The door opened, revealing a clear and dazzling sky. The air was pure and calm, but despite the apparent tranquility, Light was restless. The threat of Ruairi, a fallen disciple, loomed over him. She was supposed to be even more powerful than Rorik, who was already formidable. She must have faced resistance at some point.
"Fighting must be truly impossible," Light thought anxiously.
As they walked through the forest near the city, the tense silence was finally broken by Light.
"What are we going to offer her?" he asked, worried.
"I have no idea..." Triss replied with a slight shrug.
"Food is always useful. There must be something of value among the dwarves. Even if she doesn't need it, it might be convenient for her. If she wanted, she could easily annihilate them. There must be something of interest. For now, let's just mediate," she said with conviction.
'So we're more like messengers.'
"How are we going to mediate? We're considered criminals by everyone!"
"We might be, but Rorik isn't. Besides, that dwarf is an important figure among them. According to him, the strongest are just initiates, but he is a disciple. He must still have some influence," Triss explained.
"Both are disciples. Why didn't he fight her? Even if he's slightly weaker, he could lead a group," Light insisted.
"It's hard to say. There could be many reasons. Maybe it's exactly what she wants," Triss replied thoughtfully.
"Huh? Why do you think that?"
"The Fallen steal the strength of those who Ascend. It could be a trap for her to take Rorik's power," Triss concluded, giving Light a warning look.
'It doesn't feel so right, a town against a single person...'
"Of course, it's early to conclude that, after all, she probably already has considerable power, perhaps the greatest in the region. We might also gain something from her."
"Like what?" Light asked, curious.
"Magical tools; they could make up for your inability to evolve and grant you some abilities. We could charge as a fee for solving the village's problems. Both sides should benefit," Triss suggested with a calculating gleam in her eyes.
"I could still become a fallen," Light murmured, the idea haunting him, who have no power at all,the mission he is carrying out would be deadly and he had no power or capabilities to deal with it. the gaze of death is already upon him
'I've been thinking about this for a while. Maybe it's not as bad as they say,' he pondered silently.
"Never consider that possibility!" Triss replied with a firmness that cut through the air. "Fallen are thieves of the worst kind. Animals that follow this path might be forgiven for their ignorance, as nature is cruel. But we as persons don't have that excuse—nor does that witch!"
She paused, her penetrating gaze fixed on Light. "My lord might very well grant you true power in the future, as long as you prove useful. Just survive until then."
Light sighed, doubt weighing on his words. "I doubt I can survive that long without any power."
"Then figure it out! You still have me for support," Triss retorted, trying to instill courage in him.
'Asking her how exactly to become a fallen probably wouldn't get me anywhere,' Light thought, feeling the weight of temptation. 'Maybe the witch can give me the answers I'm looking for.'
The swamp in sight was a dark and unsettling scene. Twisted trees with black trunks emerged from the waterlogged ground, surrounded by murky waters and covered in moss. The dense vegetation seemed alive, with vines and roots intertwined. A persistent mist hung over the terrain, obscuring the horizon and filling the air with a sulfurous smell. The environment emanated a sense of danger; the swamp waited to devour those who wished to enter.
Light walked carefreely; he couldn't see far and was thus ignorant of the dangers around. Triss as a guide,continuously redirected him to avoid hazards. Large reptiles lived here, unlike any Light knew; snakes here often had wings, and some crocodiles lurked, as well as a few that walked on two legs with broad, strong arms.
"Found anything?" Light asked, yawning.
"If 'this' counts, I've found several things that could cut you in half!"
Suddenly, a large shadow appeared ahead, and both prepared for the worst.
"What is that?" Light asked, alarmed.
"A disciple," Triss replied coldly. 'There's only one known in this swamp,' she thought.
A cruel and penetrating voice echoed in their minds, as if tearing through their thoughts.
"May I know what brings two travelers here?"
Triss stepped forward, trying to maintain her composure. "You must be Ruari. We've come to establish diplomatic relations on behalf of Dirgrad."
"The petty grudges of Dirgrad would never do that! Don't lie to me. State your true intentions!" The witch's voice carried disdain and distrust.her hand glowing with black flames ready to destroy anyone who disturbed her
'But what…'Triss opened her mouth to retort, but soon another voice took over.
