"Forget what hurt you in the past, but never forget what it taught you. However, if it taught you to hold onto grudges, seek revenge, not forgive or show compassion, to categorize people as good or bad, to distrust and be guarded with your feelings then you didn't learn a thing." - Shannon L. Alder
I shielded my eyes from the blinding sun's rays to get a clearer view of the vicinity. I awoke to the stiff warm air, to tiny water droplets clinging to the blades of overgrown grass; and the sound of the wind shuttling gently through the trees. I fondled the grass beneath my palms, sweeping off the morning dew for a taste.
"Where am I?" I muttered.
I had expected to feel a stinging pain radiating from my chest, but it had already healed beyond my wildest dreams without any scarring or permanent damage. I struggled to rise as I adjusted my muscles to these familiar movements. My hair swayed gently alongside the wind while I dusted my clothes of any grime or dirt that plagued it.
I began to approach the area where I heard the ferocious animalistic sounds of the river currents. A roar ensued as I stood before the river. My breathing hastened while I swiftly took in my surroundings.
I spotted a figure on the other side of the river. The creature stood on its hind legs towering over my miniscule frame. Its head was of a deer with antlers protruding out from the sides of its head. The beast had arms the size of spears, with alien like claws. The abomination's grotesque appearance left nothing to the imagination owing to the fact that its rib cage and organs were visible to gawk at.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, using my arms like a shield from the vegetation. Newly appeared cuts and scrapes could be seen appearing on my body. I ran out of the forest, heaving in short bursts when I saw a dirt road spanning as far as the horizon. I glanced behind me, uttering a sigh of relief; thanking god that it hadn't given chase.
"Halt!" My head jerked only to see a convoy of tense soldiers guarding a carriage.
"State your name!" yelled the middle-aged man.
I figured that I wouldn't be able to escape this situation, but I also didn't want to be delving information to strangers. Answering would lead to more questions so I chose the next best option.
|"The priests told me that liars go to hell" I said "I don't wanna go to hell!"
"Lying is not a sin, Alexander" said my mother "It is an art, that few people can master. Everyone lies, but if it has to be done, it should be done tastefully. You will learn to lie for you have too many secrets you must keep hidden. Alexander, learn it for our family, for me. Do you understand?"
"Yes" I muttered in dejection.|
"I cannot remember" I said fearfully "I woke up with nothing, but my name."
I heard some of the guards snicker unbelieving of my story. Thankfully, the stout man's expression softened, likely assuming I wouldn't dare lie to a vanguard of warriors.
"Why don't you come with us then?" He said "The assembly is recruiting today and we could always use new labour."
I would agree to anything provided it would get me out of here. Alone in a forest, with my wounds magically healed; and finding a demon roaming about isn't the most pleasant way to wake up by any standards.
"I'll have to thank you beforehand" I said "My name's Azrail."
"Ah, I haven't introduced myself!" The man exclaimed "Call me Francisco."
"May I ask you a question?" I continued before he could reply "I saw a creature in the woods with the head of a deer and the size of boulder, do you have an inkling of what it was?"
"You've ventured into the woods?" Francisco's eyes shot up in surprise and glee "I wasn't wrong, you have the making of a warrior by making it back in one piece."
A tinge of red spread across my face. This was the first time I had ever been praised before in such a fashion. I enjoyed the feeling and although I was red-faced I coughed to indicate that he hadn't answered my question.
"Rot Beasts" He said "Vicious varmint that prowl these woods. Their strength and speed make up for their lack of numbers, but they tend to stay clear of humans; though you hear of villages being stormed by them every once awhile. Your lucky that you're alive"
"Are they common in these parts?" I asked
"Like I said not much in number" He commented "You're more likely to spot Mourn Cats and Gnolls"
I continued asking questions like a child amazed by the wonders of the world. I assumed that I wasn't in the same world as before. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, there were legends in my previous life of shape-shifting beasts or pale-faced monsters that drank human blood, but they were nothing more than legends; tales that were made to entertain the populace.
"We are travelling to Anatolia Citadel" he sighed in exasperation "To even forgot of the seven Citadels of the Apocalypse and seven Warlords is disheartening."
"I guess I haven't been caught up on history!" I laughed without shame.
"500 years have passed" He said "It came without warning, the beast rose from the the bottomless pit of hell and with its tail it brought destruction and carnage, and the dwellers of this land were powerless to stop it. The woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars cried out raining monsters and death onto our land. The Seven Citadels named after the Warlords are the last remaining piece of history that has been left untouched by time."
"And the Seven Warlords?" I asked.
"The desperate few that struggled to survive in the ruined world knew them as being unmatched in power and authority. They were the first lords and ladies of the Citadels. The Seven Warlords brought us magic and freedom for the first time since the end of the Ancient Era. They created skills that tempered our bodies so that those desperate few could become many and eventually maybe even reclaim our stolen land. Four have perished and the last days are upon the others."
"What about the era before the Apocalypse?" I asked.
"You should take a nap, Azrail. We're going to be travelling for a few more hours."
I reluctantly heeded his advice. I wished for more information, so I could understand how or why I was brought here, but I noticed that Francisco didn't desire to speak any longer.
*Introductory Package Acquired. Open?*
[YES] [NO]
My mind jolted awake. Surprise and confusion intertwined as I stared at the transparent screen before me. Sensing the tone of voice was familiar I wracked my brain to remember where I heard it before.
"Before I died!" I muttered in shock.
Could this have been what brought me here? Assuming that it did, I have an inclination to click yes. But, if it didn't for now it hadn't harmed me in anyway shape or form so I was still inclined to tap yes and that's what I did.
*Scanning [LVL 1] Acquired*
*Shop Option Acquired*
*Roulette Wheel Acquired*
*Free Roulette Spin Acquired*
*Test Your Luck! Spin Roulette Wheel?*
[YES] [NO]
A miniature wheel appeared before me. It was separated into 20 pieces, half of which were white. Five were blue, while there was only three purple and two gold pieces. Needing no explanation, I instantly clicked yes.
*Congratulations! You Got A Epic (Purple) Skill*
*Destiny Theft [LVL 1] Acquired*
As I was about to check the other options I had obtained I heard a roar I was all to familiar with. I glanced behind me to see the Rotbeast blasting through the soldiers at the back.
"Don't Falter! Formations!" Francisco said as he pulled his sword from it's hilt.