or hall. The sight filled him with renewed purpose. Rivermoor felt like a place where answers and allies might be waiting.