On the endless road in Dyron, Vin Crimson walked in heavy silence, making his way toward his father Kyle Crimson's grave. Each step was slow yet certain, though it felt like he was revisiting wounds that had never healed. Longing and regret blended, casting a shadow over his heart like a thick fog that refused to fade.
Vin paused for a moment, tightening his long black cloak with dark red edges, trying to shield himself from the cold wind slipping between the trees around him. The atmosphere along the path was so silent, only the sound of his footsteps echoed on the dusty road.
But his journey was not easy. Along the way, a wolf figure, haunting his past, appeared again a dark shadow that wouldn't leave.
"Showing up again, huh?" Vin muttered, unsheathing his sword toward the wolf, his gaze dark and breathing heavy. His sword glinted faintly under the fading light.
Suddenly, the wolf lunged at Vin with speed. Without hesitation, Vin swung his sword, but the creature vanished once more, like an untouchable shadow. Only the chilling wind remained, as if mocking his courage.
"Oh, my past shadows again," Vin whispered, trying to steady his rapid breaths. He felt his heart racing, as though the wolf brought back every memory he wanted to forget all the guilt still rooted in his heart.
Not long after, a voice called out to him.
"Hey, Vin! We meet again, don't we?"
Vin turned, seeing the man calling him was Ryan Xinolen, his father's old friend. Ryan's casual tone broke the silence surrounding Vin's journey.
"Hey, Uncle, good to see you," Vin greeted, his tone heavy, though a lingering unease remained. His gaze dimmed slightly, trying to mask a restlessness he couldn't quite explain.
Ryan looked at him with concern. "You doing okay, Vin?"
"I… I'm fine. I just… saw that wolf figure again on the way to my father's grave," Vin replied quietly, his voice trembling, fear lacing every word he spoke.
"Oh, that figure again? Just take it slow, Vin. Focus on the road ahead and let things pass," Ryan said, patting his shoulder gently. "I happened to be heading to your father's grave too. Let's go together."
They continued through the darkening path as the sun began to move north, signaling that night was approaching. In the fading light of the late afternoon, Skull Hill finally appeared before them, signaling the journey's end.
"Do you know why this hill is called Skull Hill?" Ryan asked, gazing out at the fog-covered hill. "This place was once filled with skulls of soldiers and fighters who perished in battle. It holds many dark and tragic stories even innocent people who had nothing to do with the war ended up here."
Vin felt a chill crawl up his spine as they approached. Old headstones lay scattered among dry grass, creating a haunting silence as the day came to a close.
After clearing the area around the grave, Vin and Ryan finally sat to pray at Kyle's resting place. Amid the silence of prayer, Vin felt a pain that had not entirely faded, as though part of him still longed for his father's presence.
When they finished, Ryan invited Vin to sit under a burnt tree standing solemnly near the grave.
"Hey, Vin." Ryan patted Vin's shoulder with a small smile. "Remember your training days? Your dad taught you some cool techniques, didn't he?"
Vin smiled faintly, memories of his father drifting back. "Not entirely, Uncle. Sometimes I think about it, but it's starting to fade."
Ryan smiled warmly. "You know, I was close friends with your father. I learned a lot from him too. If you'd like, we could train together tomorrow. You want to be as strong as he was, right?"
Vin looked at Ryan, eyes thoughtful. "My father… was he that good, even as a child? All I have left is this sword he entrusted to me."
With mixed feelings, Vin lifted his sword Astral Demon Darius a dark blade with a faintly red handle, solid and sturdy.
Ryan examined the sword closely. "This is quite something. It feels balanced and strong, but… it doesn't seem to have any magical powers. This sword seems to adapt to the wielder, you, Vin."
Vin gazed at his sword, feeling both awe and doubt. To him, it was the most precious legacy from his father, though he wasn't sure if he could live up to that legacy.
"I'm impressed, Uncle. How do you know so much about swords and fighting?"
Ryan chuckled. "It's experience, Vin. And I'm a sword instructor, so I know a thing or two about technique." The sun was nearly set when Ryan patted Vin's shoulder again. "By the way, it's almost nightfall. You should head home soon. My wife and child are probably waiting for me too."
Vin smiled. "Alright, Uncle. See you tomorrow. I'll train hard!" he said before heading home, carrying a newfound resolve and hope.
But on that journey, Vin remembered something that could possibly change his life forever.
Chapter 2