Disclaimer - This Arcs is not like previous Arcs , it contains some disturbing scene which is not all suitable audiences , please don't take this seriously
Chapter 1: The Lunch That Smiled
The noon sun poured through the wide windows of Astrid's family home, a warm, cozy space filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and spiced stew. Wooden walls carved with Valkyrie patterns gave a strong yet homely feel to the place—a house built for warriors, but lived in by family.
The Table Scene
Strom leaned back in his chair, a satisfied grin across his face, spoon still in hand.
Strom: "This… this is just too good. Wraith, you can't compete with this even in your dreams."
Across the table, Wraith shot him a sharp look, her long silver hair brushing against her cheek as she crossed her arms dramatically.
Wraith: "Excuse me? I was born as a Princess, Strom. Cooking is not in my blood, diplomacy is. You don't see me criticizing your handwriting skills, do you?"
Flora—Astrid's mother—laughed gently, her voice warm and filled with maternal grace. She was older, but still had the aura of someone who had once swung a sword herself.
Flora: "Stop fighting, all of you. You know, you could just come here more often. My kitchen is always open… I love children."
Sam, sitting right beside Astrid, smirked with his usual innocent confidence.
Sam (teasing): "So, Astrid, do you always fight or… can you actually cook something yourself?"
The room went silent for one second. Astrid, all six feet two inches of red-haired Valkyrie muscle, slowly turned to him with a smile that did not feel safe.
Astrid: "Guys… what about eating Sam at dinner? My special dish."
Sam instantly raised both hands in surrender, scooting slightly back on his chair.
Sam: "I… think I suddenly lost my appetite."
Laughter erupted around the table, even Strom chuckled, and Flora wiped a small tear of laughter from her eye.
Flora: "He's brave, I'll give him that. Foolish, but brave."
---
Astrid's Village Tour
After lunch, Astrid led the group outside.
The village was calm, fields of golden wheat surrounding it, with villagers waving politely as they passed. Children ran barefoot, laughing as they chased each other, and elders sat in shaded corners weaving baskets. Everything screamed peace—a rare sight for warriors who lived in chaos.
Astrid (proud): "This is where I grew up. Where Valkyries learn to swing swords before they can even spell their names."
Wraith, walking beside Strom, smiled faintly, but there was a twitch in her eyes—a sense of something off. She could feel mana disturbances, something subtle she couldn't quite identify.
Wraith (quietly to Strom): "Does it feel… too perfect here to you?"
Strom looked around, hand naturally resting on his Blue blade hilt, scanning the rooftops and shadows.
Strom: "Maybe… but for today, let's enjoy this. We all needed a day like this."
---
Foreshadowing the Darkness
As they walked, they passed a small shrine, where a woman knelt silently, hands clasped, eyes closed… smiling unnaturally wide.
Sam stopped, a chill creeping up his spine.
Sam: "Astrid… who is that?"
Astrid turned, frowning slightly.
Astrid: "That's… old Lena. She lost her husband years ago. She never used to smile like that…"
Before anyone could say more, the woman stood and walked away, still smiling, eyes empty yet peaceful. The air felt wrong.
Wraith, quietly, under her breath:
Wraith: "…A hidden bitc# ."
Strom raised a brow.
Strom: "Wraith, what—"
Wraith (shaking it off): "Nothing… just a feeling."
---
The scene faded with them walking deeper into Astrid's childhood streets, laughing and sharing stories, unaware that something ancient and sinister had already taken root in the far edges of the village.
---
Chapter 2: The Birthday Knight
Scene 1 – Morning of November 3
The sun rose over Astrid's village, painting the sky orange as Strom stood outside, adjusting his Dragon Knight insignia on his armor. Today was different—not a battle, not a mission… but his 20th birthday.
Strom looked into the distance, quietly speaking to himself:
Strom: "Seven years as a Dragon Knight… seven years since everything changed. Let's make this day count."
Behind him, Sam was struggling to carry a cake box twice the size of his head.
Sam (grumbling): "Seven years since you started bullying me, don't you think? Can't you turn one year older without making me break my back?"
Strom smirked, taking the box easily with one hand like it weighed nothing.
Strom: "You need the training, little mage."
---
Scene 2 – The Gathering
Inside Astrid's home, the table was once again full. Flora had prepared a feast that could feed an army—stews, roasted meat, bread, and something that looked suspiciously like a whole turkey.
Wraith sat next to Strom, her hand resting subtly on his, eyes soft.
Wraith: "Seven years of being an idiot… and I'm still happy for you."
Strom chuckled, leaning slightly closer.
Strom: "You're just jealous I look cooler at 20 than you did at… what was it? Princess age?"
Astrid, standing at the head of the table, raised her mug with a warrior's grin.
Astrid: "Strom… It's an honor to have you as a friend. I'm lucky to have you."
The room froze for half a second.
---
Scene 3 – The Jealous Duo Burns
Sam and Wraith exchanged a look… and then both erupted like twin volcanoes.
Wraith: "SAM BRO, please take care of your almost girlfriend! She is stealing my boy!"
Sam (pointing at Strom): "Wraith, you're literally the only one who can control this idiot! Please stop him from being so damn cool, she's gonna leave me at this rate!"
Astrid blinked, then glanced at Sam with her signature Valkyrie death glare.
Astrid: "Excuse me? Are you implying I'd leave you for him?"
Sam immediately waved his hands like he was fanning flames.
Sam: "No no no no—! I'm saying—uh—he's… uh…"
Strom sat back in his chair, smirking like a cat who just stole all the cream.
Strom: "Best birthday ever."
Wraith stood, slamming her hands on the table.
Wraith: "If you don't kiss your girlfriend right now, Sam, I swear She's stealing Strom just to make a point!"
Sam: "WAIT WHAT—?!"
The entire table exploded with laughter, even Flora wiping a tear from her eye.
