It was the second day of questing under Master Kaito’s instruction.
Just yesterday he had helped track down a pack of dire wolves that had been preying on farmers' livestock. But today's quarry was shaping up to be the most dangerous yet.
And today Jogid stood before the darkness of a cave near the village’s southern outskirts, his eyes closed. His meditation was set on gathering the necessary mana to complete his mission, and protect the village.
The ground shook, followed by a squeal that erupted from the cave’s depths. Jogid opened his eyes and began weaving the necessary hand patterns for his spell, just at the moment the demonic pig, notorious for injuring several people who had unfortunately stumbled too close to its lair, burst into the daylight.
Curse marks covered its body and tusks. No one knew why it came so close to the village. The wretched thing pawed at the earth, then charged at Jogid, who took a deep breath. He rolled away from slashing tusks and found his footing again.
Circling around, he made the last hand pattern and uttered the word. Ureom. The demon pig charged head on, but ultimately stumbled and collapsed, dead before it hit the ground, no match for a determination-aligned draconic fire.
Jogid traveled back to the village, pride swelling in his breast. Master Kaito would be pleased with his dispatching of the demon pig. The afternoon sun beat down as he made his way to the central meeting hall. Inside, he spotted the one he was looking for, Angeline bent over the table, quill ready.
“Ah, you’ve returned!” she said, looking up from her work with a smile. "I hope the quest went well?”
Jogid nodded. "The demon pig is slain. The southern caves should be safe for travelers again."
"Excellent!" Angeline slid her drawings aside to make room as Jogid took a seat. "Now we can focus on our special project for the village."
Together they poured over the large sketch Angeline had been preparing, a scale map of the village with space left blank for infrastructure expansion. Jogid pointed out areas needed to be retrofitted to accommodate the large project. Angeline listened intently, making notes and adjustments. Her skill with the quill brought shape to the ideas in both their minds.
The afternoon stretched on as they worked. Finally, as dusk approached, Angeline set down her quill.
“This is going to be a significant enhancement for Calmo, the villagers are going to be eternally grateful to you.” she said, admiring their handiwork. "Thank you for all your help today."
"Of course," said Jogid with a smile and quick bow. After the day's battle, the mental exertion had left him pleasantly exhausted. Together, they left the hall, walking and chatting a bit longer about ideas for the village's future growth.
But there was one more stop Jogid needed to make before heading back home.
Jogid strode into Master Kaito's office, back straight with pride. “The demon pig has been vanquished, Master. The report has been filed at the Soft Waffle Tavern as you instructed."
“Well done, Jogid,” Master Kaito inclined his head. He stood next to his desk where a towering figure awaited. Jogid froze as he took in the appearance of the largest Megnac Beetle he had ever seen. The beetle's horned head nearly brushed the ceiling, crimson eyes gazing down impassively. His paper-white carapace seemed to glow in the flickering torchlight.
“This is Albus, a dear friend. He is Mengnac Guardian, sworn to protect our village from harm,” Master Kaito said warmly.
Albus's voice rumbled deeply. "Greetings, young warrior. Your deeds honor us all."
Jogid managed a quick bow in return, nerves fading. Master Kaito's praise and Albus’s manners set him at ease, despite the beetle's intimidating visage.
Master Kaito's expression turned grave. "But I'm afraid a much greater threat looms. My nemesis approaches. He wields fearsome power and break a nation with a thought. Even I cannot defeat him alone.”
Jogid's heart quickened, equal parts awe and fear rising within him. A foe that could threaten Master Kaito? It seemed unthinkable.
Albus inclined his horned head. "Then we shall stand together, Master. My warriors stand ready to lay down their lives if needed." His voice resonated with conviction.
"It may come to that, old friend," Master Kaito sighed heavily before turning to Jogid. "I have another quest for you. Help Albus prepare our defenses while I prepare a counterattack with the Mayor. Can I trust you with this task?"
