The time for action had finally arrived—not for Vel, but for the adventurers. Curious villagers gathered in clusters around the square, craning their necks toward the far end where Clara's team prepared for departure.
The adventurers' camp looked different in daylight. Last night's fire had turned to ash, with bedrolls and packs bundled for travel. Honka cracked his knuckles methodically. Bestiel traced sigils on his grimoire's cover. Mora counted crossbow bolts. Clara stood apart, greatsword on shoulder, watching the village path.
The Chief stepped forward, raising his hand. The murmuring crowd fell silent.
"People of Oakhaven," he began, his voice carrying across the square. "Today, these gifted adventurers venture forth to eliminate the threat that has been menacing our village. While they fulfill their duty, our guards will maintain vigilance within our walls." He gestured toward the four adventurers with reverence. "Have faith in their proven abilities, as I do. We shall prepare for their victorious return."
Von placed a hand on Vel's shoulder, his expression firm but gentle.
"This is as far as you go," he said. "You stay here, with your mother and sister. Understand?"
Vel nodded, watching the crowd shift restlessly. Some villagers clasped their hands together. Others stared with hollow expressions. A few children tugged at their mothers' skirts, sensing the adults' unease without understanding why.
---
The dirt road wound through dense woodland toward the portal's location. Branches creaked overhead as the group moved along the path, weapons ready. Every rustling bush could hide a threat in this corrupted area.
Clara stopped abruptly, raising a hand to signal the group to halt.
"We'll proceed in formation," she commanded, her voice low and steady. "Honka, you take point. Bestiel, stay close to me. Mora, watch the rear. The rest of you, spread out."
Honka cracked his knuckles and took point, bare hands ready. Bestiel stayed close to Clara, clutching his worn grimoire. Mora fell back with her crossbow, scanning the treeline. The guards spread out around them, weapons drawn.
Von took position on the right flank near Honka, his grip tight on his sword hilt. Despite his experience as a guard, sweat beaded on his forehead. He forced himself to scan the treeline methodically.
A rustling in the undergrowth to their left broke the silence. Two dark shapes emerged from the trees, their red eyes glowing menacingly. Wulfangs. Their coarse fur was matted, bony spikes jutting from their necks like grotesque manes.
"Wulfangs!" Von shouted, drawing his sword.
"Hold formation!" Clara commanded.
As everyone turned toward the threat, two more Wulfangs burst from the right flank. The first leaped at a guard near Von, claws extended toward his exposed back—inches from tearing flesh when a crossbow bolt suddenly punched through the creature's shoulder mid-leap. Mora's lightning-quick shot sent it crashing sideways. The wounded Wulfang scrambled up and bolted back into the trees.
The second attacker landed gracefully at the front near Honka and snarled, its red eyes fixed on the monk. It lunged again, aiming for Honka's throat. Honka, with a fluid, almost impossible quickness for his size, dodged the attack, pivoting on his heel and countering with a powerful palm strike to the creature's chest. The Wulfang was sent flying backward, crashing into the undergrowth with a thud.
A third Wulfang emerged from the bushes, targeting Von, leaping at him with razor-sharp claws ready to strike. Von raised his sword, meeting the creature's attack in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact made his arms tremble, and he struggled to push the Wulfang back.
A nearby guard quickly moved to his side, adding his strength to the parry. With a combined effort, they managed to disengage, and Von seized the opportunity to swing a quick slash at the creature.
The blade connected with the Wulfang's grotesque mane, slicing off a few of the bony spikes, but failing to penetrate its thick hide. The Wulfang snarled, unfazed, and darted back into the trees.
While everyone was focused on the right flank attack, the last Wulfang emerged from the left. Seeing the others retreating, the creature turned its attention to Bestiel. It leaped, aiming for the cleric's exposed neck, flying toward him with deadly intent. But before it could reach him, Clara slid into view, her greatsword already held high above her head. In one swift motion, she brought the heavy blade down in a powerful overhead slash, cleaving the Wulfang's head. The creature collapsed to the ground without a sound.
Clara quickly scanned the area, her eyes assessing the situation. One Wulfang lay dead at her feet. The others had retreated into the dense foliage.