---
Scene 4 – Subtle Darkness
Later that night, after the food and chaos died down, Strom stepped outside to breathe the cool night air. Wraith followed, gently leaning against his shoulder.
Wraith (softly): "You deserve this happiness… but something feels off in the village, Strom. Like… someone's watching."
Strom nodded, eyes narrowing.
Strom: "I felt it too. We'll keep eyes open. Tomorrow… we check the far edges."
Unbeknownst to them, far away, a lone villager stood on a cliff… smiling unnaturally wide, whispering to themselves:
??? (creepy voice): "…one by one…"
---
Chapter 3: Smiles at the Edge
Scene 1 – Flower Picking Chaos
The early afternoon sun warmed the meadow near Astrid's village as Strom crouched, carefully picking a variety of colorful flowers. His focus was surgical—every stem placed perfectly into a small bouquet.
Wraith, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow with mock offense.
Wraith: "Five years together and not a single flower for me… but for Astrid, a whole bouquet? Huh."
Strom (grinning): "Not for Astrid, but for her mom. She's been feeding us like royalty; it's respect."
Sam, leaning on his staff, sighed dramatically.
Sam: "Dude, can you stop being so good? My almost-girlfriend is going to leave me without hesitation if you keep this up."
Strom: "Nah man, she loves you… at least I think."
Wraith stepped closer, eyes narrowing with a dangerous smile.
Wraith: "If you or she even think about kissing each other, I will kill Sam."
Sam (jumps back): "Wha—WHAT? Why me?!"
Wraith: "Because it'll be your fault if she steals my boy!"
Strom dropped to the ground laughing, holding his stomach.
Strom: "You two fear too much! Okay, bouquet complete, let's go."
---
Scene 2 – The Cliff Crowd
As they walked back, voices echoed from deeper in the village. A crowd had formed near the base of a steep cliff. Villagers were whispering nervously, faces pale.
Strom pushed through, Wraith and Sam following close.
At the center… a man lay dead, twisted awkwardly on the rocks—but his face carried a wide, unnatural smile.
Strom (kneeling beside the body): "…It's too unreal to believe… smiling in death."
Sam (nervous laugh): "Maybe he remembered a joke while falling… or someone told him one and shoved him? I… I don't know, man."
Wraith (grim tone): "I saw him last night… standing at the top of the cliff. Just… standing there, smiling like this."
The villagers murmured prayers, some looking away in discomfort. Strom stood, fists clenched.
Strom: "Something's wrong here."
---
Scene 3 – Gift for Flora
Hours later, the mood lightened slightly as they reached Astrid's home. Strom presented the bouquet to Flora, holding it out with genuine warmth.
Strom (soft smile): "This beautiful bouquet… for my beautiful Aunty."
Flora gasped softly, smiling and accepting the flowers.
Flora: "Oh, Strom… you didn't have to. Thank you."
Sam (throwing hands up): "Can this guy stop rizzing my almost girlfriend's mom?!"
Wraith (nodding in agreement): "He's unstoppable, bro. We have to do something."
Astrid, overhearing, simply stared at Sam like he had just asked to die.
Astrid: "…What?"
Sam froze, forcing a stiff smile.
Sam: "I-I said your mom is beautiful, in like, a respectful way, you know, because she's—uh—healthy?"
Flora laughed gently, unaware of the awkward standoff.
---
Scene 4 – Temple Horror
As evening fell, the group decided to visit the village temple. The atmosphere was oddly quiet, candles flickering against stone walls. But then… Wraith froze.
Wraith (whispering): "…Do you hear that?"
A faint humming echoed through the hall. They followed the sound—until they reached the inner sanctum.
There, lying at the altar, was a woman's body… smiling unnaturally wide, eyes glazed, hands clasped like she was praying.
Sam staggered back, bile rising in his throat.
Sam: "…Another one…?"
Strom clenched his fists, voice low but filled with steel.
Strom: "This isn't coincidence anymore. Something is inside this village… and it's watching us."
---
Chapter 4: Whispers at Home
Scene – The Living Room
Night had settled over Astrid's home, warm candlelight flickering against the wooden walls. Outside, the distant howl of wind brushed against the windows, adding to the unease everyone carried back from the temple.
Astrid sat at the table, fists resting against her forehead.
Astrid (firm): "This needs to stop. Whatever is going on… it's not normal."
Wraith, sitting sideways in her chair, stared out the window, her eyes faintly glowing as she tried to sense mana.
Wraith: "…I don't know why, but… I feel a presence in this village. Something not human. It's faint… but it's there."
Strom turned to face her, arms crossed, expression sharp but thoughtful.
Strom: "Those people who died… they were broken from the inside, right?"
Astrid nodded slowly, her voice dropping to a near whisper.
Astrid: "Yes… that woman at the temple… she lost her husband in the war years ago. And that man from the cliff… he lost his only daughter. They never talked to anyone. Always alone."
Strom exhaled deeply, glancing at the floor.
Strom: "So, it's basically depression… or something else?"
Sam, who had been pacing nervously, stopped mid-step and pointed to the group.
Sam: "But man, if that was just depression or suicide… why were they smiling like that? Big smiles… like they were happy to die."
The room fell silent for a beat. Even Astrid, usually quick to fire back, stayed still, her jaw tightening.
Wraith (calm but firm): "I don't think it's suicide. If people wanted to end their lives, they could've done it years ago… but two people, same exact unnatural smile? That's not chance. That's… deliberate."
---
Scene – Flora Enters
Just then, Flora walked in from the kitchen carrying a tray of hot food—stew, bread, and roasted vegetables. Her expression was warm and motherly, as if she hadn't felt an ounce of the fear gripping the younger ones.
Flora (light chuckle): "You're all thinking too much. This village… it has people who suffer, yes, but that's life. Depression and anxiety are heavier than swords, children. Sometimes… they just can't carry it anymore."
Wraith tilted her head slightly, studying Flora. For a moment, there was that faint mana pulse again—weak, almost imperceptible. She clenched her fist under the table but said nothing.
