Part 0: Pologue: The World of Names
A scream tore through the void.
"AAAAARGH—!"
A boy's voice cracks, it's raw with agony, however his crys were swallowed by the endless darkness around him. Pain wracked his body, burning deeper into his flesh, and searing into his very soul.
"It hurts… it hurts…!" His words trembled, and he choked between ragged breaths. "Why...? Why me…? WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!"
He fell deeper and deeper into the abyss. Then hellish flames licked onto his skin, scorching him from the inside out. There was nothing to grasp, nor was there an end in sight, theres only the suffocating heat, the relentless void, and the weight of his own suffering.
And just as the oblivion threatened to consume him whole. He awoke.
"GASP! COUGH! COUGH!" Gasping for air, his body jolted upright, drenched and coverd in cold sweat. His chest felt heavey, and the pain lingered on, while a hollow ache curled around his heart.
"Haa… hah… I-I'm alive…" He stared at the plam of his hands and paused, and as the wind blow he look up, into the gray clouded sky asking himself how...
"But how... how is this even possible?"
His nightmare was over.
Or so he thought.
Cause he had yet to realize the horrors awaiting him in a wakefulness would, would be far crueler. For in this world is not one of mercy. This world is one of many tales.
And many horrors, aswell.
"If I may, let me ask you a question. What is the most important thing in this world?"
Well... In this land, a name is more than a simple word.
It is an existence itself.
Woven into the very fabric of magic, names are the foundation of which life itselfs stands. And every single soul is born with a name, and with it, a purpose.
Those with a single name are know as Beings. They possess an ordinary level of magic power, however their strength variates by their ambition. Some live simple lives, while others take up the mantle of adventurers. Warriors, Mages, Rogues, ect. Brave souls perilous taking on quests, hunting monsters and uncovering ancient relics.
But among them... there also exist rarer souls. Those born with two names. They are known as Blessed Children.
They are gifted with immense magic power, their second name grants them abilities far greater than ordinary Beings. And they also wield relics of unimaginable strength, known as Aether Relics, sacred weapons forged to channel their unparalleled power. Scattered across the world, these type of Begins are as rare as the stars in the midnight sky, and those who bear them are believed to carry the weight of destiny itself.
However, not everyone in this world are born as equal. For there are those who are also born without a name.
They are known as Nulls, actul Beings without any magic power, and without a sin~gle purpose. They are shunned, feared, and cast aside by the world, their very existence is seen as an omen of misfortune. Cause to be nameless is to be nothing the world.
This world is vast and merciless, filled with monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows, beasts that prowl the forests, mountains, and forgotten ruins. Adventurers risk their lives to protect the fragile peace, but some things cannot be fought with steel alone.
And then there are legends of vanished races. Elves, demons, spirits, dragons, and ect. They are spoken of only as fairytales. Some believe they faded into obscurity. While others claim they can still exist, hidden from sight.
And in the midst of it all, a lone traveler sets forth on a journey, and thou nameless, abandoned, he went on searching for something no one else has ever thought to seek.
A Name.
And a purpose, also a reason to exist. His journey will uncover truths long buried, awaken forces long forgotten. For this is the tale of a soul in search of his fate.
A tale of revelations. A tale of a single Guardian.
Part 1: Within the Storm
Snowflakes fell in thick, and as relentless sheets whipped into a frenzy by howling winds. A lone wagon creaked and groaned as it pushed forward through the heavy snow, it's wheels struggling against the frostbitten path.
And inside the wagon, a group of young adventurers huddled together, as their breaths were visible in the frigid air while the storm raged on outside.
The driver, a grizzled old man, took a glance at his passengers. And he saw the adventurers sitting quietly inside his car, and the tension was thick. Thou old, he could scene the weight of their silence, so he decided to break it with some small talk.
"I must say, you lads sure are brave. I mean heading to Mount Draegnor at this time of the year, of all things." He shook his head because he know that it wasn't a very good idea. "So anyway, what kind of business do you have in those parts anyway?"
Then one of the adventurers… a young woman with long red hair and piercing crimson eyes, scowled the poor old man. "That's none of your business, old man," she snapped. "So do us a favour… and keep your mouth shut and your eyes on the road."
Her name was Raine, and she was a skilled adventurer known for her great sword technique and her short temper. And sitting beside her, was another young woman with golden hair and gentle blue eyes, she placed a calming hand on her 'friends' shoulder.
"Now, now, Raine," she chided softly. "He's just trying to be nice to use… that's all. So there's no need to bite his head off."
The old man chuckled, and was unfazed by Raine's harsh tone. "She's right I'm just curious, that's all. I've heard Mount Draegnor is crawling with high level dangerous monsters, so it's not exactly a place for a casual stroll."
That single remark only made Raine's temper flare further... "Like I already to told, you old fort. IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!"
She barked at him, and he was clearly irritated. Lyra sighed, shoke her head and tried to calm her down. "Raine please, that isn't very nice. Please stop."
Sitting across them, where their other party member, a young man named Thorne, smirked at her. His blonde hair was tousled, and his brown eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Raine, your true colours are showing again," he teased. "And honestly? It's not a very pretty look on you."
