500 years ago, a great war had altered the structure of the world. Many creatures were born as a result of that change. Even he was part of that transformation.
Albert stood alone among the ancient buildings. Suddenly, he heard a call from a distance. Albert followed the direction of the voice. It was his companion, Jack.
"You took forever," said Jack, expressing his annoyance at Albert.
"Sorry, sorry," Albert replied. "So… did you find it?" he continued.
Jack smiled and showed a box he had found. He opened the box and pulled out a thick note. Albert took the note and began reading it slowly.
"What does it say?" asked Jack, curious.
However, Albert shook his head. "This isn't what we're looking for," he said.
Jack sighed. "I thought we finally had it," he said disappointedly.
"For now, let's head back to the city," said Albert.
They walked back to the city with a sense of disappointment. What they were searching for wasn't an ordinary note. They were looking for a path to Aetherion, a land inhabited by High Elves and Harpies. Yet, they couldn't find it.
Upon arriving in the city, they witnessed a horrifying scene, though it was a common occurrence. An execution of a demonic race was taking place. Although the war had ended 500 years ago, the hatred had not disappeared.
Albert and Jack went to a bar to discuss their plans.
"So, what now?" asked Jack.
"I don't know either," replied Albert.
The path to Aetherion had been destroyed by the war. However, they had heard rumors that the path still existed, and that was what drove them to search for it.
But now, it was clear that it was impossible.
"I guess this is the end," said Albert.
Jack was shocked. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Albert explained that there was no other way. However, Jack refused to give up.
"No, there must be a way," said Jack.
"It's impossible," Albert retorted, growing irritated.
"We've come this far, how can we just give up?" Jack replied.
"What have we actually found?" Albert asked seriously.
Jack couldn't say anything. He couldn't deny the fact that over the past 4 years, they hadn't found any clues that could help them.
"Bu-but…"
Albert sighed. "Alright, I give in. But this is the last time," said Albert, unable to bear seeing Jack like this.
"Fine," Jack replied, his enthusiasm renewed.
"So, is there a clue?" asked Jack.
"A witch. There's a witch who might know," said Albert.
"A witch?" asked Jack.
"Yes."
"Why didn't we start with that?" asked Jack.
"It was just a possibility," Albert replied.
"So, where do we look for her?" asked Jack.
"The Northern Continent," answered Albert. "Though she might not be there," he added.
After making their plans, they decided to leave the next morning. This journey would take a long time. The Northern Continent, the coldest and most dangerous place. But that wasn't the main problem—it was the path they had to take that was even more perilous. Still, they pressed on.
Jack went to rest, while Albert stepped outside for some fresh air. Albert looked up at the sky and muttered, "I don't understand at all."
Even though they had been traveling for nearly 4 years, Albert still didn't know why Jack wanted to go to Aetherion. Jack had never shared his reasons, and Albert had never asked. Albert knew there were things that couldn't be easily revealed and shouldn't be spoken of lightly. The same was true for Albert—he, too, kept his secrets.
Morning came quickly. Albert approached Jack, who was waiting for him outside.
"Are you ready?" asked Albert.
"Yes," replied Jack.
They began their journey toward the Northern Continent.
The first place they headed to was Queensland, the border between the Southern and Western Continents. However, the place was in turmoil due to an ongoing war. They had decided to pass through Queensland, despite its current state, because traversing Deathland seemed even worse.
On their journey, they encountered a merchant.
"Where are you headed?" asked the merchant.
"The border," replied Albert.
"I suggest you turn back," said the merchant.
"Why's that?" asked Jack.
The merchant shook his head. "The war in Queensland is intensifying. You won't be able to pass through for years to come, trust me. Deathland might be better than that place."
Jack turned to Albert. "What should we do?"
"Let's think about it later. For now, let's keep going," Albert replied.
Jack nodded, and they continued their journey. However, Albert was deeply puzzled. How could the merchant claim that Deathland was better? The war in Queensland was indeed severe—it had been raging for nearly 200 years. Still, it didn't make sense that Deathland was any less dangerous.
But there was no point in questioning it now. They had to see for themselves. Not long after their encounter with the merchant, they met a man. He appeared to be a soldier. They approached him.
"Hello," he said.
"Yes," replied Albert.
"Are you heading to the Western Continent?" he asked.
They both nodded.
"If you're going there, you should take the path through Deathland," he said.
"Why? Why not just go through Queensland?" asked Jack.
"Isn't it obvious? Queensland is in the middle of a war. Outsiders like you will only become casualties," he replied.
"But how is Deathland any different?" Jack pressed.
"Why not? Besides, there's nothing there," he answered.
The two of them were confused by his words. They couldn't fully trust what he was saying, even though he seemed friendly.
"Are you a soldier?" Albert asked.
The man simply nodded, as if there was nothing unusual about it.
"But what are you doing here?" Albert asked again.
"Right now, that's not important," he replied.
"How can it not be important? You're telling us to go through Deathland out of nowhere," said Jack, annoyed.
"I've already said it's not important. In a few days, you'll have to choose one of those paths. Isn't that what matters now?" he said, leaving them in confusion.
"What's wrong with you?" Jack shouted.
"What should we do?" Jack asked.
"Let's rest for now and think about it," Albert replied.
They decided to rest for the time being, unsure of the soldier's intentions. That night, Albert woke up from a nightmare. When he opened his eyes, he saw Jack still awake.
"Can't sleep?" Albert asked.
"You were talking in your sleep. I couldn't fall asleep because of it," Jack said.
"Oh, sorry about that."
"What were you dreaming about? You were shouting in your sleep," Jack asked.
"Just a bad dream," Albert replied.
"Alright then," Jack said, leaving it at that.
They sat in silence for a while. Then, Albert asked,
"Why do you want to go to Aetherion?"
Jack remained silent, not uttering a word. His face showed deep sadness, making Albert regret asking.
"Never mind, I won't ask again," Albert said.
"My family," Jack said softly. "They died in the war."
Albert listened as Jack continued.
"Back then, I was just a child, weak and helpless. I ran away from them. It was terrifying. I kept running without even looking back. When I returned, they were gone. I heard that in Aetherion, I could speak with the dead."
"I see."
"What do you think?" Jack asked.
"About what?" Albert asked.
"About speaking with the dead," Jack said.
"Hmm… If you ask me, I don't really believe in things like that. I've heard stories like that before, but it's all just illusions. You can't really talk to the dead. Even if you could, it's better not to."
"I see," Jack said sadly.
"But we won't know unless we go there," Albert said, trying to encourage Jack.
Jack nodded and smiled.
"But what that person said… I don't understand it at all," Jack said.
happening
"Besides, he didn't explain what's really happening in Queensland," Albert replied.
"So, what should we do?"
Albert thought for a moment.
"Let's just try going through Deathland. After all, both places are equally dangerous," Albert said.
"But…" Jack hesitated.
"You want to go to Aetherion, don't you?"
"Yes."
"Then there's nothing to doubt."
They rested and continued their journey the next morning. Though their path had changed, their goal remained the same. After several days of travel, they finally took their first step into Deathland. What awaited them next was anyone's guess.