Strom, sensing Wraith's unease, spoke gently but firmly.
Strom: "Maybe… but something still doesn't add up. Smiles like that don't come from giving up. They looked… free."
Sam: "Yeah, free and creepy as hell."
Flora set the food on the table and smiled softly.
Flora: "Eat and rest. Tomorrow, the world will still be here. Overthinking won't help tonight."
---
Scene – Astrid's Decision
As everyone quietly began eating, Astrid suddenly stood, her chair scraping against the floor.
Astrid (serious): "Everyone, get ready tomorrow morning. We're going somewhere… I'm done waiting for answers to come to us."
---
Chapter 5: The Witch's Silence
Scene 1 – Midnight Wake
The village was dead silent except for the faint creak of wooden beams under the cool night wind. Inside Astrid's house, everyone was asleep—except Wraith, who suddenly jolted awake. Her eyes glowed faintly as she scanned the dark room.
Wraith (thinking): "That… feeling again. Something's here."
She slipped out of bed, bare feet silent on the wooden floor, and walked toward the main door. As she reached it, she paused—Strom was already there, leaning against the frame, staring outside into the darkness.
Wraith (whispering): "It's midnight, idiot. Why are you not sleeping?"
Strom didn't turn, still watching the moonlit village.
Strom: "That woman… in the temple… she was already smiling, right?"
Wraith: "Yeah, you're right. But… how? If she was depressed, how could she… laugh? Unless she found something funny while dying…"
Strom (quietly, fists tightening): "I don't know. But I think… we're missing something. Something big."
Wraith stepped closer, lowering her voice.
Wraith: "We should stop this sh#t as early as possible. But Strom… I'm feeling something different around us. Like… something watching."
Strom: "Really? Where?"
Before Wraith could answer, Astrid's voice cut through the dark behind them.
Astrid (groggy): "Why are you two not sleeping? It's literally 3:00 a.m…"
Strom finally turned, sighing like he'd been caught sneaking candy as a kid.
Strom: "Yeah… yeah, almost going to."
They exchanged tired looks, then returned to bed, but none of them truly slept. The weight of something unseen hung heavy in the house.
---
Scene 2 – Morning Journey
The next morning, the group walked down a winding forest path. The trees blocked most of the sunlight, giving the journey an eerie stillness.
Sam (grumbling): "Hey, Valkyrie muscle mommy… can you please tell us where we're going?"
Astrid (snapping): "You dumb mage! Why do you ask so many questions? Look at Strom—silent, focused, like a real warrior."
Wraith smirked, tilting her head toward Strom: "Ohh, you're wrong, Astrid. He's not quiet because he's noble… he's deep in thought. He hasn't even been listening to us."
Wraith stepped forward and called his name.
Wraith: "Strom!"
No response.
Wraith: "See? What did I say."
Sam waved a hand in front of Strom's face.
Sam: "Hey, knight boy. You alive in there?"
Strom (snapping back awkwardly): "Ah… yes… yes, I'm listening. Totally."
Astrid (grinning): "You're even cute when you're tense."
Wraith instantly shot Sam a side-eye glare—her eyes narrowed like knives, lips pressed in a deadly flat line. Sam awkwardly adjusted his collar and looked away, whistling nervously.
---
Scene 3 – The Suspect
Finally, Strom asked the question.
Strom: "So… where exactly are we going?"
Astrid tightened her grip on her massive blade, eyes serious.
Astrid: "I think this is all because of black magic. And I know who's behind it."
Wraith: "Someone you know?"
Astrid (grimly): "Yes… the Black Witch. She used to live near here, drinking bone soup and carrying that creepy black cat everywhere. If anyone's doing this, it's her… but the question is why? Because she hasn't been seen for six years."
---
Scene 4 – The Witch's House
The trees thinned, revealing a crooked wooden house half-swallowed by vines and shadows. A shattered window clung to its frame, and a black cat skeleton lay near the doorstep, bones cracked and scattered.
Sam (whispering): "…This is friendly…"
Astrid pushed the door open, blade raised. Inside, the air was thick, almost choking. Dust danced in beams of sunlight cutting through broken planks. And there—
On the center table lay the Black Witch… dead.
Her hands were folded like in prayer, and her mouth was stretched into that same unnatural, wide smile.
Strom (low voice): "…Another smile."
Wraith (touching the witch's cold arm): "…She's been dead for days. Whatever killed her… it wasn't normal."
Astrid clenched her fists.
Astrid: "If she's dead… then who's doing this?"
A faint laugh echoed through the house—not from any of them. A soft, almost playful chuckle, fading like smoke.
The group froze, exchanging looks.
Wraith (whispering): "…We're being watched."
---
Chapter 6: Don't Take Her
Scene 1 – The Flashback Hit
As they walked back from the witch's corpse, Strom's mind flickered—
Flora's face earlier that morning, smiling just a little too wide as she waved goodbye.
At the time, he brushed it off as kindness. But now… after seeing all those dead smiles—
Strom (whisper, rising to a shout): "No… no… NO… NO! Not her. No!"
He bolted into a sprint, boots digging into the dirt. His speed was unnatural, raw panic fueling every step.
Sam: "Strom! What—what's happening?!"
Wraith (eyes wide): "Something's wrong with Flora. MOVE!"
The team broke into a chase, but Strom was already ahead, his Dragon Knight insignia blazing faint energy as he pushed his body to its limit.
---
Scene 2 – The Tower
They reached the village square, where people were already gathering and pointing upward.
Strom's eyes locked onto the figure at the top of the bell tower—Flora.
Her stance was loose, unnatural, and her mouth curved into that same wide smile.
Strom (screaming): "AUNT FLORA! NOOO!"
She turned her head slightly, eyes glassy and distant, then stepped off the ledge.
Time slowed—the gasp of the villagers, Astrid's scream—
Strom launched forward, his armor straining as he jumped, barely reaching her mid-air.
