Chapter 4: The Death Of Sakuchi
Sakuchi's day at the Awakened Society began in the grand lecture hall designated for the History of Aura & Wraiths class. The room was vast, with high-arched ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicting ancient battles between humans and Wraiths. Tall, stained-glass windows filtered the morning light into a kaleidoscope of colors, casting ethereal patterns on the polished marble floor. Rows of mahogany desks stretched across the hall, each equipped with quills and parchment, awaiting the day's lesson.
At the front stood Professor Eldrin, a man whose presence commanded respect. His silver hair cascaded to his shoulders, and a neatly trimmed beard framed his face. Sharp, penetrating eyes, the color of storm clouds, scanned the room, ensuring every student was attentive. He wore traditional academic robes, deep burgundy with gold embroidery, signifying his esteemed position.
"Settle down, everyone," Eldrin's voice resonated, a deep baritone that silenced the murmurs instantly. "Today, we delve into the true origins of Aura and the emergence of Wraiths."
Sakuchi adjusted in his seat, the wooden chair creaking softly. He retrieved his notebook, its leather cover worn from years of use, and dipped his quill into the inkwell, ready to transcribe the knowledge imparted.
"Contrary to popular belief," Eldrin began, pacing slowly, "Aura was not an inherent gift to our world. Thousands of years ago, a celestial event altered the very fabric of our existence."
He gestured to a large tapestry hanging on the side wall. It depicted a fiery meteor hurtling towards a primordial landscape, primitive humans gazing skyward in awe and terror.
"A meteor," Eldrin continued, "crashed into our world, releasing unknown radiations. This cosmic phenomenon mutated the very essence of life, embedding what we now recognize as Aura into every living being."
The students exchanged glances, some scribbling notes furiously, others contemplating the profound implications.
"Initially," Eldrin's tone grew somber, "these mutations were benign. Humans discovered minor abilities—igniting small flames, creating gentle breezes. Harmless parlor tricks, if you will."
A few chuckles emerged from the back rows.
"But," Eldrin's voice hardened, "as civilizations advanced, our ancestors' insatiable curiosity led them to experiment, to push the boundaries of Aura. This hubris did not go unnoticed."
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle.
"Approximately 550 years ago, entities we now call Wraiths began to manifest. Some scholars argue they are the byproduct of Aura's misuse, while others believe they are sentinels, punishing humanity for its arrogance."
Sakuchi felt a chill. The idea that Wraiths were a consequence of human actions resonated deeply, stirring memories of his own encounters.
"Not all Wraiths are former humans," Eldrin clarified. "Many are born from the very hatred and corruption that taints Aura. Their true origin remains one of the greatest mysteries of our time."
The room was silent, the gravity of the lecture evident on every face.
"Remember," Eldrin concluded, "Aura is a double-edged sword. It is both our greatest gift and our most perilous curse."
The bell tolled, its melodic chime signaling the end of the session. Students began to gather their belongings, the wooden benches scraping against the floor as they rose.
As Sakuchi packed his notebook, a folded piece of parchment slipped out. He unfolded it to reveal a summons:
Report to the main hall immediately for a mission briefing.
His heart quickened. Missions were typically reserved for advanced students. Why was he being summoned now?
Sakuchi navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the academy, the stone walls adorned with portraits of legendary warriors and scholars. Torches flickered, casting dancing shadows that seemed to whisper ancient secrets. He arrived at the main hall, its grand double doors looming before him, intricately carved with scenes of epic battles.
Pushing them open, he entered to find Instructor Vael awaiting him. Vael was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with raven-black hair tied back in a tight ponytail. His piercing golden eyes seemed to see through one's very soul. Dressed in form-fitting black attire, a crimson sash around his waist was the only hint of color.
Beside him stood June, his ever-present grin slightly subdued, and a girl Sakuchi recognized from previous classes—Kaela. She was petite, with short silver hair that framed her delicate features. Her violet eyes held a quiet intensity, and she wore light armor over her academy uniform, a slender sword sheathed at her side.
"Good, you're all here," Vael's voice was authoritative, leaving no room for doubt. "We've received reports of a Wraith sighting near Branlow Forest. Your task is to locate and eliminate the threat."
Sakuchi exchanged a glance with June, who gave a reassuring nod. Kaela remained stoic, her hand resting lightly on her sword's hilt.
"Remember," Vael continued, "though classified as a low-level mission, complacency can be fatal. Stay vigilant."
With a curt nod, he dismissed them.
The journey to Branlow Forest was uneventful, the trio traveling by horseback along a dirt path that wound through rolling hills and meadows. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the landscape. Birds chirped melodiously, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers.
As they approached the forest's edge, the atmosphere shifted. The vibrant colors of the open fields gave way to the muted tones of dense foliage. Towering trees, their branches intertwined, formed a canopy that blocked out much of the sunlight, casting the forest floor in shadow. The air grew cooler, and an eerie silence replaced the lively sounds of nature.