Elation and resolve welled up in Jogid's chest. He dropped to one knee before his Master and the hulking Guardian.
"I swear I shall not fail you, Master Kaito!"
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Being one of Daiyudura’s greatest heroes, Shagal now lived in the palace, in one of the finest rooms. But she didn’t care for such luxuries. She was a warrior.
And she had answers to find and scores to settle.
Her jaw was set, teeth grinding, not caring as a wooden chair splintered under her grip. She flung the shattered remnants aside, pieces clattering across the ornate tile. With each item she shoved into her pack, visions of the last battle flashed through her mind.
Orleado's broken body. The Lich King’s rotten-toothed grin as his Drain and Decay spell sucked the life energy from the hero's body. The light fading from Orleado's eyes as he shriveled like a piece of parchment curling in the flame.
Shagal snarled, fist slamming into the wall and leaving cracks spiderwebbing through the stone. She had to get out of the palace before her anger leveled it. The entire castle shuddered. Somewhere distantly, another section crumbled from the blow.
She didn't care. Orleado was dead because the prophesized hero hadn't shown. This Kaito with his lofty powers of mental domination. Yet where was he when the hordes crashed against them? She could still hear the screams and clash of steel. Still see their numbers dwindle against the endless tide spurred on by the Lich King.
Her pack held the barest essentials. Food and drink mattered not on the road ahead. All that drove her was the raging inferno within demanding vengeance. The green cowl she tugged low over her face did little to diminish the bloodlust emanating from her eyes.
This was not solely a mission to find the deserter Kaito. It was a hunt. Her hands itched to close around his neck and squeeze until his pulse stilled forever. Until Kaito met Orleado.
Her orc digits found the hilt of the dagger at her belt, gifted by Orleado—her friend—seasons past. Let the elf and the others simper about heroes and legends if they wished. For her, only the bitter taste of death remained stuck to her tongue, and the smell of betrayal filled her nostrils.
She strode past the capital’s colossal wood and iron gate with a single thought in her mind—find Kaito. And make him pay.
Boiling mana seeped from her pores, leaves and twigs melting under her boots. She didn't slow as Paulus seemed to materialize from the shadows ahead without his ever-present smile.
“Off in such a hurry, my dear?” He asked, tone light but gaze sharp.
“You already know.” Shagal grunted, not breaking stride.
Paulus floated backwards, pace matching hers. “The king would prefer you didn't. As would I.”
Shagal barked out a harsh laugh. "Oh? Planning to stop me, old man?"
“I'd rather not, but I will if necessary.” Paulus raised his fingers, divine energy already swirling in his palm.
Shagal roared, the trees shuddering. She launched herself forward, fist swinging. Paulus twisted aside, the rush of air rippling his beard. With a murmur and gesture,Arcane bonds erupted from the soil only to snap like twine against Shagal’s muscles. Her thighs bulged to twice their size and she tore free with a forceful leap that left a crater where she stood.
Paulus' eyes shone yellow as he unleashed crackling bolts of divine magic. Lightning danced between his fingers. The stench of ozone filled the air as bolts slammed into Shagal. They splashed harmlessly off Shagal's enraged form. Each spell only stoked her fury higher. She battered through his defenses, forcing him back step by step. Blood trickled from his nose at the strain.
Her cowl flew back as she dashed towards the wizard, breaking the speed of sound. The smell of burnt pork wafted from her seared flesh as she flew through the air. With a guttural bellow, Shagal seized the wizard by the front of his robes, hoisting him overhead. His hands flickered with illusions, but none could match her raw power.
“It’s over!” She thundered. Paulus’ mouth moved soundlessly. Then she brought him down like a sledgehammer onto the unforgiving earth.
The wet snap of Paulus’s spine seemed to echo forever between the silent, watching trees.
Shagal turned from Paulus' broken body and continued on her way. The old man wouldn't stop her from hunting down the one she blamed for Orleado's death.
No one would.