"They're smart…" she observed, her voice low and cautious. "They're using the trees to their advantage." She turned to the group, her gaze sweeping over each of them. "Stay alert. They could be circling back."
Silence stretched over the clearing. Von gripped his sword tighter, eyes darting between bushes. The other guards shifted nervously, weapons ready. Even the forest seemed to hold its breath—no bird calls, no rustling leaves. Only the faint whisper of wind through branches.
What were they waiting for?
The quiet shattered. A rustle from multiple bushes erupted simultaneously. Three Wulfangs burst from the undergrowth, all targeting Mora, who was at the rear of the group.
"Mora! Behind you!" Clara shouted, immediately sprinting towards Mora's position.
"Air Cutter!" Von yelled, executing a quick sword art. A visible crescent of energy flew through the air, striking one of the Wulfangs mid-leap. The creature yelped and was thrown off course, tumbling to the ground.
Clara reached the other Wulfang just as it was about to reach Mora. She swung her greatsword in a powerful upward slash, connecting with the creature while it was still in the air. Its head was sent flying, but its body, still carrying momentum, crashed to the ground near Mora.
The last Wulfang, however, managed to reach Mora before anyone could intervene. It lunged, its jaws snapping shut on her leg with tremendous force. The creature shook its head violently, trying to tear a chunk of flesh from Mora's leg. She had intended to fire her crossbow before the bite, but it was too late. Releasing the weapon, Mora, despite the searing pain, focused on following the Wulfang's head movements, trying to minimize the tearing force. Her Hunter's instinct told her that any resistance would only worsen the situation, one wrong move would cause her to lose the limb entirely.
A dim green light enveloped Mora. Bestiel, his face pale with concentration, was casting a healing spell to staunch the bleeding and ease the pain.
A quick flash, a reflection of polished metal. Clara's greatsword, having dispatched the other Wulfang, had returned with brutal efficiency. The Wulfang's head was now separated from its body, the bite slowly losing its grip. The severed head dropped to the ground, remaining still.
Clara immediately knelt beside Mora, her expression concerned. She quickly examined the bite wound, her brow furrowed.
"It's a deep bite," she said, her voice grim. "But Bestiel's healing is helping. Can you move it?"
Before Mora could answer, Clara turned her head, issuing a sharp command.
"Bestiel, continue healing her! Everyone else, stand guard!"
Bestiel nodded, his hands glowing with a soft green light as he continued his incantations. The other guards, along with Von and Honka, formed a tight circle around Mora and Bestiel, their weapons raised and ready.
The group stood guard for a tense few minutes, the only sounds the rustling of leaves and Bestiel's quiet chanting. Slowly, the green light around Mora faded, and the wound on her leg began to close.
Mora cautiously shifted her weight onto the injured leg, wincing slightly. She then took a few tentative steps, testing its strength. Finally, she nodded, a small smile appearing on her face. She retrieved her crossbow from the ground and sheathed it on her back.
"Three on one… that wasn't fair," Mora remarked dryly.
Clara nodded, her expression serious.
"They couldn't take us out separately, so they targeted one instead," she observed. "They're either very intelligent… or there's someone or something herding them." She glanced around at the dense foliage. "We should move quickly. This area is too easy for an ambush."
---
Back in the village, villagers remained indoors, peering nervously out of their windows. The square sat empty. Only occasional whispers and distant insect sounds broke the quiet.
Vel paced restlessly near the window opening, watching the sky slowly turn dark. His small hands gripped the wooden sill as he strained to see any sign of the guards returning. Occasionally, a village guard would pass by on patrol, but otherwise the streets lay deserted. The waiting gnawed at him.
Behind him, his mother and Landre sat by the small hearth, their voices low but clear in the cramped space.
"If they don't close that portal…" Landre's voice trailed off, choked with emotion.
"The Chief said…" his mother began, her voice trembling slightly. "…he said if it stays open much longer… the creatures… they'll overwhelm us."
"We have to pray they succeed," Landre said quietly.
If they fail… it's over. The portal could escalate into a regional disaster. This village… everyone… they'll be… He couldn't even bring himself to complete the thought.
