Chapter 5: The Guild's Secrets and the Trail of Darkness
Return to Lyndor
After the fierce battle in the village of Selvia, Kano and the other adventurers made their way back to Lyndor. Night had fallen by the time they arrived, and the chill in the air was biting. Kano still felt an unusual fatigue—not just in his body, but in his mind, which was filled with questions about his newfound power.
At the guild's entrance, Reina led the group inside. The Cressida Guild was a bustling place, filled with adventurers coming and going, each carrying tales of their missions. A large table in the center of the room was cluttered with maps, weapons, and potions. To Kano, the guild felt alive, a stark contrast to the other towns he had seen so far.
"Reina, what exactly happened out there?" asked an older man with a long white beard. He was the guild master, Arvyn. "Your team should have been strong enough to defeat that creature without much trouble."
Reina glanced at Kano, hesitation in her eyes. "That creature wasn't an ordinary monster. There was something strange about it, like a dark energy controlling it."
Master Arvyn's gaze shifted to Kano, sharp and probing. "And you, the new recruit. I've heard you wielded a power unlike anything we've seen before. What really happened to you?"
Kano clenched his hands, struggling to find the words. "I… I don't know. When I woke up in this world, these runes were already on my body. And every time I'm pushed to the brink, this power just… emerges."
Master Arvyn frowned. "Those runes… they don't appear to be ordinary magic. I'll need to examine them further. But for now, you should understand one thing: uncontrolled power is more often a curse than a blessing."
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An Offer from the Guild
After their discussion, Reina guided Kano to the upper floor of the guild, where a large room lined with bookshelves awaited them. It was the guild's private library, a treasure trove of ancient records and magical knowledge.
"You need more answers," Reina said, pulling a hefty book from the shelf. "This is one of the few records we have about rune magic. Not much is known about it, but one thing is clear: this magic is often tied to pacts or contracts."
"Pacts?" Kano echoed, narrowing his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Those who wield this magic usually form a contract with a powerful entity. That could be the source of your strength—or your downfall."
A chill ran down Kano's spine. The voice he'd heard during the battle echoed in his mind once more: "Don't run. Accept me, and I will grant you greater power."
Who—or what—was that voice? he wondered.
Reina continued. "We'll help you, but you need to be prepared. If this power can't be controlled, it won't just endanger you—it could endanger everyone around you."
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The Trail of Darkness
A few days later, Reina, Kano, and a group of guild adventurers were dispatched to investigate reports of strange attacks in the Cindara Mountains. This time, the attackers were wild animals turned savage, bearing signs of the same corruption that had afflicted the dragon-like creature.
During the journey, Reina spoke with Kano. "I suspect there's something bigger behind all of this. Corruption like this doesn't happen naturally."
"Do you think it's connected to my power?" Kano asked.
Reina shook her head. "Not necessarily, but I can't ignore the possibility. You appeared in this world at the same time this corruption began spreading. It could be coincidence… or fate."
They arrived at a massive cave, the focal point of the reports. The air around it felt heavy, laden with dark energy. Kano's body reacted instinctively—the runes on his skin glowed faintly, as if resonating with something inside the cave.
"Be careful," Reina whispered. "Something's not right here."
As they ventured deeper, faint rustling noises grew louder. Suddenly, a large shadow emerged in front of them—a pack of creatures resembling wolves, their bodies cloaked in black aura. Their eyes glowed red, and their fangs gleamed menacingly.
"Cursed wolves," Reina said tensely. "They've been fully consumed by dark magic."
The battle erupted. The adventurers launched their attacks, but the wolves were far stronger than anticipated. Kano, positioned in the center of the group, felt his power rising again. The runes on his body glowed brightly, and the familiar voice echoed in his mind: "Let me take over. I can save you."
Kano hesitated. If he accepted the voice's offer, would he be surrendering himself to something he didn't understand? But if he didn't, would they all perish?
In the midst of his doubt, Reina shouted, "Kano, do something!"
Closing his eyes, Kano made his decision. Alright, I'll accept your power. But I won't be anyone's puppet.
Immediately, his body was enveloped in a brilliant blue light, and a massive wave of energy surged through the cave. The cursed wolves were thrown back, their dark aura dissipating. But at the heart of the explosion, a shadowy figure appeared—a man with a cold, sinister smile.
"So, you've finally begun to use it," the figure said, his voice echoing through the cavern. "That power is yours, but don't forget who gave it to you."
And with that, the figure vanished, leaving Kano gasping for breath as the rest of the guild stared at him in shock and confusion.
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End of Chapter 5
Narration:
The trail of darkness was beginning to unfold, but with it came new questions. Who was the figure in the cave? What connection did Kano have to the spreading corruption? Amid the chaos, Kano must uncover the truth before the power he wields becomes a double-edged sword that destroys everything he holds dear.