It was the second day of questing under Master Kaito’s instruction.
Just yesterday he had helped track down a pack of dire wolves that had been preying on farmers' livestock. But today's quarry was shaping up to be the most dangerous yet.
And today Jogid stood before the darkness of a cave near the village’s southern outskirts, his eyes closed. His meditation was set on gathering the necessary mana to complete his mission, and protect the village.
The ground shook, followed by a squeal that erupted from the cave’s depths. Jogid opened his eyes and began weaving the necessary hand patterns for his spell, just at the moment the demonic pig, notorious for injuring several people who had unfortunately stumbled too close to its lair, burst into the daylight.
Curse marks covered its body and tusks. No one knew why it came so close to the village. The wretched thing pawed at the earth, then charged at Jogid, who took a deep breath. He rolled away from slashing tusks and found his footing again.
Circling around, he made the last hand pattern and uttered the word. Ureom. The demon pig charged head on, but ultimately stumbled and collapsed, dead before it hit the ground, no match for a determination-aligned draconic fire.
Jogid traveled back to the village, pride swelling in his breast. Master Kaito would be pleased with his dispatching of the demon pig. The afternoon sun beat down as he made his way to the central meeting hall. Inside, he spotted the one he was looking for, Angeline bent over the table, quill ready.
“Ah, you’ve returned!” she said, looking up from her work with a smile. "I hope the quest went well?”
Jogid nodded. "The demon pig is slain. The southern caves should be safe for travelers again."
"Excellent!" Angeline slid her drawings aside to make room as Jogid took a seat. "Now we can focus on our special project for the village."
Together they poured over the large sketch Angeline had been preparing, a scale map of the village with space left blank for infrastructure expansion. Jogid pointed out areas needed to be retrofitted to accommodate the large project. Angeline listened intently, making notes and adjustments. Her skill with the quill brought shape to the ideas in both their minds.
The afternoon stretched on as they worked. Finally, as dusk approached, Angeline set down her quill.
“This is going to be a significant enhancement for Calmo, the villagers are going to be eternally grateful to you.” she said, admiring their handiwork. "Thank you for all your help today."
"Of course," said Jogid with a smile and quick bow. After the day's battle, the mental exertion had left him pleasantly exhausted. Together, they left the hall, walking and chatting a bit longer about ideas for the village's future growth.
But there was one more stop Jogid needed to make before heading back home.
Jogid strode into Master Kaito's office, back straight with pride. “The demon pig has been vanquished, Master. The report has been filed at the Soft Waffle Tavern as you instructed."
“Well done, Jogid,” Master Kaito inclined his head. He stood next to his desk where a towering figure awaited. Jogid froze as he took in the appearance of the largest Megnac Beetle he had ever seen. The beetle's horned head nearly brushed the ceiling, crimson eyes gazing down impassively. His paper-white carapace seemed to glow in the flickering torchlight.
“This is Albus, a dear friend. He is Mengnac Guardian, sworn to protect our village from harm,” Master Kaito said warmly.
Albus's voice rumbled deeply. "Greetings, young warrior. Your deeds honor us all."
Jogid managed a quick bow in return, nerves fading. Master Kaito's praise and Albus’s manners set him at ease, despite the beetle's intimidating visage.
Master Kaito's expression turned grave. "But I'm afraid a much greater threat looms. My nemesis approaches. He wields fearsome power and break a nation with a thought. Even I cannot defeat him alone.”
Jogid's heart quickened, equal parts awe and fear rising within him. A foe that could threaten Master Kaito? It seemed unthinkable.
Albus inclined his horned head. "Then we shall stand together, Master. My warriors stand ready to lay down their lives if needed." His voice resonated with conviction.
"It may come to that, old friend," Master Kaito sighed heavily before turning to Jogid. "I have another quest for you. Help Albus prepare our defenses while I prepare a counterattack with the Mayor. Can I trust you with this task?"