"I want to know how to become a fallen with you!" he declared impulsively.Triss shot him a withering look of hatred.
"Ohh, in that case, you'd be very welcome…"The witch's tone softened, almost as a gesture of welcome.
"For a long time, I have been judged for my choice, but I see that someone here understands," Ruari continued, her terrifying figure approaching. Long black hair fell over her pale face, with completely black and deep eyes, a large pointed chin. She was hunchbacked and her claws resembled those of raptors.
"From the reactions, I see that your companion does not agree with your decision," Ruari said, casting a look of disdain at Triss. "But don't worry about that."
***
Name: Ruari
Title: Swamp Witch
Status: Recluse
Rank: Disciple
Race: Witch
Strength: 5
Agility: 13
Resistance: 3
Abilities: Soul manipulation, alchemy, curse manipulation, dash (Refined), cursed energy manipulation.
Characteristics: Old, solitary, vengeful.
Observation: Ruari is an ancient witch who wishes to be left in peace. She has long been judged for her past choices and seeks someone who can understand her.
***
"The ignorant are like that," Ruari said with disdain. "Leave her behind. Come, follow me and I'll clarify your doubts. If you're smart, I might even consider taking you as my apprentice!"
'Neither of them will tolerate the presence of the other,' Light reflected, sensing the rising tension. 'In that case...'
"Triss, wait for me at the old man's house. I'll be back before dark," he ordered.
"You can't be serious! Regardless of your doubts, she's dangerous!" Triss protested, her voice filled with concern.
"Go on! I know what I'm doing. If I'm not back by nightfall, you can come after me. I imagine you're capable of tracking me," Light responded firmly.After all, she was his captor, he could never escape her no matter how hard he tried.
Triss hesitated, seeing the determination in Light's eyes. Reluctantly, she nodded, already anticipating the probable disaster—she knew well that Light's luck was terrible, her skills already said he would die in matter of days, so why try to make him alive?. If this was his choice, so be it!
As he approached, he couldn't help but criticize the witch's appearance internally.
'Does becoming a fallen make someone so ugly? Triss may be irritating, but at least she's pretty,' Light thought, trying to stay focused.
"Let's go, madam," he said, trying to hide his discomfort.
"Of course, my dear," Ruari replied with a smile that made him even more apprehensive.
They proceeded in silence, and soon arrived at a well-hidden cave. In front of the entrance, a garden grew wildly, with strange and varied plants that seemed to belong to a different world.
"I've never seen any of these plants," he pointed out.
"They come from various obscure places to others' eyes, always fleeing in fear of death; even plants fear their end! They always destroy everything they dislike; everything ugly and left in the dark is bad!"
She opened the door and they entered the house, where there were various shelves and books scattered around, as well as more plants in pots. She guided him to a table and handed him a hot drink, which he drank without fear.
"Coffee, I didn't think there'd be any around here," he commented.
"It's not original to these lands; I brought it from elsewhere and grow it in some nearby places," she said with a hint of joy in her voice. Then she asked:
"What do you know about 'falling'? That's what they call it, although it's a somewhat prejudiced name."
Thinking briefly, Light responded:
"Supposedly, falling has to do with stealing something… people who follow this path are villains with nefarious purposes and have a lot of power."The witch pondered.
"Stealing…"She shook her head.
"Conquering, that's what we do. What do you know about Ascension?"
"To ascend, one would need some special organ that I don't possess. It's necessary to increase the amount of energy, control, and quality. Whenever they talk about it, they seem to say it's about personal merit, as if connecting with divine things and being a better person, very different from falling, which would be being greedy and earthly."
"Lazy, that's what they really are."Silence ensued, and then she continued.
"To ascend, just like to fall, usually requires special organs. However, those who fall have their means to acquire it, unlike ascension, which denies this right to others."
"Increasing energy and control is about respecting it and following your own beliefs; the more loved you are by their gods, like mana or bestial, in question, the more it allows itself to be tamed. Needless to say, they have their favorites."
'Do energies have consciousness and are they treated as gods?'