Vel turned from the window, frustration burning in his chest. Is he supposed to sit still, knowing what might happen? Everyone else could afford to wait and pray, but he understood the real threat.
His mind snapped back to yesterday's pursuit. The Seer—right, Vel had meant to speak with him yesterday, before the adventurers arrived. Now the guards were focused on the walls and his family was inside. This was his chance.
He slipped out the door, moving carefully through the deserted street. Only faint lamplight spilled from the windows of the houses. He hurried toward the Seer's hut, promising himself a quick return. His small child's body made it easier to stay unnoticed in every shadow. A moment later, Vel arrived at the Seer's hut.
The hut was small and unassuming, built of rough-hewn logs and covered with a thick thatch roof. It was built around a large, ancient oak tree that grew within the village walls, its thick branches extending over the roof like protective arms.
Vel paused before knocking, studying the ancient oak. He hesitated, then raised a small hand to knock on the wooden door.
"Enter…child," a voice called from within.
Vel paused, surprised. He hadn't even knocked yet. He pushed the door open, revealing the interior of the hut.
Simple furnishings filled the small space—a bed, table, and a few chairs against bare walls where rough-hewn logs peeked through thin plaster. Vel's eyes found the crystal ball first, sitting in a brass stand on the table, its surface faintly gleaming.
Then he saw the Seer himself. The old man sat cross-legged on a worn cushion in the center of the room, eyes closed and hands palms-up on his knees. A smooth, dark stone rested in his right hand, pulsing faintly as he meditated.
Vel had always imagined the Seer as part of a group, based on the Chief's previous mentions. But there was only this one old man, meditating on a small cushion.
"The… Resonance… we felt it," the Seer said, his voice low and steady, without opening his eyes. "The… Breach… it widens."
The Seer was ancient, his wrinkled face carved by time and visions. His faded blue robes draped loosely on his thin frame. Despite his age, he emanated stillness and peace. The dark stone pulsed faintly in his hand, like a source of subtle power.
Vel's gaze flicked to the stone. He recognized it instantly. In Aeonalus, it was called a 'Jewel of Potency.' It enhanced passive abilities, but its power was finite. It had a reuse time of about three in-game days.
Why would the Seer use such a costly artifact for routine sensing? Vel wondered. Something this powerful was meant for critical moments, not regular meditation.
"What else do you sense?" Vel asked, tilting his head slightly, his voice hesitant but curious.
The Seer remained still, the faint light behind him pulsing gently. "You," he said, his voice low and resonant. "You are something else. Beyond the Breach. Beyond… any Breach."
Vel felt his skin prickle, despite the strange warmth in the room. The Seer's words were unsettling, directed at him so directly. What does he mean, "beyond any Breach"?
"Me?" Vel asked, his voice barely a whisper. "I… I don't understand."
The Seer finally opened his eyes. They were milky white, almost completely devoid of pupils, yet they seemed to see right through Vel, piercing to something deeper. "The… Tessellation… of fate… it is complex," he said. "Threads… woven… from different… Realms. You… you are a thread… out of place. A… Knot… that should not be."
The Seer's expression grew distant and otherworldly, as if something beyond the old man was speaking through him. "You… will… understand," he said. "You… will… as you… will… create… destroy."
As he finished speaking, the faint glow emanating from the dark stone in his hand dimmed, then vanished. The Seer's milky white eyes flickered, then returned to a normal, albeit aged, black. The otherworldly presence that had filled the room receded, leaving behind a seemingly ordinary old man looking at him with a mixture of confusion and concern.
Vel's mind reeled. The Seer's words echoed in his head: creator… destroyer… a Knot that should not be… What did it all mean? And that gaze… it felt like the Seer had seen right through him, had seen Giri himself, not Vel.
"Are you… alright?" the old man asked. "You look… pale."
"What did you mean?" Vel asked. "What… what did you see?"
The old man blinked, his brow furrowed as if trying to recall something. He rubbed his forehead with a wrinkled hand. "I…" he began. "I was… meditating. My usual routine. A way… that all Seers… have used… to sense… the… Kv'a… the ebb and flow… of danger."