Elation and resolve welled up in Jogid's chest. He dropped to one knee before his Master and the hulking Guardian.
"I swear I shall not fail you, Master Kaito!"
▬▬ι════════ﺤ
Being one of Daiyudura’s greatest heroes, Shagal now lived in the palace, in one of the finest rooms. But she didn’t care for such luxuries. She was a warrior.
And she had answers to find and scores to settle.
Her jaw was set, teeth grinding, not caring as a wooden chair splintered under her grip. She flung the shattered remnants aside, pieces clattering across the ornate tile. With each item she shoved into her pack, visions of the last battle flashed through her mind.
Orleado's broken body. The Lich King’s rotten-toothed grin as his Drain and Decay spell sucked the life energy from the hero's body. The light fading from Orleado's eyes as he shriveled like a piece of parchment curling in the flame.
Shagal snarled, fist slamming into the wall and leaving cracks spiderwebbing through the stone. She had to get out of the palace before her anger leveled it. The entire castle shuddered. Somewhere distantly, another section crumbled from the blow.
She didn't care. Orleado was dead because the prophesized hero hadn't shown. This Kaito with his lofty powers of mental domination. Yet where was he when the hordes crashed against them? She could still hear the screams and clash of steel. Still see their numbers dwindle against the endless tide spurred on by the Lich King.
Her pack held the barest essentials. Food and drink mattered not on the road ahead. All that drove her was the raging inferno within demanding vengeance. The green cowl she tugged low over her face did little to diminish the bloodlust emanating from her eyes.
This was not solely a mission to find the deserter Kaito. It was a hunt. Her hands itched to close around his neck and squeeze until his pulse stilled forever. Until Kaito met Orleado.
Her orc digits found the hilt of the dagger at her belt, gifted by Orleado—her friend—seasons past. Let the elf and the others simper about heroes and legends if they wished. For her, only the bitter taste of death remained stuck to her tongue, and the smell of betrayal filled her nostrils.
She strode past the capital’s colossal wood and iron gate with a single thought in her mind—find Kaito. And make him pay.
Boiling mana seeped from her pores, leaves and twigs melting under her boots. She didn't slow as Paulus seemed to materialize from the shadows ahead without his ever-present smile.
“Off in such a hurry, my dear?” He asked, tone light but gaze sharp.
“You already know.” Shagal grunted, not breaking stride.
Paulus floated backwards, pace matching hers. “The king would prefer you didn't. As would I.”
Shagal barked out a harsh laugh. "Oh? Planning to stop me, old man?"
“I'd rather not, but I will if necessary.” Paulus raised his fingers, divine energy already swirling in his palm.
Shagal roared, the trees shuddering. She launched herself forward, fist swinging. Paulus twisted aside, the rush of air rippling his beard. With a murmur and gesture,Arcane bonds erupted from the soil only to snap like twine against Shagal’s muscles. Her thighs bulged to twice their size and she tore free with a forceful leap that left a crater where she stood.
Paulus' eyes shone yellow as he unleashed crackling bolts of divine magic. Lightning danced between his fingers. The stench of ozone filled the air as bolts slammed into Shagal. They splashed harmlessly off Shagal's enraged form. Each spell only stoked her fury higher. She battered through his defenses, forcing him back step by step. Blood trickled from his nose at the strain.
Her cowl flew back as she dashed towards the wizard, breaking the speed of sound. The smell of burnt pork wafted from her seared flesh as she flew through the air. With a guttural bellow, Shagal seized the wizard by the front of his robes, hoisting him overhead. His hands flickered with illusions, but none could match her raw power.
“It’s over!” She thundered. Paulus’ mouth moved soundlessly. Then she brought him down like a sledgehammer onto the unforgiving earth.
The wet snap of Paulus’s spine seemed to echo forever between the silent, watching trees.
Shagal turned from Paulus' broken body and continued on her way. The old man wouldn't stop her from hunting down the one she blamed for Orleado's death.
No one would.