Dismounting, they tethered their horses to a sturdy branch. Sakuchi adjusted the straps of his gauntlets, ensuring they were secure. June checked his equipment, his usual jovial demeanor replaced by focused determination. Kaela surveyed the surroundings, her eyes narrowing as she assessed potential threats.
"Stay close," Sakuchi whispered, his voice barely audible. "We move as one."
They advanced cautiously, the underbrush crunching softly beneath their boots. Every rustle of leaves, every distant hoot of an owl, set their nerves on edge.
After what felt like hours, they entered a small clearing. The ground was littered with decaying leaves, and a faint, foul odor permeated the air.
"Do you feel that?" June murmured, his eyes darting around.
Sakuchi nodded. An oppressive energy hung over the clearing, a palpable sense of dread.
Suddenly, a shadow detached itself from the darkness at the edge of the clearing. It moved with an unnatural fluidity, its form shifting and undulating as it approached.
The Wraith.
At first glance, it appeared humanoid, but
The Wraith's form was a grotesque amalgamation of shadows and sinew, its elongated limbs ending in razor-sharp claws that gleamed menacingly in the dim light. Its eyes were voids of darkness, absorbing the surrounding light and exuding an aura of malevolence.
Sakuchi tightened his grip on his custom made fire arm, feeling the familiar hum of Aura coursing through it. Beside him, June's usual grin was replaced by a mask of concentration, his stance poised for combat. Kaela's violet eyes narrowed, her sword already drawn, reflecting the Wraith's ominous silhouette.
Without warning, the Wraith lunged, its movements a blur. The trio scattered, narrowly evading its initial strike. The battle commenced in earnest, each member utilizing their unique abilities in a coordinated effort to subdue the creature.
Sakuchi channeled his Aura, launching a series of fiery projectiles that illuminated the clearing. The flames licked at the Wraith's form, causing it to recoil with a hiss. Seizing the opportunity, June darted forward, his movements swift and precise, delivering a flurry of strikes aimed at the Wraith's core.
Kaela circled to the creature's flank, her blade dancing through the air as she sought an opening. With a deft maneuver, she slashed at the Wraith's limb, eliciting a guttural roar.
Despite their combined efforts, the Wraith seemed to anticipate their every move, its agility and strength far surpassing that of a typical low-level entity. It became evident that this was no ordinary Wraith; it was an intelligent variant, cunning and strategic.
As the battle raged on, the Wraith's attacks grew more ferocious. In a devastating turn, it unleashed a powerful surge of dark energy, catching June off guard. He was thrown backward, crashing into a tree with a sickening thud. Kaela's cry of anguish pierced the air as she rushed to his side, only to be intercepted by the Wraith's relentless assault.
Sakuchi's heart pounded in his chest as he witnessed his comrades fall. Desperation fueled his actions as he summoned every ounce of his Aura, launching a final, all-out attack. The clearing erupted in a blinding light as his energy collided with the Wraith's dark essence.
When the light faded, Sakuchi found himself wounded , the Wraith's form reshaping into an even more powerful form. The bodies of June and Kaela lay motionless, a stark reminder of the fact this world is kill or be killed.
Before he could process the gravity of the situation, a distortion rippled through the air. The fabric of reality seemed to tear apart as a vortex of darkness enveloped him. The world around him dissolved, and he was plunged into an abyss.
Sakuchi awoke to an alien landscape. The sky was a perpetual twilight, painted in hues of deep purples and blues. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, and the distant wails of unknown creatures echoed ominously.
He had been transported to the World of Wendigo, a sub-dimension rumored to be the origin of Wraiths. Here, the environment was hostile, and the line between predator and prey was blurred.
Determined to survive, Sakuchi ventured into this treacherous realm. Along his new journey he encountered remnants of a human settlement, now in ruins, and learned of the Conqueror's Stone from a few humans that lived in this hell, an artifact said to be the key to escaping this hellish dimension. However, obtaining it would require navigating a world ruled by the Twelve Dark Generals, each more formidable than the last.
As he delved deeper into Wendigo, Sakuchi's encounters with its denizens forced him to confront the darker aspects of his own nature. The once clear distinction between hero and villain became muddled, and with each passing day, he found himself embracing the very darkness he had sworn to fight.
Sakuchi's senses sharpened as he trudged through the harsh, alien landscape of the World of Wendigo. The air, thick and acrid, burned in his lungs with every breath. The ground beneath his boots was uneven, a jagged expanse of rock and twisted, gnarled trees that stretched toward a sky perpetually on the edge of twilight. The wails of unseen creatures reverberated in the distance, filling him with a sense of dread.
His mind still reeled from the devastation of his last battle. June and Kaela—gone. The Wraith had torn through them with an unforgiving ferocity, leaving nothing but cold, lifeless corpses. He had tried, with everything he had, to protect them. But in the end, it hadn't been enough.
