The path to the capital stretched long and winding, the sun climbing higher in the sky as Raymond and Garret traveled. The air was warm, filled with the scents of blooming wildflowers and the distant sound of a flowing stream. Raymond felt invigorated by the journey, the promise of adventure ahead fueling his resolve.
As they walked, Garret shared tales of the capital, describing the bustling marketplaces and the formidable guilds that operated within its walls. "You'll find plenty of opportunities there, Raymond," Garret said enthusiastically. "The guilds are always looking for skilled adventurers, especially those who can handle themselves in a fight."
Raymond listened intently, eager to gather as much information as possible. "I intend to make a name for myself," he replied confidently. "The best adventurer in the land—just wait and see."
Suddenly, a shadow passed overhead, darkening the ground beneath them. Raymond instinctively looked up, squinting against the sunlight. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a massive figure soaring through the sky—a wyvern, its wings stretched wide, gliding effortlessly on the currents of air.
"Garret, stay back," Raymond ordered, his tone serious as he recognized the threat. The wyvern's scales shimmered in shades of emerald and gold, a beautiful yet deadly sight. He could see its keen eyes scanning the ground, searching for prey.
The merchant nodded, stepping back cautiously. "Are you sure you want to confront it? Wyverns are ferocious creatures!"
"Of course," Raymond replied, confidence surging through him. "This is a chance to test my skills further and gain some valuable materials. If I can take it down, I could sell its parts for a good price in the capital."
Without waiting for Garret's response, Raymond moved into a clear area, preparing for the inevitable confrontation. The wyvern let out a low growl, its gaze fixing on him as it descended, talons outstretched and mouth open to reveal rows of sharp teeth.
Raymond raised his shield, positioning it to deflect the wyvern's attack. With a powerful flap of its wings, the creature landed in front of him, creating a gust of wind that nearly knocked him off balance.
"Let's see how you fare against an armored knight," Raymond muttered, gripping his mace tightly.
The wyvern lunged, jaws snapping. Raymond braced himself, deflecting the attack with his shield. The impact reverberated through him, but he held his ground, countering with a swift swing of his mace. The weapon connected with the wyvern's snout, causing it to recoil with a roar of pain.
"Not so tough now, are you?" Raymond taunted, adrenaline pumping through him. He felt a thrill coursing through him—not from fear or excitement, but from the cold detachment of knowing he was not truly alive. His undead body felt no fear, no remorse; it was simply a vessel for his will.
Enraged, the wyvern retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, its claws slicing through the air. Raymond sidestepped the first attack, using his shield to block the second. He could feel the weight of the blows, but with his high defense, they felt like mere annoyances.
"Come on, is that the best you can do?" he challenged, readying himself for another attack.
The wyvern snarled and took to the air again, circling above him as it prepared to dive. Raymond remained vigilant, scanning the skies. He could hear Garret calling out words of concern from behind him, but his focus remained locked on the creature.
As the wyvern swooped down for another strike, Raymond anticipated its movement. He held his shield in front of him and braced himself for impact. When the wyvern collided with him, he used its momentum against it, pushing upward with his shield and swinging his mace in a powerful arc.
The strike connected with the wyvern's wing, and the creature shrieked in agony. It faltered in mid-air, crashing down beside him with a thunderous thud.
"Now, let's finish this," Raymond said, his voice steady. He advanced toward the fallen creature, raising his dagger high for a final strike.
The wyvern, despite its injuries, attempted to rise, its eyes wide with fury and fear. Raymond could see the determination to fight back, but it was clear that the beast was struggling.
With a swift and precise motion, Raymond plunged the dagger into the creature's side, expertly severing the scales to harvest its valuable parts. He methodically cut through the tough hide, his movements efficient and practiced. The wyvern let out a final screech before going still beneath him.
Raymond stood over the fallen wyvern, surveying his work. There was no sense of satisfaction, no thrill of victory—only the hollow acknowledgment that he had ended a life. As an undead, he felt no remorse, no grief. The wyvern was merely a creature that had stood in his way, and he had removed it without hesitation. He felt nothing as he took its life, the act devoid of any emotional weight. To him, it was just a task to complete, one more step toward his goals.
"Garret, come here!" he called, waving the merchant over.
Garret approached cautiously, eyes wide. "You actually did it! I can't believe you took down a wyvern!"
Raymond nodded, already kneeling beside the creature. "Help me gather its parts. The scales and claws will fetch a good price, especially in the capital."
Together, they began the process of collecting valuable materials from the wyvern. Raymond worked quickly, using his dagger to slice through the scales, careful not to damage the valuable resources. He retrieved a handful of sharp claws and several large scales, placing them in his inventory for safekeeping.
As they worked, Raymond felt a strange mix of exhilaration and emptiness wash over him. The thrill of the battle had been invigorating, yet he couldn't shake the feeling of detachment that came with taking a life.
"Are you okay?" Garret asked, noticing Raymond's moment of silence. "That was incredible, but… it's a wyvern. A fierce creature."
"I'm fine," Raymond replied, his tone dismissive. "Just thinking about the road ahead."
With the materials secured, Raymond and Garret resumed their journey toward the capital. As they walked, Raymond felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was becoming stronger with each encounter, honing his skills as a tank and preparing for the challenges that awaited him.
The capital loomed closer with each step, a promise of adventure and discovery. But first, he needed to focus on his training and ensure he was ready for whatever lay ahead.
"Let's keep moving," Raymond urged, determination setting in. "There's much to do, and I want to be the best adventurer this world has ever seen."
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To be continue....