Raine clenched her fists in fury, and growled, "You want pretty?! I'll show you pretty, COME HERE!!"
She half-rose from her seat, and was ready to punch him in the face.
"Both of you stop it! Please!" Lyra interjected, rising her voice with frustration.
But before the argument could escalate any further between them, another voice cut through the tension… a calm yet commanding one.
"Enough,"
Said Galen, the leader of their party. His brown hair was slightly dishevelled, and his black eyes were sharp with authority. "Quit it."
Silence then instantly fell. The bickering between all of them ceased, and all their eyes turned to their leader. And under his firm gaze, the group reluctantly settled back into their seats.
The tension in the air slowly simmered down, Galen exhaled and then leaned forward, addressing the old driver. "If you must know why we're heading to Mount Draegnor. It's simple actually. We're on a hunt."
The old man met Galen's gaze, and slightly narrowing his eyes he took in the adventurer's unwavering determination. Then… without another word, he nodded his head and turned his focus back to the road ahead. The conversation ended there.
Outside, the wind howled like a wild beast in the night, snow swirled violently around them. And inside the wagon, the heavy silence returned, as they pressed onward, deeper into the heart of the storm, unaware of what awaited them ahead.
***
The wagon carrying the adventurers finally broke free of the grip of the raging blizzard, the biting winds of the snowstorm subsiding as they reached the base of Mount Draegnor. The towering peak loomed above them, it was sharp and foreboding against the dull grey sky.
The old man, with his weathered hands, pulled the reins on his horses to bring the wagon to a halt. And as he turned to the group inside, he spoke to them.
"Alright everyone, this is as far as I'm willing to take all of you."
His voice was gruff, but deep down… there was a hint of concern behind his words.
One by one, the whole party begin to disembark, all of them got out off the wagon their boots sank into the snow beneath their feet.
Galen stepped forward before the old driver and bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you for all your help. I am truly grateful for all your help."
The old man gave him a slight nod. "You're very welcome. Just... try to stay alive, and don't get yourselves killed, alright?"
Galen raised his head and replied with a smirk on his face, "We'll try, but I can't make you any promises."
Then… as he turned and walk away, the rest of his party members followed suit, each of them offering their own thanks. Thorne, ever the jokester he was, grinned his teeth at the old man.
"Well thanks for the ride, old man. It was a blast." Despite the cold at surround them… his smile was warm one.
Lyra, always so kind, added, "Thank you so much. And I hope we can cross paths once again in the future."
The old man nodded at her words, responding softly as he did, "As so do I."
And even Raine, who had shown nothing but rudeness towards the old man during their travel together earlier, meet his gaze, and gave him a small, respectful nod before turning to follow the others.
With that, all the adventurers and the driver both parted ways. And as the old man continued his journey back down the mountain path. The adventurers prepared each of themselves for the arduous climb ahead of them. Thus, their real adventure had just begun.
***
Hours passed as Galen's party made their way up the treacherous mountain, battling the harsh winds and deep snow. And eventually, they all managed to reach the canter of the mountain, where the path levelled out for a moment, allowing them to catch their breaths. The silence was… oppressive, only the faint whisper of the wind was their companion.
Thorne, who was always usually so light-hearted, couldn't shake off the feeling of unease growing within him. His eyes darting around the snow-covered landscape. And noticing his discomfort was Lyra, she placed her hand on his arm, and asked him.
"Thorne, is something wrong? You seem to be uneasy."
He frowned, and his breath was visible in the cold atmosphere. "No, it's just that... it's so quiet. Too quiet."
Raine, then also quickly had the same bad feeling… nodded her head in agreement.
"Yeah, something's definitely off here." As her senses sharpened, she took in the unnerving stillness. Her eyes scanned the surroundings area, searching for any sign of movement.
At the front of the group, Galen suddenly raised his hand, signalling all of them to stop. And as they all froze in their tracks, each of their senses where on high alert on that moment.
There then was a strange feeling in the air…there was a heavy and ominous presence that made the hair on the back of all of their necks stand on end. But… the only thing they could see was snow, stretching endlessly in every direction, as far as the eye could see.
Then in that moment, Thorne's eyes caught something within the far distance. His voice trembled… he pointed out what he saw. "U-uh... g-guys. What the hell is that?"
The entire group then turned their attention to where he was pointing, and their hearts all skipped a beat. As for what emerged from the snow was something, none of them had ever seen before.
"N-No way... T-this can't be..." Galen muttered to himself while his eyes wading in shock.
The others all stared in disbelief too... as they were all unable to comprehend the sight that was before them, they were all unable to move. Because before them, within the distance, loomed a sight like no other.
Thorne's hands trembled uncontrollably, and his voice was barely a whisper. "W-What the hell is going on? There is no way this is real. How... I mean how can this be real?"
His eyes darted frantically across the whole scene. "Why are there so many of them?"
What they all saw was on that moment was a massive horde of monsters… creatures known as Frostclaws.
These beasts resembled colossal bears, standing taller than men, their thick, icy fur rippled in the wind. Their claws were as sharp as steel, and glinted beneath the grey skies, and their eyes glowed with an ominous crimson, filled with a malicious intent.
