The morning of Lucian's departure arrived, crisp and clear. His heart raced with excitement as he packed the final bits of his belongings, preparing for his first true mission. The sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets as he left Ronan's camp behind, the promise of adventure hanging in the air.
"Take care," Ronan said, giving him a nod of approval. "Remember what I've taught you. And don't forget, balance is key."
Lucian gave a determined nod. "I won't forget. Thank you, Ronan. I'll return stronger."
Ronan's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if weighing his words. "Make sure you do."
With that, Lucian set off, the cool wind on his face as he entered the capital city once more. His journey to the guild had been only the beginning, but now, his first mission awaited.
The first thing Lucian decided to do upon entering the bustling city was to visit the market. He needed supplies, and there were a few things he'd been meaning to buy for his mission. The city streets were packed with vendors selling all manner of goods, from fruits and vegetables to weapons and enchanted trinkets. Lucian's eyes scanned the wares as he walked through the busy thoroughfare.
He made his way to the blacksmith's stall first, where a sturdy sword rested on a wooden display. The hilt was wrapped in leather, the blade shining with a keen edge. Lucian ran a hand along the hilt, feeling its weight.
"I'll take this one," he said to the blacksmith, who nodded and handed it over. The weapon felt like an extension of himself, balanced and sharp.
Next, Lucian made his way to a clothing merchant, eyeing the cloaks displayed on a nearby rack. His eyes fell on a black cloak with red accents, the fabric smooth and heavy. It was perfect. A dark, mysterious appearance would help him blend into the shadows, especially when carrying out missions. He selected it and paid the merchant.
Finally, Lucian knew there was one more thing he needed, a special enchantment for his mask. The mask he had chosen was plain, but he wanted to make sure it would offer protection from recognition, allowing him to complete his mission without fear of his true identity being discovered. He found an enchantress in the market, a woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, standing next to a small stall filled with runes and magical artifacts.
"Excuse me," Lucian said, his voice calm but authoritative. "I need a mask enchanted. It's to hide my identity."
The enchantress raised an eyebrow, studying him for a moment. "A masked man, eh? Quite the mysterious type. What do you need the enchantment to do?"
"I want it to shield me from recognition," Lucian explained. "Not just a simple illusion, but something that will make sure my true appearance remains hidden, no matter who looks at me."
The enchantress smiled, impressed. "A tall order, but I can do it. I'll add a protective ward to ensure your mask keeps you hidden from all but those with the deepest knowledge of your identity. It'll last for as long as you wear it."
Lucian nodded. "That's exactly what I need."
She worked quickly, inscribing runes on the mask with a delicate hand. The magic swirled in the air, faint traces of blue light illuminating the small stall as she completed the enchantment.
"There," she said, handing it back to him. "It's done. Wear it well."
Lucian took the mask, feeling its weight in his hands, then slid it over his face. The enchantment was already working; he could feel a subtle shift in the air around him, a barrier that would keep his true appearance hidden from all but the most perceptive.
With his sword, cloak, and enchanted mask in hand, Lucian felt more prepared than ever. He walked through the bustling streets of the capital, his mind focused on the mission ahead. It was time to prove himself, not just to Ronan, but to himself. His heart was steady, his resolve unshaken.
As he walked, he passed by the guild again. The building stood tall and imposing, filled with the bustle of adventurers coming and going. Lucian could feel the anticipation in his chest, the excitement of starting his journey. He had trained for this moment for so long, and now, it was finally here.
With his new gear in place, Lucian turned down the street toward his destination.
The journey from the capital was long, the roads winding through rolling hills and dense forests. The further Lucian walked, the more the sounds of the city faded, replaced by the natural rhythms of the world around him, the wind rustling the trees, the occasional bird call, and the rhythmic crunch of his boots on the dirt path.
As he walked, Lucian's mind raced with thoughts of the mission. It was the first real test of his abilities outside of the training he had undergone with Ronan. This mission wasn't just a simple task, it was a challenge. The kind that would push him to the limits of everything he had learned.
"I can do this," Lucian thought to himself, gripping the hilt of his sword. The feeling of it in his hand was comforting, a reminder of the strength he had gained. But there was still uncertainty lingering beneath the surface. "No more running, no more hiding." His resolve solidified, and he continued his journey, the weight of his decision pressing down but also fueling his desire to prove himself
As he walked, Lucian passed a series of small cottages and farmlands, the occasional traveler or merchant heading in the opposite direction. The day was bright, but a low murmur of voices caught his attention.
Up ahead, a group of people were gathered by the side of the road. Lucian slowed his pace as he approached, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. The group looked to be in a state of distress, three men and a woman, all appearing dirty and tired, were being guarded by two rough-looking individuals who held them at sword point. The captors' expressions were cold, their postures rigid as they kept the civilians cornered.
Lucian's sharp eyes quickly assessed the situation. The captors weren't particularly skilled in their posture, which meant they were likely inexperienced or under-trained. But their hostility was evident, and the prisoners looked scared, especially the woman, whose face was pale with fear.
"This is a test," Lucian thought. "I can't just walk away. I have the power to stop this."
