"97."
"98."
"99."
"100!" Kyro exclaimed, his voice echoing through the dense forest as he swung his axe one final time, embedding it deep into the sturdy trunk of a towering tree.
After a brief rest back at Pinehollow, Kyro returned to the forest that afternoon, determined to hone his axe skills further. Though he still lacked the ability to wield aether, he was resolute in finding ways to enhance his combat prowess in the present moment.
With a sigh, Kyro drove his axe into the ground and took a moment to catch his breath, the cool forest air filling his lungs as he prepared to resume his training.
"I'll admit… not being able to use aether makes me feel inferior compared to everyone else. But I can't let that stop the curiosity that lingers within my heart."
"And those voices from earlier… what were they? My memories?"
"It sounded as if people were in desperate need… pleading with me for something."
With renewed determination, Kyro rose to his feet, gripping his axe tightly as he prepared to train once more.
"Either way, I have more reason than ever to embark on this journey. So many questions… yet so few answers."
Kyro began swinging his axe again, sharpening his physical combat skills during his downtime.
Meanwhile, back in the village…
Hunter gazed curiously at the towering blue crystal he had first noticed when he and Kyro arrived.
"What a massive aetherite crystal… I wonder what it's doing here."
As Hunter approached, an almost invisible barrier halted his advance, leaving him puzzled.
"Strange… why is there a shield around this crystal? Perhaps it's to prevent people from exploiting it for their own gain?"
"But that raises another question: why do aether hunters pursue people instead, if such a crystal exists here? Surely they could harness its power to gather more aether for themselves."
"Hey, old man," called Tharic from a distance as he strolled back into the village.
Hunter turned, surprised. "Ah, Tharic, where have you been all this time?"
"Just tending to some personal matters. But I should be asking you, what are you doing with that aetherite crystal?"
"Oh this? I was merely curious. I've never seen anything like it before, so I decided to investigate. Do you know anything about it?"
Tharic approached Hunter, explaining, "I couldn't tell you much other than that they appeared from the ground suddenly, months ago. From what I've gathered, these crystals slowly stimulate aether back into the surrounding areas."
"Over time, the increase in aether flow has been noticeably significant in the village. However, it's still far from what we would consider normal levels."
"I'm curious. Why don't aether hunters target this enormous crystal? Shouldn't it yield more aether for them than hunting people?"
Tharic shook his head. "I'm not sure. It's something I've been trying to figure out as well."
Hunter stroked his chin, deep in thought. "Interesting. Well, thank you regardless."
Tharic nodded and walked back toward his home, presumably to rest after a long day.
Hunter returned to pondering Tharic's remarks.
"A crystal that can restore aether to the area, but aether hunters don't pursue it? Something doesn't feel quite right…"
Suddenly, Hunter recalled something he wanted to ask Tharic.
"Ah, wait, I knew I forgot something. Let me catch him before it's too late."
Back at Kyro's training grounds that evening…
"Kyro!" shouted Oliver from a distance, returning from his earlier errand.
Kyro turned around, surprised to see Oliver approaching.
"Oliver! What brings you out here?"
"I was running some errands for a while. How are you doing? I heard you were unconscious from practicing your aether skills."
"Yeah, I'm alright," Kyro replied.
"For some reason, no matter how hard I try, I'm unable to use aether. Not even Hunter knows what's going on."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," said Oliver, placing a comforting hand on Kyro's shoulder as he walked closer.
"If that's the case, maybe you should consider staying with Hunter at the Inn instead of going on your adventure. I'm sure he could use some help, and you—"
Kyro interrupted firmly, "I can't do that. I must embark on this journey, not just for the people of Sylmora, but for myself."
"But Kyro, I don't think you understand the dangers—"
"Well then, I'll find out for myself. I refuse to shy away from the challenges ahead, even if it takes forever," Kyro declared confidently, recalling Hunter's words from their training.
"Power or not, I'm going."
Oliver saw the fierce determination in Kyro's eyes, reminiscent of the stubbornness he had witnessed in his earlier conversation with Hunter. Realizing there was nothing he could do to dissuade him, Oliver said,
"If I can't stop you, then I won't. But promise me this, Kyro: you must return if things get tough."