They crashed onto the ground—Strom taking the brunt of the impact.
Flora was unconscious, smile slowly fading, replaced by blank exhaustion.
---
Scene 3 – The Confrontation
Hours later, Flora lay on a bed, still pale but alive. Astrid sat by her side, face red with fury and tears.
Astrid (screaming): "MOM, are you MAD? What the fuc# were you thinking?!"
Strom (snapping): "Shut up!"
The room froze—even Sam and Wraith stiffened. Astrid stared at Strom, eyes wide, unsure how to react.
Strom kneeled beside Flora, taking her trembling hands gently.
Strom (soft, controlled): "Aunt Flora… don't panic. Just tell us… what did you think? Why did you do this? What did you see?"
Flora's lip trembled, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Flora (broken voice): "I… I saw him. Your dad, Astrid… he was calling me. He said he was waiting. I went with him and then… then a dark shadow came out of nowhere and ate him alive…"
She collapsed into sobs, clutching Strom's hand like a lifeline.
Strom (holding her gently, whispering): "Okay… okay… it's fine. It's just a dream. You're safe. We're all here. No one's taking you away."
Astrid covered her mouth, trying to hold back tears, while Wraith gently placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering something comforting. Even Sam turned away, eyes wet.
---
Scene 4 – The Plan
Later that evening, Strom stepped outside with Sam, his expression a dangerous calm.
Strom: "Bro… I need your help."
Sam: "Yeah, man, anything."
Strom turned to Wraith and Astrid inside the doorway.
Strom: "You two stay with Aunt Flora. Don't let her sleep, no matter what. If she dreams again, that thing might take her."
Wraith nodded seriously. Astrid clutched her blade, silently promising her mother's safety.
Strom looked at Sam, eyes sharp.
Strom: "We're going back… to the old village. The one that hated me. I think this thing is tied to what happened there."
---
Chapter 7: The Death Stalker
Scene 1 – The Monster Returns
The night was heavy as Strom and Sam stepped into the old village—the same place that once called Strom a monster.
Every step of Strom's boots echoed on the stone streets. Villagers peeked from windows, whispers trailing behind him like a curse.
Strom (low voice): "They still fear me… but it's fine. If being a monster keeps people safe, then I'll stay a monster."
Sam, walking casually beside him, clapped his shoulder.
Sam: "I don't care what they think, man. I know who you are. You're my brother… even if you're scary as hell sometimes."
From the crowd, a knight in old steel armor charged at Strom, sword drawn.
Knight: "Stay away, demon!"
Strom barely flinched—one punch to the knight's chest sent him flying back into a hay cart.
The villagers gasped and backed away, eyes wide in terror.
Strom (calmly): "Let's go,
Sam. We don't have time."
---
Scene 2 – The Slayer Tower
They reached the Slayer Tower, a dark stone structure that pierced the sky. Inside, dust and cobwebs filled every corner, broken lanterns swaying with faint wind.
Strom: "Sam, you have the key to the library?"
Sam: "Of course. I always carry it. Don't ask why."
They climbed the spiral stairs and entered the ancient library, rows of forgotten tomes looming over them. Night had already swallowed the horizon, so Sam muttered a spell in Latin—faint light glowed from his staff, illuminating the shelves.
Strom's eyes scanned the dusty spines until he found it—a faded red book marked with claw-like scratches.
Strom (grim): "I hope I'm wrong… but I know I'm not."
He opened the book, flipping through pages of drawings of warped, skeletal beings with wide smiles and hollow eyes.
Strom (dark tone): "The Death Stalker…"
Sam stiffened, voice trembling slightly.
Sam: "Dude… don't say that name out loud. Ever. People say just saying it can curse you."
Strom: "Everything points to him. The smiling corpses, the shadow feeding on despair… it's all him."
---
Scene 3 – The First Strike
Suddenly, Strom's eyes widened—a shelf next to Sam tipped violently, crashing down.
Strom grabbed Sam's arm and yanked him away just in time.
Sam (shaken): "Wow… your reflexes are insane!"
Strom drew his Spear, scanning the room.
Strom: "He's here… he's watching us."
Sam, nervously tightening his grip on his staff, tried to mask his fear with bravado.
Sam (shouting): "HEY, YOU DEAD @SS SON OF A BITC#! COME OUT, WE WANT TO PISS YOU OFF!"
There was silence—then Strom smirked slightly.
Strom (mock serious): "I'm already here."
Sam screamed, spinning around.
Sam: "WHAT THE FUC#?!"
Strom burst out laughing, dropping the tension for a second.
Strom: "Bro… it's a prank. You're literally challenging an ancient death curse. Chill."
Sam: "Man, you almost gave me a heart attack!"
---
Scene 4 – The Death Stalker's Presence
But then… the air changed.
The faint candlelight flickered, dimming into a pale blue hue. A cold wind slithered across their skin.
In the reflection of a cracked mirror near the wall—
a figure appeared.
Tall. Thin. Its limbs elongated unnaturally. The head tilted too far to the side, mouth split wide into a smile filled with jagged, needle-like teeth. Its eyes… empty, glowing faintly violet.
Sam whispered: "…Oh sh#t…"
Strom tightened his grip on his spear, whispering only loud enough for Sam:
Strom: "Don't move. Don't look directly… it feeds on fear."
The figure blinked out of existence like smoke.
The room brightened again.
Sam (voice shaking): "It's gone… right?"
Strom: "Yeah… but I can feel it. It's heading somewhere else."
Sam: "Where?"
Strom looked up slowly, eyes narrowing.
Strom: "…Your house."
---
Scene 5 – The Rush Home
The two bolted from the library, descending the tower stairs at breakneck speed.
Sam (panting): "I regret every life choice that led me here!"
Strom (grim, focused): "Just run. If it's after someone you care about, you fight—no hesitation."
