"In moments of darkness, the threads that bind fate appear, and while we search for salvation, we may find ourselves captive to what we do not understand."
In the darkness of the cabin, Larius and Lara sat beside Erian, who groaned faintly, his condition worsening. Exhaustion was etched on Lara's face, while Larius tried to maintain a composed demeanor, though his worry was evident. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and the mysterious man entered, carrying a bundle of herbs.
Mysterious Man: "I brought what I could find, but it won't be enough. His condition is critical."
Larius: "Why are you helping us? You don't even know who we are."
Mysterious Man (with a calm smile): "Sometimes, one doesn't need a reason. It's just my nature."
While the man prepared the herbs, Larius stepped outside with him to search for more supplies. On the way, the man struck up a conversation:
Mysterious Man: "How did you end up here?"
Larius (hesitant): "It's a long story. But saving my friend is all that matters right now."
In an abandoned village, two masked warriors sat by a crackling fire.
First Warrior: "Do you think he'll show up at the bridge?"
Second Warrior (with a sly smile): "If he doesn't, he's just a nobody—not worth our time."
When Larius and the man returned to the cabin, they gave the herbs to Erian, but they had no effect. Feeling powerless, Larius suddenly remembered his training with Kemp, his former mentor. Placing his hand on Erian's chest, he summoned a soft, golden light.
A gentle glow enveloped Erian, and after a few moments, he opened his eyes.
Lara (in shock): "Larius… what did you do?"
Larius: "It's… a skill Kemp taught me. I didn't know I could use it like this
The next morning, the trio bid farewell to the mysterious man Before bidding them farewell, the man looks at them with a serious gaze and then says in a calm voice
"It was a pleasure to assist you on your journey... My name is [Nolith], and I hope you will meet me again under better circumstances."
and set off toward the bridge, where the masked warriors awaited them. Along the way, Larius recounted their cryptic words.
Lara (hesitant): "What if they intend to harm us?"
Larius (confidently): "If that's true, we'll deal with it. But first, we need to learn their intentions."
Under a blooming sakura tree, the masked warriors stood on the bridge. Larius faced them with resolve.
First Warrior: "You've finally come. But did you come with resolve, or with fear?"
Larius: "I came to find out why you're after me."
Tension hung in the air as the three exchanged intense gazes, but before the confrontation could begin, the scene shifted to a distant place.
In a dark hideout, the mysterious man stood before Kemp.
Mysterious Man: "Your plan worked. Saving Larius was a necessary step, but he's still unprepared."
Kemp (coldly): "He has learned enough to take his next step. True strength comes when he faces his choices alone"