Kyro nodded in agreement. "I promise."
Oliver felt a wave of relief wash over him, glad to see some understanding between them.
"When do you plan to set off on your grand adventure?"
"I plan to leave tomorrow at dawn," Kyro replied, determination in his voice.
"Perfect. I'll have something ready for you by then," Oliver said with a grin.
"Huh? What is it?"
"You'll find out tomorrow," Oliver teased.
Tomorrow at dawn…
As Kyro prepared for his big day, Oliver emerged from the house carrying a large box.
"Here you go, Kyro," Oliver said with a smile.
Curious, Kyro opened the box to reveal an assortment of clothes and new garments, each piece carefully selected.
"During my errands, I made sure to get you some new clothes before you set out on your adventure. Try them on and let me know what you think!"
"Wow, thank you so much, Oliver!" Kyro exclaimed, excitement bubbling within him as he hurried to try on the new clothes.
As he changed, Oliver approached Hunter, who was seated at the dining table, sipping a cup of coffee.
"Are you really going back to Willow?"
Hunter looked down at his coffee and replied, "Yeah. I'm sure."
Oliver sighed, noticing that Hunter had not changed his mind at all. Just then, Tharic walked over from his bedroom, fully geared and looking ready for an adventure.
"What are you doing up so early and dressed like that?" Oliver asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"I'm going with that fool," Tharic replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
Oliver was taken aback. "You're going?! With Kyro?"
Tharic nodded, and Hunter smiled at this unexpected turn of events.
"You've made your decision, huh?" Hunter remarked, taking another sip of his coffee.
"But why? This is all so sudden," Oliver questioned, confusion etched on his face.
"The old man talked me into it," Tharic shrugged, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
***
Yesterday afternoon at the house…
Hunter opened the front door, relieved to find Tharic sitting at the table, sipping a glass of juice.
"Old man?" Tharic said, glancing up at him.
"Good to see you're still here," Hunter said. "I have one more question to ask you. Rather, a favor."
Tharic set down his glass of juice, intrigued. "What is it?"
"Go on the adventure with Kyro."
Tharic's eyes widened. "What? You can't be serious, can you?"
Hunter's expression remained serious. "I'm very serious. Please, I'm asking you."
"Why would I join a fool on his journey? Just take him—"
"Listen," Hunter interrupted. "I know his idea may be foolish, but he's determined to go. Nothing I or you can do will change that."
"Then why don't you go with him? I heard from my father that you were once an adventurer long ago," Tharic challenged.
Hunter clenched his right fist slowly. "I cannot… for reasons that would take too long to explain."
Tharic stood up, grabbing his spear from the wall. "Well, that sounds like your problem, doesn't it?"
Hunter replied quickly, "And yours as well. I've been watching you. Even though you act harshly to stop him, it's coming from a good place, isn't it? You don't want him to get hurt."
Tharic paused, realizing Hunter was right.
"Exactly. I've done my part. If he still won't listen, what more can I do?"
"You were powerless to save your mother before. But now that you have power… you're unwilling to help someone who has none?"
Tharic glared sharply, the mention of his mother igniting anger within him.
"Don't you dare talk about my mother like that."
"I'm just saying… deep down, you know it would hurt you even more, knowing you had the chance to save someone you cared about, and you chose to walk away."
Tharic stormed outside, gripping his spear tightly.
"I could care less about feelings. Whatever he wants to do, I'm not involved. Now if you'll excuse me."
Hunter watched Tharic walk away, feeling powerless to change his stubborn decision.
"Just think about it, Tharic."
Tharic continued walking, waving his hand dismissively, signaling that he didn't care. Hunter sighed and returned inside, seeking rest.
"I hope he comes around…"
Tharic stormed into the forest, grappling with Hunter's words.
"Pfft… helping that idiot? Who does this old man think he is, telling someone to risk their life for this—"
Tharic halted his thoughts as he spotted Kyro training relentlessly, sweat glistening on his brow as he swung his axe with unwavering determination. To avoid being seen, Tharic leaped into a nearby tree, watching Kyro's training from above.