The chapter ends with them sprinting into the night, Sam's face pale with fear and Strom's hand tight on his spear, the faint sound of unnatural laughter echoing in the wind.
---
Chapter 8: Laughter in the Dark
Scene 1 – The Knife
Strom and Sam burst into Sam's home, kicking the door wide open. The small cottage was dark except for a single lantern swinging by the window.
Standing in the center of the kitchen was Sam's mom—her face twisted into an unnatural, wide grin.
In her hand, a large kitchen knife glinted under the lantern light.
Sam (shocked): "Mom… that's not for playing. Put it down, please!"
She didn't answer—her eyes were glassy, distant, but that smile only grew wider.
Her arm trembled slightly as the knife slowly moved toward her own neck.
Strom (grim, drawing his spear slightly): "Sam… that's not her."
---
Scene 2 – The Save
Before Sam could react, Strom lunged. In one smooth motion, he grabbed her wrist, twisting it just enough for the knife to fall from her grasp, clattering across the floor.
But then—with unnatural strength—Sam's mom shoved Strom backward, sending him sliding into a chair.
Her laugh was not hers—a low, echoing chuckle that sounded like two voices layered together.
She ran for the window, smashing it open with her bare hands, glass slicing her arms—but she didn't even flinch.
---
Scene 3 – The Chase
Sam: "MOM! STOP!"
He raised his staff, chanting quickly in Latin. A ring of glowing symbols formed under his feet, light trailing up his arms as he slammed his palm forward.
Sam: "Arresto Vincta!"
A glowing chain of magic shot out, wrapping around his mom's legs just long enough for Strom to tackle her mid-run.
The two hit the ground hard, Strom pinning her arms.
Strom (gritting teeth): "You're not taking her!"
---
Scene 4 – The Curse Reveals
Suddenly, black smoke burst from her mouth and eyes, twisting upward like a living shadow.
The form coalesced into a smoke-like humanoid figure, taller than any man, its head tilting unnaturally.
The same wide, jagged smile glowed faintly purple in the dark void of its face.
The Death Stalker's voice was everywhere and nowhere, cold and playful at the same time:
Death Stalker: "Ohhh… brave knight… clever mage… I'll be back soon."
Then the smoke dissolved into nothingness, leaving only a faint sound of echoing laughter as Sam's mom collapsed unconscious in Strom's arms.
---
Scene 5 – Aftermath
Sam crouched beside them, hands shaking.
Sam: "…What the hell was that…?"
Strom (tight grip on his spear, eyes narrowed): "That was The Death Stalker's curse. It's spreading faster than I thought."
Sam looked at his unconscious mother, jaw tight.
Sam: "We're not running, are we?"
Strom (cold tone): "No… we're hunting."
---
Chapter 9: Shadows of Guilt
Scene 1 – Waking Drati
Sam gently dabbed a cloth of cool water across his mother's forehead. She stirred slightly, then slowly opened her eyes.
Sam (softly, holding her hand): "Mom… what happened to you? Why were you holding that knife? Why did you try to—"
She blinked, confusion flickering before her expression softened.
Drati: "…Where is Strom?"
Sam froze for a moment, glancing toward the doorway where Strom stood just outside, hands gripping his spear belt as if bracing himself.
Sam (quickly lying): "I don't know, Mom. Why? You think he had something to do with this?"
Drati turned her head slightly, voice steadier now.
Drati: "No… I know he saved me. Call him in."
Sam smirked slightly at Strom and called out.
Sam: "Bro… she knows. Come in."
Strom stepped inside, cautious, his usual confident stance slightly shaken by years of being hated in this village.
Strom (softly): "I… didn't want to scare you."
Drati reached for his hand, tears welling in her eyes.
Drati: "Son… forgive me. I don't even know what to say… but thank you for saving me. I've hated you for so long… and you… you never once hated me back."
Strom, surprised, hesitated, then gently smiled and took her hand.
Strom: "No worries. It's not my first time being seen as the Monster."
---
Scene 2 – The Dream Truth
Sam leaned closer, his voice quiet.
Sam: "Mom… what did you dream about? Before all this happened?"
Her eyes watered as she whispered, voice shaking.
Drati: "I… saw her. I saw your sister. Your big sister."
Sam frowned, confused.
Sam: "Mom… I'm your eldest son. I have one little sister, and she's safe at grandma's house. What big sister are you talking about?"
Drati turned her head, tears streaming now.
Drati: "Before you were born… I had a daughter. She was… taken from me. Killed… by a demon. I buried that pain so deep, I thought I'd forgotten. But in that dream… she was smiling at me… telling me to come with her. And then… shadows… shadows ate her alive."
Sam's jaw clenched, anger shaking his words.
Sam (through gritted teeth): "I don't care who he is… I'll kill that freak. I swear it."
---
Scene 3 – The Connection
Strom, standing near the window, looked pensive, his eyes sharp.
Strom: "I see a common point."
Sam turned toward him, wiping his face quickly.
Sam: "What? What common point?"
Strom stepped closer, expression dark.
Strom: "Every single one he targeted so far… has been haunted by depression, grief, or guilt. He's not killing at random… he's hunting emotions."
Sam's eyes widened.
Sam: "…You mean anyone carrying sadness in their heart… anyone with guilt… they're his targets?"
Strom nodded grimly.
Strom: "Yes. Which means… the entire village is at risk. Because almost everyone carries pain… even if they hide it."
---
Scene 4 – The Journey Back
After checking Drati one last time and ensuring she could rest, the three of them—Strom, Sam, and Drati's blessing echoing behind them—stepped outside into the cold night.
The road to Astrid's village stretched before them, moonlight barely cutting through the fog that now seemed unnaturally heavy.
The sound of their boots on dirt felt louder than usual, every shadow seeming longer, every whisper of wind almost like a distant laugh.
Sam (gripping his staff tighter): "He's hunting sadness? Then I'm going to give him something to be sad about when I kill him."