The two captors were arguing, too focused on their prisoners to notice Lucian as he approached, moving stealthily along the side of the path to stay hidden behind the trees.
Lucian paused for a moment, calculating his options. He didn't want to start a fight if he didn't have to, but the captors had already crossed a line. He couldn't stand by and let innocent people suffer. There was also the fact that they were blocking the road, an obstacle he had no intention of dealing with.
His fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, and he stepped forward, revealing himself from behind the trees. The captors turned at the sound of his footsteps.
"Hey!" one of the men shouted. "What do you want, boy?"
Lucian's gaze was steady, his voice calm but carrying an air of authority. "Let them go."
The two captors exchanged a glance, then laughed. "You think you can tell us what to do?" the other sneered. "You're just a kid."
Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly. They were underestimating him, something that worked to his advantage.
He stepped closer, his body tense, his focus entirely on the two captors. "This isn't just a kid," he thought, feeling the surge of Arcanum gathering beneath his skin, flowing through his limbs like a current. "I've trained for this. I will not fail."
The air seemed to crackle around him as he released a small fraction of his power, letting his Arcanum manifest around his body in a subtle display of energy. The captors froze for a moment, the raw power radiating from him undeniable.
The first captor drew his sword, clearly unafraid. "You're making a mistake, boy," he said, his voice grating. He lunged at Lucian, aiming for a quick strike to his side.
Lucian easily sidestepped, his movements fluid. He could feel the presence of the blade as it sliced through the air near him, but his training with Ronan had honed his reflexes. He countered swiftly, using the flat of his sword to deflect the blow and knocking the captor back.
The second captor, now wary, took a step back. But Lucian was already in motion. With a precise movement, he used the momentum of his body to spin and strike the first captor's sword hand, sending it flying from his grasp. In the same motion, he pressed the edge of his sword to the man's throat, the threat of death clear in his eyes.
"Enough," Lucian said, his voice cold but controlled. "Let them go."
The second captor hesitated, looking between his fallen comrade and Lucian. The prisoners, silent but watching with wide eyes, seemed to sense the end of the conflict was near.
With a look of anger and defeat, the second captor dropped his sword, raising his hands in surrender. "You're a damn monster, kid," he muttered. "You can have them."
Lucian lowered his sword slowly, watching them carefully, making sure they wouldn't attack again. Once they backed away, he turned to the group of prisoners, his voice softening. "You're safe now."
The group of prisoners, their faces filled with gratitude, stepped forward. "Thank you," the woman said, her voice trembling. "We don't know what we would've done without you."
Lucian nodded, giving them a small but reassuring smile. He could feel the weight of their gaze on him, their appreciation evident in the way they watched him, but his mind was already moving forward. The mission was still ahead of him.
"Just be careful out here," Lucian advised. "There are always people like them around. Make sure you find safety."
The group nodded, gathering their things quickly, and began to walk away down the road, their pace quickening as they headed for a nearby village.
Lucian stood still for a moment, watching them go. "I'm getting closer," he thought, the adrenaline from the encounter beginning to fade. "Each step takes me closer to what I need to become."
As the sun began to set, Lucian resumed his journey, his resolve stronger than ever.
The journey had been long, the sun now dipping below the horizon as Lucian trudged along the narrow, winding road. He had passed through several villages already, each with their own little quirks and personalities, but something felt off as he approached his next destination.
The village—Tarnfield, he had been told, was supposed to be just ahead. It was a small settlement, nestled between two thick woods, known for its farming and humble folk. But as Lucian reached the clearing, his breath caught in his throat.
There was nothing. No houses, no people. Not even a sign of life.
The land was barren, the earth cracked and dried as if it hadn't seen rain in years. A heavy silence hung in the air, thick and suffocating. It was the kind of emptiness that gnawed at the edges of his mind. "Where did everyone go?" I wondered, stepping cautiously forward, my boots crunching softly on the dirt.
I glanced around, my hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of my sword. The village had been here, at least according to the map. But there was no sign of a single soul, just the remnants of a place abandoned.
Curiosity gnawed at me. I couldn't just leave. Something about this place called to me, an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach, urging me to find answers.
I ventured deeper into the village, my footsteps slow and deliberate. I inspected the abandoned houses, their windows dark and vacant. A wooden cart lay on its side, the wheels covered in a thin layer of dust. The smell of decay lingered in the air, but it wasn't the familiar stench of rotting food or animals, it was something… different.
My eyes narrowed as I passed by a well, the stone surface cracked and dry, no longer holding any water. A strange, swirling mark was etched into the earth beside it, faint, but undeniable.
"What happened here?" I muttered under my breath.
I crouched to inspect the mark, but as I did, a chill ran down my spine, my skin prickling as if I were being watched. I stood up quickly, brushing the dust from my hands. The uneasy feeling settled deeper in my chest.
Suddenly, before I could react, the ground beneath me trembled. My eyes widened in alarm as a dark energy shot up from the very earth itself, and I staggered back, barely keeping my footing. Before I could fully understand what was happening, I felt the air shift around me, and then...nothing.