"Why is he so persistent about risking his life out there? Doesn't he understand the dangers that lurk in this country? Especially after his earlier incident?"
"He doesn't even possess any aethereal power. What is wrong with him?"
Kyro swung his axe one last time into the tree before taking a break, panting heavily.
"This is going to be tough… but I must keep going," Kyro said, breathless after an intense training session under the blazing sun.
Frustration bubbled within Tharic as he watched Kyro. "Just stop, this is just—"
"Besides…" Kyro continued, "even if it's only a little, that difference can hopefully be what it takes to change the hearts of many."
Tharic's eyes widened, struck by Kyro's words, which echoed a conversation he had with his mother long ago.
***
About two years ago…
"Mother, what's wrong?" Tharic asked, noticing the concerned expression on his mother's face as she sat at the dining table.
Marcel turned to Tharic, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Nothing is wrong… but I witnessed those aether hunters kill another one of our villagers. How much longer must this slaughter between our own countrymen continue?"
"Mother, come on. Our country is just so hopeless. I just wish father would have us move elsewhere already…" groaned Tharic.
Marcel shook her head. "Abandoning citizens who need our help would do us no good. It pains me to see such suffering… and I wish others could see that as well. We should be uniting, not killing one another, especially during these tumultuous times."
She beckoned Tharic closer, placing her hand gently on his head. "If only I were as strong as you, I would go and help as many as I could during this trying time."
Tharic looked at her. "Stronger or not, I doubt that would make a difference in this godforsaken world."
Marcel chuckled softly. "The last thing this world needs is more destruction and suffering. Even if it's just a little difference, that's all it can take to hopefully change people's hearts."
***
"Mother…" Tharic thought as he gazed at Kyro.
He continued to reflect on Hunter's words and the conversation with his mother. "Perhaps I am running away from that fear… the fear of witnessing someone I care about being killed right in front of me again."
Kyro rose once more to resume his swinging practice, but before he did, he uttered one last thought that caught Hunter's attention:
"And I need to figure out what to make of those voices and dreams I had."
"Voices? Dreams? What is he talking about?" Hunter pondered curiously.
"There seems to be more to his motivation than just saving people."
Tharic perched on a tree branch, contemplating his next move deeper into the forest.
"I can't believe I'm about to listen to the old man on this…" Tharic thought, giving a sly smile as he leaped from tree to tree, venturing deeper into the forest.
***
Back to the present moment…
"I see," Oliver said, his expression tinged with worry.
"Well, be sure to take care of yourself. The last thing—"
"I'll be fine, don't worry, Father. The question is, will you be fine now that I am away?" Tharic asked, concern lacing his voice.
"I'll be fine, don't worry. I may be a merchant, but I have my ways," Oliver reassured him.
Footsteps echoed from the opposite end of the house as Kyro made his way to the dining hall, clad in his new garments. He wore a sleek, charcoal-black tunic adorned with subtle amethyst accents woven along the cuffs and collar—tones that mirrored the deep purple hue of his eyes. A muted silver belt cinched the tunic at his waist, supporting a side pouch and a small dagger with a polished hilt. His back bore the strap for his large, war-torn axe, while his trousers were fitted and tucked neatly into worn dark leather boots, freshly polished yet bearing the creases of past travels. Around his neck hung a simple pendant—his aetherite crystal.
Hunter gazed at him in amazement. "Oh, look at that. I guess our hero is ready to save the world now, aren't they?"
"I knew this would look good on you," Oliver grinned.
"How does it fit?"
"It fits quite nicely—just the right size," Kyro replied, a smile spreading across his face.
"Well, I have Hunter to thank for that," Oliver said, nodding toward Hunter.
Kyro smiled and turned to Tharic, teasing, "What are you doing dressed like that?"
Tharic crossed his arms, stating, "I'm coming with you. What else does it look like?"
Kyro was taken aback. "You're coming? With me?! But why? Weren't you the one against it?"
"I'll spare the details, but your old man here convinced me to go along with you," Tharic said, pointing at Hunter.
Hunter grinned. "Didn't want you to die so quickly now that I won't be accompanying you."
Kyro couldn't help but smile. "Well then, what are we waiting for?!"