Thorne continued freaking out, his fear palpable. "No way... there's no way this is happening. I know we're in the winter season, but… come on! There still shouldn't be this many of them... not all in one place."
Lyra's face went pale, muttered under her breath, "I-It is said, t-that they gather in winter season to strengthen their numbers... but there's never been a report of numbers this huge."
Raine, was already gripping the hilt of her sword, spoke through her clenched teeth but she was also wearing a smile, "So, what now? Do we run, or...?"
Galen's voice cut through the panic. "We won't run. We'll stand our ground and fight!"
His voice was both calm and firm… and with a swift motion, he drew his sword, his blade gleamed within the cold light.
His words reignited a spark of courage in his allies. Thorne then took in a deep breath, and thou his hands were still trembling, he drew his bow. "Alright then... looks like we've got a fight on our hands. Let's take these bastards down."
Raine's grin grow larger, her earlier doubt melted into a battle-hungry smile. "For once, I agree with you dum*ss."
Lyra, regaining her composure, nodded her head. "I'll also do my best."
Galen, surveying over his party, nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, BATTLE FORMATION!"
Just as he yield with a commanding tone in his voice…
All the adventurers quickly fell into their position. Lyra, took her place at the back of the formation, with Thorne standing guard right before her, bow in hand. Galen and Raine took the front lines, ready to face the incoming threat.
The Frostclaws, who were standing still for a moment, suddenly all let out a collective roar, "GRAAAHHH!!!"
And all charged as one, baring their jagged teeth and razor-sharp claws, their red eyes fixed on their prey. Galen then raised his sword high and shouted, "HOLD YOUR POSITION! AND DON'T BREAK FORMATION!"
As the beasts thundered closer and closer, and the tension grow. "Steady... steady..." Galen repeated his eyes locked on the first approaching wave of monsters. Then, at the perfect moment, he yelled, "ATTACK!" and with a single battle cry "AHHHHH!" Galen charged forward, and.
SLASH!
His sword sliced through the first Frostclaws in front of him. The creature let out a final snarl "GRAH!" collapsed in the snow.
Raine then followed suit, her movements were swift and precise, and with one graceful swing,
SLASH!
SLASH!
She felled two of the beasts at once.
Nevertheless, more Frostclaws loomed above her, ready to strike her down.
However before they could land a blow on her, arrows rained down upon the beast's head, from Thorne's bow, piercing their thick hides and dropping them in their tracks with a hard.
THUD!
"Nice shot." Raine called out, still grinning as she danced through the battlefield, cutting down beast after beast.
Thorne, breathing heavily, kept firing arrow after arrow, each one hitting it's mark. And as he stood close by Lyra side, he made sure to keep safe and let no harem came before her.
She began her own work, as the battle went on, one of the Frostclaws swung it's claws at Raine, and managed to wound her. Blood spattered the snow as she staggered back.
"Damn it... that hurt!" she muttered, in pain.
However, Lyra quickly acted, focusing, she raised her staff, and casted a healing spell on Raine. "Now Heal!" And in seconds, Raine's wound healed, putting her back in the fight.
"Thanks," She grinned, rose her sword, and stroke again.
Lyra, her confidence grow, and because of that, she raised her voice, and casted another incantation aloud:
"Flames of the Phoenix arise and strike fort my enemy! Fireball."
Fire surged from her magic staff, engulfing one of the Frostclaws in flames, lunging upon Galen, incinerating it. Galen then turned to her, nodding his head with a smile at her.
"Great timing, Lyra. Thanks"
However, before Lyra could return his smile, another Frostclaw appeared beside her, it's jaws wide, ready to tear her apart. Raine, quick as lightning, dashed forward using her own reinforcement magic to boost her speed and strength.
And with one swift strike, she felled the beast before it could harm Lyra.
"Don't let your guard down, Understand?"
Lyra nodded her head, while her heart still raced. "R-Right."
The battle raged on, with the party cutting down one Frostclaw after Frostclaw. Blood splattered across the snow, staining the pristine white landscape in crimson red. And as the fight seemed endless… what felt like an eternity, the last of the beasts fell to the ground.
The adrenaline began to fade, Raine jumped up and down on her legs, laughing and cheering like a little kid. "Hahahahah! I cannot believe we got this many of them! Talk about a rush huh! Am right you guys."
Sadly she was the only one who felt that way… Thorne, panted heavily, while leaning on his bow. "Geez, pipe down would ya, I can't believe you still have that much energy after all of that. How annoying..."
Raine grinned her teeth. "Oh come on; talk about a buzz kill!"
Galen, was also happy but… also ever the leader wiped his blade clean. "Calm down, Raine. We aren't done just yet. We still have to gather all of their parts. So let's get to work. Okay, now chop, chop, you guys."
Raine sighed dramatically. "Haaah... Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, boss, geez."
Then… just as they were about to start collecting the spoils of their battle, the air around them begun to shift.
The world around them went eerily silent, as a deep sense of dread filled the air.
Then… Each of their faces twisted into pure fear, as they all stared at something before them, something they never expected to see.
--End of Chapter 1.--