In the silence that followed, Sakuchi had been pulled into the rift—this cursed dimension, a place far beyond the reach of any known magic. A place where survival was an afterthought, where one wrong step could be the last.
The knowledge that he had failed burned in his chest like an open wound. He gritted his teeth, refusing to let it consume him. His focus shifted, fueled by a new fire—a hunger for survival, and revenge.
His path led him deeper into the forsaken wilderness. Hours turned into days as he wandered, fighting off hunger and fatigue, but never slowing down. He knew he could not afford to be weak in this place. And when he finally came across a fresh trail of destruction—a series of deep gouges in the earth and a faint odor of decay—his instincts screamed that it was a Wraith.
His hand moved to his fire arm instinctively, feeling the familiar weight of the weapon as it hummed with his Aura. He could feel the pulse of energy within him, the familiar burn of power at his fingertips. The hunt had begun again.
Ahead, in a rocky clearing, a massive figure emerged from the darkness. The Wraith was unlike any Sakuchi had seen before. It stood taller than any human, its body a grotesque fusion of shadows and twisted flesh, its eyes glowing with malevolent energy. Its jagged, skeletal limbs were tipped with claws that could shred through steel, and its teeth gleamed like shards of obsidian.
The Wraith's deep, rasping growl sent a shiver down Sakuchi's spine, but he refused to falter. He had a goal, a purpose now—to survive, and to escape.
The creature lunged at him with terrifying speed, its claws slashing through the air. Sakuchi's body moved on instinct, ducking and rolling to the side as the claws sliced through the space he had just occupied. He drew on every ounce of his willpower, summoning the fire within him, launching a barrage of flame-tipped projectiles. The flames crackled through the air, impacting the Wraith's body with a burst of energy, but it was only momentary. The creature roared in fury, its skin repairing itself almost immediately, as if the attack had done nothing.
Sakuchi narrowed his eyes, calculating his next move. He couldn't rely on brute force alone. His Aura was powerful, yes, but it wasn't infinite. Every attack, every movement drained him, and the Wraith seemed to heal faster than he could strike.
"Think," he muttered to himself, his breath shallow, his heart pounding. The Wraith charged again, its massive form closing the distance with terrifying speed.
Sakuchi's mind raced, and then the answer hit him like a thunderclap.
With a primal roar, Sakuchi channeled every last ounce of his energy into one final, all-consuming attack. Flames burst from his body in a furious wave, enveloping the Wraith in a tempest of fire. The creature screamed, thrashing violently as the flames scorched its flesh. Sakuchi's body trembled, his arms shaking from the sheer force of the Aura he was expending, but he held his ground. He had nothing left to lose.
The Wraith's form began to melt under the intensity of the fire, its shrieks of agony filling the air. With a final, ear-splitting roar, the creature collapsed into a pile of smoldering ash. Sakuchi fell to his knees, his body screaming in exhaustion, but he knew it was over. He had won.
The silence that followed was deafening, and for a moment, Sakuchi simply sat there, trying to catch his breath. His mind was blank, devoid of thoughts, save for one overwhelming realization: he was alive.
He staggered to his feet, the weight of his victory settling over him like a shroud. His thoughts immediately turned to his next move. He couldn't afford to waste time here. His journey was far from over.
That's when he heard the faintest sound—a low, guttural grunt followed by the crunch of stones beneath boots. He turned sharply, his muscles tensing in anticipation.
Out from the shadows stepped a group of figures. They were human, but weary, scarred by the horrors of the world they inhabited. The first man to step forward was tall, with a broad frame that suggested both strength and resolve. His eyes, a piercing shade of amber, studied Sakuchi carefully, sizing him up.
"You killed it," the man said, his voice gravelly but controlled. "You're strong."
Sakuchi didn't lower his guard. He didn't trust anyone in this forsaken land. Not yet.
"I'm Number 8," the man continued, his tone steady. "This is Kyron Cesless and Cynthia," he gestured to the others standing behind him. Kyron was a muscular man, with Red hair that fell messily around his face, while Cesless had a more somber appearance, his expression unreadable, Cynthia was a darked haired women. The last figure, however, was the most imposing—a tall woman with a thick mane of silver hair, her gaze unflinching. Her armor was scarred, and the sword at her side had seen countless battles.
"I'm Captain Telemon," she introduced herself. "We've been surviving here for a long time. But we're getting out of here. We're looking for the Conqueror's Stone."
Sakuchi felt a flare of recognition at the mention of the artifact. He had heard rumors of it—an item said to be capable of escaping the World of Wendigo.
The mention of the stone stirred something in him. Something dark. He had heard of the stone in passing. He had heard it was the key to getting out. But the question lingered: How far would he go to get it? What would he do to escape this place, and more importantly, what would he sacrifice?
Telemon's piercing gaze met Sakuchi's, her expression unreadable. "We could use someone like you. But, there's something you should know."
Sakuchi raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.
To be Continued