Strom (quiet, serious): "He'll expect us now. Be ready."
---
Chapter 10: The Demon's Chosen
Scene 1 – Return to Astrid's Home
The group entered Astrid's house, the wooden door creaking softly as the warm interior contrasted the cold night outside. Drati looked nervous but relieved.
Strom (to Drati, calm): "This is a safe place. You'll be fine here."
Wraith stepped forward, scanning Drati suspiciously.
Wraith: "And… who is she?"
Sam (quick, protective): "That's my mom."
Strom sighed and explained the whole encounter—the knife, the possession, and the smoke-like figure of the Death Stalker.
Drati and Flora sat next to each other, hands trembling slightly, both trying to find comfort in one another.
---
Scene 2 – Explaining The Death Stalker
The group gathered around the table, Strom resting one hand on his dagger hilt as if ready for another attack.
Strom (serious): "The Death Stalker… he's not a man anymore. He's a living soul, a curse with no physical body. You can't touch him. You can't stab him. And he loves fear—feeds on it."
Astrid (frowning, arms crossed): "'Death Stalker'… fancy name. What's his real name?"
Strom's eyes narrowed.
Strom (grim): "Jason. A psychopath blessed by true demon entities. Chosen by the demon gods themselves to rule Earth through blood and fear. He enjoyed bathing in people's blood while alive… and when people feared him, he smiled—a big, twisted smile."
Everyone went silent, the weight of Strom's words sinking in.
Strom (continuing): "He worshiped Yhustel—the demon god of chaos—and when he finally died… Yhustel's blessing made him unstoppable. Now he's no longer human, just an eternal predator."
---
Scene 3 – Can He Be Stopped?
Astrid (frowning): "Okay… creepy backstory aside… is there any way to stop this MF?"
Strom took a deep breath, leaning back slightly.
Strom: "He can shapeshift into anyone, but his one weakness? That smile. He can't hide it. No matter who he becomes, the smile is always wrong."
Sam (deadpan): "That's not what she asked, man…"
Strom (smirking slightly): "Fine. There's one way—go to where he died. An unknown village, long abandoned. Find the cave where he ended himself… his body should still be there, drowned in blood. That's where we can cut him off for good."
He stood up, eyes glowing faintly with determination.
Strom: "We leave now."
Astrid (to her mom and Drati): "Please, take care of each other. Don't let anyone inside while we're gone."
---
Scene 4 – The Departure & The Twist
The four warriors—Strom, Sam, Astrid, and Wraith—left the house, the cold wind blowing through the quiet village streets. Strom paused briefly, pulling his blue blade from his sheath and placing it near the front door.
Strom (to Astrid quietly): "In case anything happens."
Astrid nodded as they walked away, fading into the darkness toward the broken village.
---
Scene 5 – The Visitor
Minutes later, footsteps approached Astrid's house. A tall woman, dressed in blue and white robes, her hair covering half her face, appeared at the doorway.
Woman: "Excuse me… is this Astrid's house? Strom told me to stay here… something about demons in the area."
Flora and Drati exchanged nervous glances, but… her face held no smile—calm, almost blank. They relaxed, believing her, and stepped aside.
Flora (soft): "Please, come in… we… we could use another person right now."
Drati (whispering): "It's good Strom sent someone. Means he's watching over us."
The mysterious woman entered slowly, her steps too quiet… too calculated.
---
Chapter 11: Broken Village, Broken Hearts
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Scene 1 – The Broken Village
The team stepped into what was once a village—now nothing but shattered homes, burned-out carts, and empty silence. The only sound was the crunch of debris under their boots and the faint echo of wind through broken windows.
Sam (shouting into the emptiness): "FUC# YOU, MF! You think you can attack my mom and my girlfriend's mom and get away with it?!"
Astrid raised her massive blade, twirling it once with a grin.
Astrid (taunting): "Hey demon! Did you shi# your pants seeing this blade? Or do I have to carve your smile off first?!"
Strom didn't even flinch at their shouting, scanning the ruins with his dragon-imbued eyes.
Strom (calm, serious): "Don't waste your energy. No one's here… not even him."
Wraith (arms crossed, eyes glowing faintly): "Then who's gonna stop us from killing him?"
Strom (turning slightly): "No one."
Sam (smirking, thinking it's over): "So, a win with no effort then?"
Strom (low, dangerous tone): "I didn't say no effort. First… we find his cave. Find his body. Then we execute him but…"
He stopped mid-sentence, his jaw tightening.
Wraith (concerned): "But… what?"
Sam: "Bro, don't drop that silence on me, what's that 'but'?"
Astrid (slamming her blade into the ground): "Yeah, tell us now, Strom."
Strom (grim): "But even after the ritual… we still might not be able to kill him."
Wraith (sharply): "And why the hell not?"
Strom: "Because no weapon, no holy spell, nothing forged or blessed in this world… can kill him."
The team stared in silence, the weight of those words choking the air.
Sam (throwing his hands up): "Well FUC#! Then why are we even here?!"
Strom (eyes glowing slightly): "Because we don't have a choice."
The four warriors stood in silence, their breath visible in the unnaturally cold air, like the village itself was holding its breath.
---
Scene 2 – Astrid's Home
Back at Astrid's home, Flora, Drati, and the mysterious woman in blue & white sat around the wooden table, sipping hot tea as the fire crackled softly.
Drati's eyes welled with tears, hands trembling on her cup.
Drati (voice breaking): "I spent so many years hating Strom. For no reason but old whispers and fear. But he… he never once hated me back. He saved my life without hesitation… after all I've said, after all I believed…"
Flora placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Flora (soft, motherly): "Sometimes our hearts carry poison we don't even realize. Strom's heart… it's strong enough to forgive what most people can't."
The unknown woman smiled faintly, her eyes hidden slightly under her hood.
Unknown Woman: "Don't worry. Strom doesn't hate innocent people. Hate, fear… that's not in him. That's why he's dangerous to demons… they can't feed on him like they feed on others."