"Not so fast," Tharic interjected. "We need to figure out where we're headed next."
"Oh right," Kyro said, slightly embarrassed.
"If you're determined to help others, I suggest heading northeast to the village of Ashcrest. Things have gotten really bad there over recent months. Besides, I have a parcel I've been meaning to deliver there but haven't found the time," Oliver suggested.
Tharic shook his head in disbelief. "There it is… I knew there was a catch somewhere…"
Kyro nodded eagerly. "Perfect, that sounds like a great idea."
Oliver went into another room and returned with a small parcel labeled 'Rena.'
"If you could find Rena and deliver this to her, I would greatly appreciate it," Oliver said.
Hunter's ears perked up hearing that name.
"Oh… Rena…"
***
"Hunter… are you sure you want to go through with this?" Ohrena gasped for breath as they both lay bloodied and beaten on the ground.
Hunter planted his axe into the ground as he slowly got up. His arms were bruised, and cuts covered his body—it was a surprise he could even stand. Tears rolled down his right cheek, seeing his close friend Wolf lying lifeless a little ahead of him.
A strange white-robed figure descended, bloodstains everywhere on his clothes. A hood covered his head, as well as a mysterious mask covering his face.
Ohrena cried out, "Hunter, please!"
***
"Hunter, are you alright?" asked Kyro, seeing Hunter lost in thought.
Hunter shook his head. "Forgive me for spacing out. I'm alright. I was just thinking of someone else when I heard the name, that's all."
Kyro looked at Hunter with worry before taking the parcel and tucking it into his belt bag.
Oliver then spread a map across the table, indicating their route. He pointed to Pinehollow village, located northwest of Willow on the west side of the country.
"We are currently here."
Oliver then pointed to a destination further northeast.
"And this is where you want to go. If you take the northern route, you should eventually find your way to Ashcrest."
"But be warned, aether hunters will likely be lurking around. So, take care as you journey forward."
"We will, Father. Don't worry about us now that I'm here," Tharic assured him.
Kyro turned to Hunter, asking, "You're going back to the village, I suppose?"
"That's correct. I should head back with you guys to spare myself the long journey ahead," Hunter replied, finishing his coffee before rising from his seat.
"Well, what are we waiting for? We should get going if the old man is leaving now too," Tharic urged.
Hunter approached Tharic and Kyro, instructing them to extend their hands. He placed a potion vial in each of their palms.
"Consider this a parting gift as I wish you the best on your journey. This vial will heal all wounds instantly, restoring you to full strength. It should come in handy."
Kyro and Tharic both nodded in gratitude for the potion vial.
As Hunter moved toward the front of the house, Kyro and Tharic followed closely behind.
"Take care, you guys. And remember our promise, Kyro," Oliver called out, waving goodbye.
Kyro smiled. "Of course!"
Outside the house, Hunter prepared to bid farewell to Kyro before returning to manage the Inn.
"This is where we part ways for now. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Visit me at the Inn whenever you can; I'd love to hear about your adventures," Hunter said, extending his hand for a fist bump.
Kyro met his hand with a fist bump. "Yeah, I'll make sure to do that! Take care of yourself and the Inn in the meantime."
Hunter nodded, then turned to Tharic, smiling in gratitude for his decision to accompany Kyro. Tharic noticed the smile but chose to look away, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Well, off you go, and so will I. I'll see you down the road," Hunter waved, turning to walk into the forest leading back to Willow Village.
Both Tharic and Kyro turned toward the path leading north, ready to journey to Ashcrest.
As Hunter walked through the forest, he began to reflect on the conversation he had with Oliver earlier…
____________________________________________________________________________
Oliver sat down quietly, eyes scanning Hunter's tired expression. "Hey… do you mind if I sit? There's something personal I've been meaning to ask. It's about Kyro."
Hunter glanced at him, curious but guarded. "What is it?"
Oliver leaned forward slightly. "I may not know what really happened ten years ago… but I've seen the way it's haunted you. You've been cold, distant, and miserable ever since. But now, with Kyro, I see traces of something I thought was lost. You're more alive than you've been in years."
Hunter didn't reply. Oliver pressed on.