He paused, his gaze drifting towards the crystal ball on the table. "It is… a way to alert the village… should… any… Duk'e… approach. Any… threat." He looked back at Vel. "Sometimes… we remember… the… Z'uth… we perceive. Sometimes…" He trailed off, shaking his head slightly. "Sometimes… we do not. It is… the will of Tir… to grant us… what we… should… know."
"Tir," the Seer repeated. "One of the Inner Gods. The one who… unveils… what is… hidden. The one who… grants… Z'uth… to those who… seek it."
"So… what did you remember?" Vel asked, bringing the Seer back to the present.
The Seer blinked again, his eyes focusing on Vel. "I remember… a wave… of darkness," he said slowly. "Getting closer… then… a sphere… of light… flickering."
He paused, his brow furrowed deeply. "I remember… a thread… snapped. Then… a Knot… forming… a new… thread."
"What does that mean?" Vel asked softly.
The Seer blinked, his expression clearing as the mystical trance faded. "The threads of fate are woven into the fabric of this world," he said, his voice becoming more steady and coherent. "Each life, a thread. Each choice, a weave. But some threads are not meant to be."
Vel's heart quickened. A snapped thread. A new knot. The language sounded eerily familiar—like the mechanics of a program encountering a fatal error.
Vel was supposed to be dead. If that's true, then… the new knot… it's me.
The Seer's voice brought him back to the moment. "You… child… are tied to this anomaly. Whatever lies beyond the Breach… it is connected to you."
Vel blinked rapidly, the words settling heavily in his chest. He opened his mouth to respond but found no words. The Seer's calm, unyielding gaze felt like it was piercing through him.
"What… should I do?" Vel whispered.
The Seer leaned back. "The Knot… must be untangled," he said cryptically. "But how… remains unclear."
"That's everything?" Vel asked
"All… I can… recall… for now," the Seer replied.
Vel, observing the Seer's vague responses, began to formulate his own line of questioning. He needed concrete data, verifiable facts. The Seer's cryptic pronouncements were interesting, but ultimately useless without context.
"The Breach," Vel corrected himself, adopting the Seer's terminology. "What did it look like? Where is it? When did it appear?"
The Seer's voice shifted, the cryptic tone fading, replaced by the weary cadence of an old man recounting a familiar task. "It was… five days ago, actually. My last Seer routine. Through it, we discovered a… disruption… in the air. It was just… a violet incision, like… a wobbly tear… of space."
"Violet?!"
The Seer paused, rubbing his eyes. "Yesterday, before the adventurers arrived, I went to check with the Chief. Something… changed."
"What was it like yesterday?" Vel asked.
The Seer's eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled the vision. "The portal… it was… vibrating more… violently," he said. "Like… a vortex… sparking… shooting out of it."
Vel's breath caught as he processed the description. Vibrating violently. Sparks. A vortex. Violet. The terms rattled in his mind like pieces of a puzzle, fitting together with dreadful clarity.
This is bad. Really bad. Vel understood instantly. Violet portals were far more dangerous than the basic ones. Five days of escalation meant this had grown into something that required a full coordinated assault team.
Clara might be able to handle it. Honka's strong enough. But Bestiel and Mora... they're not equipped for this level of threat. This won't end well.
Vel swallowed hard, his throat dry. This isn't just bad… this is a disaster waiting to happen.
Vel looked down at his small fists, clenching them tightly. I need to do something, he thought, a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. The village is in trouble.
"What can I do?" he murmured to himself. "No one will listen to me. Vel is just a kid."
He stared at the ground, frustration bubbling inside him. What could he possibly do to make a difference?
The Seer. People will listen to him. He's trusted.
He took a steadying breath. If I can guide him to see what I see—what I know—maybe he can help convince the others.
Vel took a deep breath, pushing the hesitation aside. He stepped toward the Seer, who sat calmly within the dimly lit hut, the shadows of the flickering lantern dancing across his aged face.
"Seer…" Vel began, his voice steady despite the storm of thoughts in his head. "Why haven't you questioned me? I've been speaking about the portal and dangers, but you haven't once asked how I know these things."
The Seer's eyes, piercing yet gentle, met his. He sat in silence for a moment, as if weighing his response carefully. Then, he spoke, his voice low but firm, resonating with conviction.