"Ascension grants innate power and knowledge, while falling requires constant research. The energy we acquire doesn't come from favoritism; we take it from other living or dead beings and manipulate it in a special way. It doesn't obey us out of love or affection but because we dominate it with an iron fist, we are enemies of their gods and thats why we are profane for them."
"In short, our enemies are our strength! If I captured one of those dwarves, I'd take the power they carry with them and make it mine!"
Her fist raised and clenched, seeing his frightened look, she cleared her throat.
"But I never intended to do that. To tell the truth, there are several non-aggressive ways to achieve the same result."
"Why are they stronger than those who ascend?"
"Simple, because we can explore different energies with different properties at the same time, even mixing them and creating a third one! They are limited to what was granted to them, while we can do everything!"
"How can I fall?"
The witch showed visible interest in the question.
"We would need to first alter your physical form to give you such a capability. Then you would need to adapt and get used to taking energy from others or from the environment around you. At first, the former would be much easier. I also have some items that can give you some initial energy. This would make you an initiate."
"Is the process very painful?"
She shook her head vehemently.
"Not at all. It's quick and painless; no one would notice you went through it. Even apostles can pass unnoticed among the public."
She said, overflowing with joy.
"We can start right now!"
"Let's do it then."
"Follow me."
She led him to a room further in, where several candles were extinguished on the floor.
"Lie down in the middle and take off all your clothes. There's no need to be embarrassed."
Then she proceeded, soon handing him a small purple fruit.
"This will make you somewhat weak, but it will take away the pain of the process." He ate it without thinking much. Lethargy overcame him despite remaining awake.
Feeling the urge to explain and happy, he said:
"Back in the day, it was very difficult to proceed with such rituals!"
'Wait, is this a ritual?'
"However, nowadays there are many substitutes for the original ingredients and many superior beings willing to help."
'Oh shit, where did I get myself into?'
She soon brought a basin of blood, a needle, and a knife, and also fetched some still-living creatures: small rodents, cats, fish, wild boars, and a fairy.
'Oh my god, Triss isn't going to like this at all! I need to stop before it's too late!'
"sa dsad wdqwdw"
"My dear, I understand your joy, but there's no need to thank me."
His mouth was completely numb, making it impossible to vocalize; his arms and legs no longer responded. She began the process by cutting and opening Light's chest, then gently placing the fairy inside. Circles and various symbols were drawn with blood all over his body, especially on his chest.
Throwing blood around Light, she began to pray:
"I pray to Yakron, who is abhorred by all and governs all."
"The victorious one who turned light into darkness and hope into despair."
"Whose shadow covered the hearts of the wicked."
"Who, on his throne of steel, watches the world in ruins."
"Holder of the power to condemn and redeem all."
The shadows grew denser and began to move, eyes in the darkness.
"I pray to Apep, who brought ruin to all his enemies."
"Warrior who destroyed both mortals and immortals."
"Great devourer of the dreams of the strong."
"His fury consumed cities and turned kingdoms to ashes."
"Rides upon the tears of widows, seas of blood, and fields of desolation."
The blood on the ground began to gather and move towards Light, small fissures opening in the cave with flesh and blood on the other side, more eyes emerging from them.
"I pray to Vitra, who persuaded and deceived those who tried to deceive him."
"Enemy of fate and death."
"Challenger of gods who shattered their plans."
"With indomitable cunning, he unraveled schemes and frustrated the powerful."
"Turned betrayal into art and deception into a weapon."
From inside the cat's mouth, a small face watched attentively.
"I pray to Kroni, who overcame the limitations imposed by the gods."
"Victor who conquered the chains that bound him."
"Who defied fate and rewrote the rules of the universe."
"Breaker of time's shackles and transcender of the eternal."
"Strength forged in the flames of adversity and oppression."
Chains seemed to have always been there, binding everyone. An oppressive mist rose around them.
[Alert! Flee the area as quickly as possible!]
[Evil deities are descending upon the location!]
All sounds ceased; Ruari was out of sight. Four beings with humanoid figures were around, watching Light. They raised a hand, palm facing him.
[Error! Access denied]
[Error! Access...]
[...]
[...]
[Access Granted]
[Update in progress...]
[...]
[...]
[Great News!!!]
[A gift has been received from the gods! Feel privileged, mortal!]