Drati wiped her tears, finally letting her walls break, openly crying from the heart.
Drati: "He's a better man than I ever gave him credit for… and I wish I could take back the years of hate I held."
Flora (hugging her): "Then tell him when he returns. Sometimes… that's all someone needs to hear."
The three women began sharing stories of their past—Flora talking about Astrid's wild childhood, Drati sharing memories of Sam growing up stubborn but kind, and even the mysterious woman laughing softly, blending in effortlessly… too effortlessly.
---
Scene Transition – Dual Tension
At the broken village, Strom looked over a shattered stone sign pointing toward a dark cliffside path.
Strom (to the team): "The cave's that way. Stay sharp."
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Chapter 12: The Cave and the House
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Scene 1 – The Cave of Blood
The cave smelled like iron and rot, the walls stained dark red as if the rock itself had bled. Strom's footsteps echoed, heavy and deliberate.
He turned to the others, his blue dragon eyes glowing faintly.
Strom (smirking grimly): "Alright… who wants to rip his body?"
Sam & Astrid (in sync): "Does that even matter? We can't kill him anyway."
Astrid turned her head, glaring playfully.
Astrid (to Sam): "Hey, little mage, stop copying me."
Sam put on a fake romantic face.
Sam: "That's true love bird energy… I can feel it."
Astrid's eyes narrowed, but a small friendly smile betrayed her annoyance.
Astrid: "Keep talking, Sam, see where that gets you."
Strom chuckled slightly before growing serious again.
Strom: "Here we go."
---
Scene 2 – The Blood Box
Wraith froze mid-step, her eyes glowing faintly as she pointed toward an ancient, cracked chest at the center of the cave. Blood dripped slowly from its edges, pooling at the base like it never dried.
Wraith (voice sharp): "How many innocents… had to die for that much of blood?"
Strom crouched, inspecting the stains. His voice was cold.
Strom: "Around… a thousand. Maybe more."
Everyone went silent. The sound of distant water drips echoed like screams in their ears.
---
Scene 3 – The Knife Search
They spread out, searching the cave walls and piles of broken weapons and bones. They were looking for one thing—the knife Jason had used to end his own life, a ritual dagger rumored to bind his soul.
Strom (muttering): "That blade is the key. If we find it… we can start the ritual."
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Scene 4 – Astrid's House
The warm quiet in Astrid's house shattered. The front door creaked open slowly—its sound wrong, like a scream dragged out.
Flora (standing quickly): "Who's there?!"
All three women looked around—but saw no one. The air grew cold, the fire dimmed.
Then… a shadow passed across the window.
A voice—deep, layered, and echoing—spoke from nowhere and everywhere at once:
Death Stalker: "You… left your door open…"
A tall figure stepped inside, taller than any man, hunched but powerful, with a face stretched into an unnatural, tooth-filled smile. Its eyes glowed faintly purple, and its presence pressed on their chests like weight.
Flora (stumbling back): "…no… no… what are you—"
Death Stalker (tilting its head): "Smile for me…"
The unknown woman in blue & white suddenly stood, her hood falling back—revealing a wide, frozen grin on her face. The markings on her hands spread up her arms like veins.
Drati (terrified whisper): "…You're not human…"
Death Stalker: "No… I'm not and not even she."
---
Scene Split – Parallel Fear
Back in the cave, Sam found a shattered altar—the dagger half-buried in dried blood.
Sam (yelling): "I got it!"
At Astrid's house, Death Stalker stepped forward, every step heavy like stone, grin widening unnaturally.
Death Stalker: "Shall we… play?"
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Dragon Knight ARC XII – Chapter 13
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Scene 1 – Astrid's House: The Uneasy Dream
Drati jerked awake, gasping for air. She had dozed off on the chair without realizing it, and the dream still lingered—the unknown woman's face flickering like a broken image, shifting unnaturally.
But when she opened her eyes, the nightmare was real.
Death Stalker stood in the doorway, tall and unnatural, his grin stretched wider than any normal human's.
Flora (stepping back): "How did you—? We locked the door!"
The figure didn't answer. Its head tilted too far to the side as it stepped inside, claws scraping the wooden floor.
---
Scene 2 – The Cave: Jason's Corpse
Sam, crouching near a shattered altar, pulled a rusted dagger from beneath broken stone.
Sam: "Got it! The ritual blade."
Strom turned from the blood-soaked box, both arms stained as he lifted Jason's withered corpse from within. The body was stiff, long dead, but still radiating a wrongness that made the air heavy.
Strom (firm voice): "Whoever's ready to take this thing apart… do it now."
Before anyone could react, Wraith moved like lightning, her blue aura flaring as she snatched the knife from Sam's hand.
In a blur of motion, she slashed the corpse dozens of times, reducing it to a ruined heap—all but the head, which rolled to Strom's feet.
Wraith (calm, almost too calm): "There. Done."
---
Scene 3 – Astrid's House: Sudden Attack
Death Stalker collapsed suddenly, like a puppet with its strings cut. His face remained twisted into that horrifying grin.
Flora (hesitant, approaching): "Is he… is he gone?"
She reached out, but in a blur of motion Death Stalker lunged, claw raised.
Flora froze—
A strong hand caught his wrist mid-swing.
Unknown Woman (low voice): "Not today."
With a twist of raw strength, she hurled Death Stalker through the door and into the yard.
Drati (shocked): "Who… who are you?"
Unknown Woman: "You should stay away from my sisters."
Flora (confused): "S-sisters? We don't even know you!"
The woman straightened, eyes glowing gold as blue scales rippled across her arms.
Unknown Woman: "You are the aunts of my son… which makes you my sisters."
Her form shimmered—wings burst out, claws extending—and she stood in her true form: Dravyss the Dragon.
Drati & Flora (together): "A… a dragon?!"
Dravyss (growling): "Stay behind me."
