Morning comes gentle and pale, the sun painting the settlement's worn wood and stone in quiet tones. I rise early, pulling myself from a short but restful sleep, bones still remembering the weight of yesterday's trials. The wind that once raged in the peaks now feels like a companionable breeze at my back, urging me onward. I have new powers, improved summons, and a path that leads to the distant Shadowfen Marsh.
I head first to the apothecary to finalize my supplies. The old merchant eyes me with the faintest approval—my coin spends well, and I've proven my worth. I purchase more reinforced healing vials, a few antidote potions this time after hearing rumors of marsh poisons, and some dried rations. The apothecary throws in a weak detox herb packet for cheap, perhaps to ensure I return in one piece. I nod, tucking it all safely into my pack.
Next, I approach the guild hall. The clerk stands behind the battered counter as always, sorting through parchments. He glances up, curiosity in his eyes. "Leaving again, I take it?"
"Heading south this time," I reply. "Shadowfen Marsh."
He purses his lips and nods thoughtfully. "I've heard less about that region. Rumors say illusions cloak its creatures, and some say they're part elemental, part spirit. If you truly aim to conquer it, you'll need keen senses and cunning. Maybe try seeking out a scout or tracker before you go."
A scout or tracker? Good idea. I take a quick look around the settlement. Most adventurers here hustle for coin or squabble over small contracts. One figure catches my attention: a woman leaning against a half-collapsed fence, a hood pulled low, her belt lined with slender knives. I've seen her before—Liss, the rogue who once teamed up with me in a previous mission, culling hounds for the guild. She notices my stare and nods in acknowledgment.
I approach her, shifting my sword at my hip. She tilts her head slightly. "You're off somewhere dangerous again, aren't you?" she asks, voice low and measured.
"Shadowfen Marsh," I confirm. "I need someone who can help navigate illusions and strange terrain. You proved yourself quick and clever last time. Interested?"
Liss runs a finger along a dagger's hilt, considering. "I've heard of that marsh. Nasty place. But you've grown stronger since we last fought together. There might be good loot—and if you're as tough as the rumors say, I won't complain about having a strong partner." She shrugs lightly. "I'll come. Standard split on loot and fragments, though if we find something specifically for summons or rogues, we negotiate fairly."
I nod in agreement. The thought of having an ally again is comforting. While my summons fill many roles, a living companion can watch my back, scout ahead, and provide insights a mindless undead cannot. "Deal."
We finalize preparations quickly. Liss picks up a few potions of her own, inspects her daggers, and tests the fit of her leather bracers. Meanwhile, I re-check my inventory: Masterwork Longsword enhanced with wind runes, healing vials, antidotes, stamina draughts, and rations enough for both of us if needed. My pouch of artifacts and fragments weighs heavier than before, promising new upgrades once we find the right artisans or conditions.
Before leaving, I stop by the blacksmith again. She's leaning on her anvil, smudges of soot under her eyes. I show her the Storm Sigil and ask if there's a quick enhancement she can do to my chestplate. With a thoughtful grunt, she scrapes a bit of runic dust along the leather. It won't raise my armor's tier, but it'll reduce wind resistance on my gear, letting me move more fluidly in gusty conditions—small perks add up.
Liss meets me at the gate. We exchange a nod, no need for words. The settlement falls behind as we follow a rough track south. The road dips into lower terrain, trees growing thicker, undergrowth denser. Soon the stony ground yields to damp earth, and the wind carries a different scent: decaying leaves, distant water, and a faint sweetness masking something sour. Shadowfen Marsh lies beyond the next ridge and valley, a journey of a day or two if we keep good pace.
As we walk, Liss asks about my recent triumphs. I describe the Windspire Peaks, the battles, the Storm Sovereign's two-phase terror. Her eyebrows rise at the mention of that mighty foe. "I knew you were strong, but that's…impressive," she says quietly. She doesn't shower me in praise—no need. The respect in her voice suffices.
In turn, I ask about her recent jobs. She tracked down a rogue bandit chief, assisted a small caravan through monster-infested thickets, and honed her trap-disarming skills. Good. We'll need that cunning in the marsh, where illusions might hide pitfalls or bogs of poisonous muck.
By midday, we crest a low hill that gives a view of distant wetlands. The horizon wavers with damp haze. Above, the sky remains clear enough, but I see dark silhouettes of twisted trees and watery patches reflecting pale light. Liss's expression tightens. "We're nearing the edge," she says softly.
I nod, summoning the Undead Soldier momentarily to confirm MP and readiness. The soldier stands silent, sturdy as always. The presence of my summon calms me. If we run into early trouble, I can rely on it to hold the line. Dismissing it again, I conserve resources for the marsh itself.
We descend the hill, and the ground grows softer beneath our boots. Gnats flit by, drawn to warmth. I swat one away. The path all but disappears, replaced by patches of mossy ground and shallow pools. A chorus of distant frogs or something like them croaks. I catch a whiff of something floral, and Liss frowns. "Illusions often come with scents," she murmurs.
I kneel, dipping a finger in a muddy puddle, testing consistency. It's real enough. But we must remain vigilant. The Shadowfen Marsh, according to rumors, houses elemental entities aligned with shadow and trickery. They might use illusions to hide ambushes. My Analyze skill may help reveal weaknesses once we spot foes, but can I trust my eyes?
We pick our way forward, careful with each step. Liss takes the lead, testing the ground with a short stick, ensuring it's solid. I follow close, senses on high alert. Without warning, a faint whisper brushes my ear—nonsensical syllables that vanish when I turn my head. Liss stiffens. She heard it too, I can tell by her posture.
"Stay close," I say quietly. She nods, daggers drawn now. The marsh is welcoming us in its own dark way. Perfect. Another challenge, another chance to grow. My Windpiercer Archer, newly upgraded, waits in my summoning roster. If ranged illusions plague us, I'll call it forth to strike foes from a safe distance. The Spearwoman or Crossbowman might also prove invaluable depending on what we face.
We continue deeper, the air thick and still. The memory of the Storm Sovereign battle fuels me. If I could defeat that monstrous foe, I can overcome whatever lurks here. With Liss at my side, careful and lethal, and my summons ready at a thought, I approach this new frontier with quiet determination.
The settlement and its quiet mornings are far behind us now. Ahead lies mystery, challenge, and the promise of even greater power. I advance, blade ready, senses sharp, eager to carve a path through illusions and claim the next piece of my destiny.