"I don't know the full story. But I hope you've thought about staying with him, traveling with him. He brings out something in you… something good."
Hunter let out a breath that trembled at the end. "I won't lie. The boy has reminded me of things I thought were long gone. Hope. Purpose. Even peace."
A long pause.
"But I made a vow ten years ago. A promise I will never break."
Oliver's eyes narrowed, confused. "What kind of promise?"
Hunter looked away, his voice now distant. "One only I can understand."
Oliver was silent, respecting the boundary, but the concern never left his face.
"Still," he said gently, "shutting yourself away isn't living. You can't spend forever hiding in the ashes of that day."
Hunter remained still, silence falling like a heavy curtain. His mind drifted once more—back to the fire, back to the screams, back to the moment it all broke.
***
Ten Years Ago…
Blood stained the earth as Hunter staggered, broken but standing.Across from him, Ohrena wept, lying on the ground badly injured.
"Yes…" Hunter whispered through gritted teeth, tears cutting through the grime on his face. "If this is the only way to stop this monster, I'll do what I must. Now go, Ohrena. Take Wolf and run!"
Using what little strength she had left, Ohrena bolted toward the boy.
But before she could take another step, the figure in white raised a hand.
"Where do you think you're going, little dove?" he sneered.
In an instant, black spikes erupted from the earth—piercing Ohrena's body in a dozen places.
"OHRENA!!!" Hunter's scream tore through the night like thunder.
She stood for a moment longer… then collapsed. Lifeless. Blood soaking the soil.
Rage. Despair. All of it surged within Hunter like a storm. He gripped his axe so tightly that his palms split open, blood trickling down the handle. His vision blurred—not from tears, but from memory. He saw Sylmoria… the people… their warmth. Their hope.
And he roared.
"You will not hurt them any longer!"
Hunter slammed his axe into the ground.
Flame Technique: Ember Cleave — Chasing Inferno!
A crack split the earth before him, roaring flames chasing the line like a living serpent. The mysterious figure leapt to dodge—only for the fire to bend, follow, and strike.
"Ugh!" the man snarled as the fire consumed him. "What a powerful move!"
Hunter didn't wait. He drove his axe blade-first into the ground and held it like a staff, breathing heavily.
"This is it…" he muttered. "Let's see if those ancient scriptures work."
Summoning Circle: Circle of Devouring Will!
A radiant white circle burst to life around him. Dozens of pale, ghostly hands erupted from the glow, stretching toward the figure still engulfed in flames.
"If the ancient scriptures were right, I can trap his soul inside my body, thereby killing us both, since a body can only handle one soul."
The hands dragged the man closer.
"No, not this!" he screamed, thrashing. "I can't die like this!"
"I'll take you down with me if I must," Hunter roared. "I won't let you destroy anyone else!"
His skin began to crack, energy searing through his veins as the forbidden technique took its toll. But he pushed forward.
"AHHHH!" Hunter screamed, forcing the spell through with everything he had—until the light consumed them both.
***
Hunter stared at his scarred hands, faint white lines tracing his palms, a haunting reminder of the price he paid.
No one knew the truth. No one could.
He had defied death itself. Broken the laws of nature. And somehow… he lived.
But he was never meant to.
"We kept fighting… again and again… thinking peace was just one more battle away," he whispered. "But peace never came."
His voice wavered, bitter.
"And then they died… for me. That was supposed to be the end."
He clenched his fists, the scars stretching taut over his knuckles.
"With my final breath, I made a vow—to die alongside the monster I sealed away. But here I am… still alive. And his soul still festers inside me."
His chest rose and fell with a quiet, bitter breath.
"I may have saved thousands… but I failed to protect the ones who mattered most. I promised to end it all—that monster and I—no matter the cost. But I broke that vow. He's still inside me. And I'm still breathing."
"That journey Kyro's on… it's not meant for someone like me. It belongs to those unburdened, to the whole and the free. Not to a man shackled by a broken promise, carrying a monster bound to his very body."
He squeezed his fists so hard that blood welled and dripped to the ground.
"A man who cannot keep his promise… has no right to walk beside others."
"Not until that monster dies with me… do I deserve to walk among the righteous."