Kaer, dressed in a dark suit, easily blended into the forest as he stood hidden in the heart of the Neemist Forest. His suit was more than just clothing; it was fluid armor, and the knives on his belt changed color in a frenzied play of hues.
Kaer had spent three days and three nights in a heart-pounding pursuit, following every sign and clue that might lead him to the Wendigo monster's lair. The Neemist Forest was a labyrinth of trees, a treacherous territory where every step could be the last, especially for those unfamiliar with the forest and its unpredictable nature.
The Wendigo, a creature of a living nightmare, an evil spirit twisted into a merciless beast, reigned as the terror of the Neemist Forest. Its insatiable hunger for human flesh was whispered to be boundless, a craving that never waned no matter how many lives it claimed. The forest was its hunting ground, a perpetual game of life and death.
The Wendigo's name was a curse, a forbidden phrase that could bring doom upon whoever dared utter it. It was a legend come true that froze the hearts of the bravest warriors, a shadow that made people avoid the forest even during the day.
A horrifying scream coming from high in the sky echoed through the forest. Kaer sensed the approach of a colossal creature.
It was the Wendigo. Its fur was matte black, and its figure was imposing, crowned by horns that rose to the sky. Sharp teeth like spears could be seen.
Kaer, a strategy master, calculated the beast's movements, readying an arrow in his bow. He took a deep breath, preparing for the imminent clash. With its heightened senses, the Wendigo detected the hunter's presence and abruptly halted, its massive head swiveling toward Kaer's concealed position.
Kaer pulled the bowstring with a slow, almost ceremonial movement, calculating the trajectory in the throat. The beast ignored the blow that would usually have been fatal; with an agility that belied its size, it continued its walk, its eyes fixed on Kaer.
The creature's details were becoming clear: a wolf's head but a body far more extensive and muscular than any known wolf, a grotesque combination of man and beast.
Kaer released the second arrow, which soared and came to rest in the creature's chest, causing it to tremble slightly but not knocking it down. A howl of pain rises from the beast's throat, which, instead of retreating, accelerates towards the hunter.
With a swift movement, Kaer readied the third arrow, feeling time compress around him. The beast was only a few paces away now, and each beat of Kaer's heart seemed to count the monster's pressed steps.
Invoking ancestral power, Kaer summons the three wolves, ready for battle. Their surprise attack halted the Wendigo, giving Kaer the moment he needed.
Aiming for the beast's head, Kaer focused all his attention on the final blow. The arrow, with lethal precision, cut through the air and pierced the creature's skull, knocking it to the ground with devastating force.
The wolves made sure the Wendigo was no longer a threat.
With precise movements, Kaer cut off the monster's claws, symbols of its power, and placed them in his backpack.
With sure steps, he made his way to the mouth of the cave. The air was sour, and unbearable dampness permeated it.
The tunnels led him to a room lit by two torches. Bone pieces and traces of long-forgotten battles were all over the floor. In the center of the hall, a table of mountain stone was built, surrounded by many skulls.
Salvianna, the young woman alchemist was held captive in a well-bolted side room.
"My name is Kaer, and I will take you home. That's it, let's calm down."
"I don't even know how long I've been here."
"That doesn't matter anymore. The important thing is that I found you alive. Why are you crying now?" Kaer asked, his voice soft but firm.
"Fortunately," answered Salvianna, holding Kaer in her arms. "I thought I was lost forever," Salvianna said, her voice trembling as she tightened her grip. "I didn't think anyone would come for me. I felt... invisible."
Kaer ran a soothing hand through her hair, wiping away the tears from her cheeks. "But you're not invisible, Salvianna. You're stronger than you realize. We're going to get out of here together. The shadows that held you captive will soon be nothing but whispers."
"Every day felt like a year," she confessed, pulling away slightly to look into his eyes. "The dark corners of this room swallowed my hope. I thought I might fade away in here."
Kaer shook his head resolutely. "You're still here. You have the power to fight back. Remember the stories of your ancestors? They didn't yield to darkness. You come from a lineage of warriors, Salvianna. You carry their spirit."
Salvianna hesitated, her eyes welling up once more. "I used to believe I could be like them, but I feel so weak now. What if I can't be brave?"
Kaer leaned forward, his voice a gentle but firm whisper. "Bravery doesn't mean being unafraid. It means facing your fears, even when they seem insurmountable. We will face this together, and I promise to guard you with my life."
She nodded slowly, a flicker of determination igniting in her heart. "Together, then. But how do we escape? This place is the house of a terrified monster."
"The monster is dead. Let's go to your home."
The two emerged from the Neemist Forest unscathed by danger.
The two figures moved swiftly through the forest, their bodies tense and ready for any danger that may come their way. The trees seemed to bend away from them as if sensing their presence and giving them a clear path.
Soon after, the city walls loomed into sight.
By the time they reached Castlecrest, night had already settled over the town. Nestled between Neemist Forest and the equally enigmatic Bristeel Hill Mountains, Castlecrest was more than a castle; it symbolized development, a meeting point for those fond of commerce or adventure. Its high towers and solid walls gave security to the inhabitants and deterred evildoers.
Kaer led Salvianna to her home, a small building.
"Do you have a place to sleep? I invite you to stay here if you want. I live alone. I owe you anything you want," Salvianna said, blushing slightly, either from shame or the excitement of Kaer's presence in her home.
"Thanks, but I'll let you rest," Kaer replied.
"Good. Then I will wait for you tomorrow," Salvianna said, her voice loaded with visible emotion. "I'm single."
On the way to the Blue Dragon Inn, Kaer noticed the rare artifact shop. The merchant, a man with curious eyes, greeted him respectfully. Kaer pulled out the monster's claws and strung them across the table. The merchant, eyes wide with amazement, bent down to pick up a claw and looked at it closely.
"You killed such a beast. I offer you a thousand gold coins, now on the spot," said the merchant.
In one slow motion, Kaer gathered the claws, put them back in his backpack, and headed for the exit. The merchant spoke:
"Three thousand gold coins."
After completing the deal, Kaer headed for the inn, feeling the weight of gold in his pack.
The Blue Dragon Inn was a darkwood building with carved ornaments. The flags displayed inside added a unique charm to the place. A dragon's claws were exposed to emphasize the inn's name.
Kaer listened to the far-fetched tales of the adventurers as he enjoyed several cups of wine. He asked several people about Aspera, but they had yet to meet a young woman like her.
Time flew with every story he heard, every cup of wine he drank, and every glance at the town's bulletin board, which housed a veritable collection of challenging tasks and rewards.
He retired to his room, and before falling asleep, Kaer opened the *Hero's Chronicles*. He noticed that a page that had been blank before was now written on. It was about a necromancer who had taken refuge in a cave hidden deep in the forest on the edge of a village. It was here that he had been able to harness the power of the Black Circle Bracelet, an item that held within it the legendary Sunset Stardust, a potent black essence said to possess the ability to control life and death.
With the bracelet in his possession, the necromancer's powers had grown exponentially, allowing him to command the darkness and the living dead.
As he sat in his cave, surrounded by the eerie glow of the Stardust, the necromancer contemplated his next move. The villagers had begun to suspect his presence and had sent out hunting parties to find and destroy him. But the necromancer was not afraid. He knew his powers were far greater than any mortal could comprehend.
With a flick of his wrist, he summoned his army of undead creatures, their bones rattling as they rose from their resting places. The villagers would soon learn to fear him, for he was the master of death itself. And with the Sunset Stardust coursing through his veins, he was unstoppable.