"I worship Tir," the Seer said, folding his hands in front of him. "Tir guides me, shows me what I should do and what I should not. It is Tir who draws me, like a steady current pulling me toward the divine."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze never wavering from Vel's. "But you… you are not Tir."
The Seer continued, his tone softening yet still filled with wonder. "And yet, I feel the same pull toward you. That same unmistakable attraction. Something about you, child, draws my spirit like no other."
The Seer sat back, his expression contemplative. "I cannot explain it. But whatever it is, it compels me to listen. To watch. To trust."
Vel stared at the Seer, unsure why this old man trusted him so completely. But he couldn't afford to question it now.
Vel took a small step forward, his hands clenched tightly by his sides. "I need your help, Seer." He hesitated for only a moment before continuing, his voice steady. "Our village is in danger. The adventurers might not succeed in their task. We need everyone to prepare for the worst."
The Seer's expression didn't waver.
"We need to warn them," Vel urged, his voice growing more resolute. "The people trust you. They'll listen to you. If we wait too long, it might be too late."
"What do you need me to do?" the Seer asked.
Vel drew a breath, his small frame almost trembling with the weight of the moment. "Tell everyone about your premonition," he said firmly, his eyes locking with the Seer's. "The wave of darkness. The flicker of light. We need everyone to evacuate."
The Seer leaned back slightly, his expression unchanging, though his eyes held a spark of curiosity. "Evacuation…" he murmured, the word heavy with implication.
"If the adventurers fail—and they might—the portal could unleash something unstoppable," Vel pressed. "The village needs to be ready. They need to know what's at stake."
The Seer was silent for a long moment, his weathered hands folding and unfolding as he weighed Vel's words.
"The wave of darkness… the flicker of light," he repeated softly. "Premonitions are sacred, child, not to be spoken lightly. They hold truths that even I do not fully grasp. To share such a vision risks sowing fear, confusion… chaos."
He looked at Vel, his eyes narrowing slightly, though not in suspicion. It was a look of assessment, as though he were trying to measure something unseen within the boy. "But you speak of more than just warning them. You want them to act—to abandon their homes, their livelihoods. You want them to trust me enough to do the unthinkable."
"Yes. If we wait until the portal grows unstable, it might be too late. The people will look to you for guidance. They believe in you."
The Seer exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment. "Tir guides me," he murmured. "But this… this decision is mine to bear."
When he opened his eyes again, there was a clarity to them, a resolve that hadn't been there before. "I will do as you ask, child. But understand this—if I speak of such things, it will shake the village to its core. There will be those who resist, those who question me."
"That's why we need to act now," Vel urged. "The sooner they hear it, the sooner we can begin preparing."
The Seer straightened his robe, his expression heavy but resolute. "I will see the matter with the Chief," he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality.
Vel gave a small nod, stepping aside as the Seer reached for the door. The cool night air rushed in as they exited the hut together, the village bathed in the dim light of the crescent moon. For a moment, the quiet seemed almost peaceful, a contrast to the storm of uncertainty brewing within Vel's mind.
The Seer placed a hand on Vel's shoulder, briefly meeting his gaze. "Your courage is rare for one so young. May it serve us well in what lies ahead."
With that, the Seer began walking toward the Chief's residence, his figure disappearing into the night.
* * *
Von gripped his sword tightly, his knuckles pale under the flickering light of the torches. The air around the portal crackled faintly, an unnatural hum that seemed to vibrate deep in his chest. The swirling mass of energy pulsed and twisted, its colors shifting between shades of green and violet, casting eerie reflections on the surrounding trees.
"This thing is unnatural," Von muttered, his voice low and tense. "I don't care what the Guild says. It shouldn't even exist."
"You're not wrong," Mora said, crouched near the edge of the clearing. Her sharp eyes scanned the perimeter, her hand never straying far from the crossbow strapped to her hip. "But it does. So we deal with it."
The burly monk, Honka, let out a low chuckle as he cracked his knuckles. "It's just a hole, Von. Looks scary, sure, but it's nothing we can't handle."