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Scene 4 – Ritual in the Cave
Strom placed Jason's severed head on a trident-shaped blade fixed into the altar.
Strom: "Sam, start the chant."
Sam lifted the ritual dagger and spoke the ancient words, his voice echoing unnaturally. The runes on the cave walls lit up like molten fire.
BOOM! The head erupted into ash and smoke, sucked instantly into the blade.
Wraith (covering her face): "Sam! Why does every spell you do explode?!"
Sam (offended): "It worked, didn't it?!"
Strom (calm, but proud): "He did it perfectly. Now… that shadow has lost its anchor."
Astrid (raising her blade): "But can we actually stop him now?"
Strom (smirking): "We don't need to… because by the time we get home, someone already will."
---
Scene 5 – Outside Astrid's House
Death Stalker roared, his form rippling unnaturally, but now fear showed in his glowing eyes.
Dravyss (in dragon form, voice like thunder): "You picked the wrong family, fool."
Her wings flared, shielding Flora and Drati as she stepped forward, a towering wall of scales and firelight.
Death Stalker (hissing): "Dragon…"
Dravyss (eyes narrowing): "Leave, or be erased."
---
Chapter 14: Fire Time
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Scene 1 – Outside Astrid's House
The ground shook under Dravyss's claws as she loomed over the broken yard, wings half-extended. Death Stalker rose, grin stretching unnaturally as his shadow form twisted like black smoke.
Death Stalker (hissing): "You can't touch me… dragon."
He blurred, body twisting, and shapeshifted into Strom, smirking with Strom's exact voice:
Jason (as Strom): "Would you really burn your son's face?"
In an instant, he teleported behind Dravyss, striking at her wings.
Dravyss spun, tail sweeping through the air, but he teleported again, this time perching on the roof with Strom's fake smile.
---
Scene 2 – The Hunt
Jason (mocking): "Too slow. Too old."
Dravyss (growling): "Two more of those tricks… then you're mine."
Jason teleported again, appearing directly in front of Dravyss and slashing forward. She stepped back, fire charging in her throat.
He teleported one last time behind her—but she was already waiting.
Her tail wrapped around him mid-warp, yanking him out of his teleport and slamming him into the dirt so hard the ground cracked.
Jason (realizing): "…you can touch me?!"
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Scene 3 – Begging for Life
Jason's body flickered back to his true form—thin, gray skin stretched unnaturally tight, claws trembling as he struggled. His grin faltered for the first time.
Jason (desperate): "Wait! Wait! Don't kill me— I will disappear, I will leave, you'll never see me again!"
Dravyss's claws pressed against his chest, pinning him down. Her blue eyes narrowed.
Dravyss: "I already gave you a chance to run."
Jason's grin warped back in panic.
Jason: "Please—"
Dravyss (standing tall, fire burning blue): "Too late."
---
Scene 4 – Fire Time
Dravyss's jaws opened wide, releasing a torrent of brilliant blue holy fire hotter than anything human could survive. Jason screamed, his voice breaking into static-like distortion as his body disintegrated under the dragon flame.
When the fire faded, not even ash remained. The yard was silent except for Dravyss's heavy breathing and the crackle of scorched earth.
Dravyss (quietly): "Stay gone."
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Scene 5 – The Aftermath
Hours later, Strom, Sam, Astrid, and Wraith ran up, weapons ready. They stopped when they saw Dravyss calmly curling her wings back, standing where Jason had been.
Strom (breathing hard): "...Done?"
Dravyss (soft smile): "Handled."
Inside the house, everyone sat together. The mood shifted—no longer a battle zone, but family around a warm fire.
Astrid (crossing her arms): "Okay… you. Dragon lady. Explain."
Drati (pointing at her): "You threw a thing across the yard like it was nothing!"
Flora (nervous laugh): "And called us sisters?!"
Dravyss (calm, almost shy): "I… loved someone once. A wizard named Darkius. And in time, I raised Strom and Wraith as my own. That makes you… my family by choice."
Strom rested a hand on her shoulder.
Strom: "She's the reason I'm alive. If she calls you sisters… she means it."
The room went quiet, then softened into small smiles.
Astrid (half-grinning): "Okay… but if you breathe that fire inside my house, we're gonna have a problem."
Everyone laughed—even Wraith, who normally wouldn't—but the tension broke into warmth.
For the first time that day, it felt like a family.
---
Dragon Knight ARC XII – Final Explanation
When everyone settled after the fight, Strom laid out the truth:
How Death Stalker Was Released
Weeks ago, a black witch stumbled upon an ancient, sealed book buried in her home. She believed it contained power spells but unknowingly broke the seal, becoming the first victim of what she unleashed—Jason, now reborn as the Death Stalker.
Jason's Dark History
Before his transformation, Jason was already a notorious killer. He murdered nearly 2,000 people before ending his own life, following a dark prophecy whispered to him by unseen voices.
The Demon's Blessing
Jason had been chosen by a powerful demon entity, promised eternal life if he performed one act: bathe his corpse in the blood of more than 1,000 innocents. He succeeded, and when he died, he rose again as Death Stalker, a demon with no physical body, unstoppable and untouchable.
Capture & Release
A legendary wizard once managed to trap the Death Stalker inside an enchanted book, cutting off his influence for decades. That peace ended the day the witch opened it, believing she would gain power. Instead, she freed him—and became the first of more than 5,000 new victims as the Death Stalker.
No weapons or spell from earth can kill him , but since Dravyss is not from earth she has the power to end him
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Canon One-Paragraph Explanation
> After Strom's ritual made Jason (Death Stalker) vulnerable to physical damage again, Earth's beings still could not kill him due to his demonic blessing, which tied his existence beyond normal mortal reach. However, Dravyss, being a dragon from beyond Earth's natural order, is not bound by those rules. Her dragonfire, an energy of extra-dimensional origin, bypassed Jason's immortality and erased him entirely, leaving not even ash behind.
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