The boy, Thomas, seemed to shrink under Elara's intense gaze, but he stood his ground.
Kaito couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the boy, a fragile survivor in this brutal world.
He glanced at Elara, who although still wary, gave a curt nod. They had no other leads, and the parchment, clutched tightly in Kaito's pocket, felt like a tangible piece of the puzzle, a potential key to understanding this looping nightmare and maybe even escaping it.
"Did your grandfather say anything else about the parchment?" Kaito asked Thomas, remembering the old man's words about it holding the "secrets of the village."
Thomas furrowed his brow, thinking. "He... he said it was about the old magic, the magic that protected the village. And... and something about a curse."
"A curse?" Elara's voice sharpened. "What kind of curse?"
Thomas shook his head, his eyes wide with fear. "I don't know. He wouldn't tell me. He said it was too dangerous."
Kaito felt a chill run down his spine. A curse. Could that be connected to the loop? Was he trapped here because of some ancient magic? He had so many questions, and the need for answers burned within him.
Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking through a graveyard, the ghosts of the villagers lingering in the shadows.
He wondered if he was destined to become one of those ghosts, trapped in this endless cycle of death and destruction.
As they walked, a wave of dizziness washed over Kaito. He stumbled, his vision blurring. He reached out to steady himself against the wall, his hand brushing against something cold and slick. He looked down to see blood, his blood, seeping through his shirt.
What…? He had been stabbed. But when? How?
He looked back at Thomas, his eyes widening in horror.
The boy stood behind him, a cruel smile twisting his lips, a blood-stained dagger clutched in his hand.
"You..." Kaito gasped, his voice a strangled whisper.
"Sorry," Thomas said, his voice chillingly calm. "But I can't let you interfere."
Kaito's vision swam, the world tilting on its axis. He saw Elara turn, her eyes widening in alarm, but it was too late. He crumpled to the ground, darkness closing in.
But even as his consciousness faded, he saw another figure emerge from the shadows, a man with fiery red hair, his eyes burning with rage. He lunged towards Elara, his hand reaching for her throat.
Elara! Kaito's mind screamed, his body failing him.
Then, everything went black.
[Death Confirmed]
Cause of Death: Stab wound to the back.
Time of Death: Unknown
Location: Aethelhum
Resurrection Point Set.
Returning to the designated checkpoint.
Kaito's mind raced. He had to protect Elara.
The world shimmered, and he was back in the burning village, the screams and the stench of blood a grim reminder of the danger they faced. He sprinted towards the alleyway where he had first met Elara, his heart pounding.
He found her fighting off another attacker, her movements fierce and determined. He didn't hesitate. He charged forward, tackling the attacker and sending them both crashing to the ground.
"Elara!" he yelled, his voice hoarse. "We have to go! Now!"
Elara, momentarily surprised, whirled around, her eyes widening in alarm. "Who are you?" she gasped, her hand instinctively reaching for her dagger.
"No time to explain!" Kaito grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the fight. "And there's someone else... someone dangerous."
He led her through the chaos, his eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. They couldn't go back to the elder's house. They had to find another way.
"The woods," Kaito said, his voice grim, urging Elara forward. "We have to reach Old Maggie."
Elara hesitated, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Old Maggie? Who's that? Where are we going?"
"I'll explain later," Kaito said, his voice urgent. "Just trust me."
They fled the village, heading towards the woods, the screams and the flames a terrifying backdrop to their escape. As they ran, they encountered a pack of wolves, their eyes glowing menacingly in the firelight. Kaito and Elara fought back to back, their weapons a blur of motion. Kaito, remembering his training from the survival guide, used his makeshift club with surprising effectiveness. They were outnumbered, but they were determined to survive.
They had to. The fate of the village, and perhaps the world, depended on it. And Kaito knew, with a certainty that defied logic, that he would do everything in his power to protect Elara, even if it meant keeping secrets and facing the consequences alone.
As they finally broke free from the wolf pack and plunged deeper into the woods, Kaito felt a sense of relief mixed with a growing dread. He had saved Elara, for now. But what new dangers awaited them in the darkness?