Von shot him a glare. "You think it's that simple? You haven't lived here. You don't know what these things bring."
Bestiel, the Silver-ranked Cleric, stepped forward cautiously, his robe brushing against the tall grass. "The energy it's emitting… it's unstable. More than I expected for something this size."
"Which means," Clara interjected, her tone calm but sharp, "we need to act quickly. The longer it stays open, the worse this will get."
Von turned to face her, his expression hard. "And what if you're wrong? What if it doesn't just collapse? What if something comes through?"
Clara's gaze didn't waver. "Then we fight."
The hum of the portal grew louder, a faint pulse of light radiating outward as though it were reacting to their presence. All of them tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons.
"You'd better hope you're ready for that," Von said grimly, his eyes fixed on the swirling energy.
Clara stepped forward, her greatsword glinting faintly in the distorted light of the portal. She turned to face the group, her expression sharp and commanding.
"Let's not waste time," she said, her voice cutting through the hum of the portal.
"We're going in. The rest of you stand guard outside."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over them. "Nothing comes in. And if something comes out that's not us... you know what to do."
Von rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, his jaw tightening. He gave a sharp nod.
"Understood."
Clara didn't wait for further acknowledgment. She turned and approached the portal, her armored boots crunching softly against the grass. The shifting light of the portal cast an eerie glow over her as she stepped inside. A subsonic vibration pulsed outward as she vanished completely.
"Stay sharp," Mora muttered, glancing at Von as she adjusted the straps of her crossbow.
She gave him a brief nod before stepping into the portal. The air rippled with a deeper resonance as the swirling energy folded around her.
Honka grinned as he rolled his shoulders. "Don't worry, Von. We'll handle whatever's on the other side."
He strode confidently into the swirling void. The portal flared brighter, and a powerful thrumming pulsed through the ground beneath their feet.
Bestiel lingered for a moment. He met Von's gaze, his voice softer than the others. "Keep them safe."
Without waiting for a reply, he stepped forward. A gentler pulse shivered through the clearing as he disappeared, the energies settling back to their constant hum.
Then the portal changed. Its swirling colors flattened into a dull, metallic sheen. The surface became perfectly still, no longer reacting to movement or sound. It looked sealed, as if no one else could enter.
Von's fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword as he turned to face the remaining guards. Behind him, the sealed portal cast a cold, unmoving glow on the trees.
"Stay alert," Von ordered, his voice steady.
The guards nodded silently, spreading out to form a defensive perimeter around the portal. Von took up position at the forefront, his sword drawn and ready. The weight of it felt reassuring in his hands as he stared at the motionless surface.
The night was still, the portal's ominous silence the only sound. For now, all they could do was wait.
* * *
Vel followed closely behind the Seer as they approached the Chief's residence. The grand wooden house sat on a slight hill overlooking the square, its windows dark despite the lanterns flickering around its perimeter.
The Seer's footsteps were steady but quick, his resolve evident in the way he moved. Vel, struggling to keep up with his shorter legs, felt a growing sense of urgency. This has to work, he thought. The Chief has to listen.
But when they reached the door, the house was eerily quiet. The Seer knocked firmly, his knuckles rapping against the thick wood.
There was no response.
Vel frowned, glancing up at the Seer. "Where is he?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The Seer's expression tightened. He knocked again, harder this time. The sound echoed in the still night, but no answer came.
"You there!" the Seer called, turning to a pair of guards stationed nearby. "Where is the Chief? Why is his house dark?"
The guards exchanged uneasy glances before one of them stepped forward, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "The Chief has left the village," he said, his tone guarded.
Vel's heart sank. "What do you mean he's left?" he blurted out, unable to contain the rising frustration in his voice.
The guard hesitated, then replied, "He received urgent news and had to return to Lona. Something to do with his responsibilities as a noble."
"And he just left?" The Seer's voice, though calm, carried a sharp edge. "He abandoned the village in the face of danger?"
The second guard, looking uncomfortable, added, "He took most of his belongings. Left in a hurry. Said it couldn't wait."
Vel clenched his fists, his chest tightening with anger. "He ran away," he said, his voice low but trembling. "He left us to deal with the portal while he ran to safety."