Once upon a time, in a lonely village, there was a boy. This boy enjoyed running around the village, greeting everyone he passed, offering help whenever possible, and playing during his spare time. He was the star of this quaint little village. A beacon of joy and happiness. Everything was perfect. The boy was content with what he had, and he did not wish for anything else.
However, like all good things, it must come to an end.
A dark force washed over the village. Creatures born of shadow came from nowhere and attacked the poor boy's home. All the good that he knew would be lost, like water washing away the dirt from a stone. He was scared. The little boy did not know what to do but hide. So he did. The little boy hid, and he pressed his hands together and prayed.
While the deafening chaos grew louder by the second, the boy could only close his eyes and focus on his prayer. He would not let the roars of the monsters outside break his focus. He continued to pray. He wished for anyone to save his village. He wished for a miracle. He wished for a hero.
Suddenly, the roars and growls slowed to a silence. The chaos had stopped, and all was quiet once again. Scared yet curious, the boy peeked out from his hiding space, and he saw quite a magnificent sight.
An angel. Its wings spread outward as its sword-- covered in black ichor-- was embedded in the chest of the largest monster amongst the rest. The scariest one within the band. In his excitement, the boy swiftly ran over. He wished to get a better look at the angel who had saved him, but tears fogged the poor boy's eyes. He wanted to speak, but he did not know what to say. The words were stuck in his throat. So he stood there as he cried. Not in fear this time, but in relief.
The angel saw this poor boy and knelt down in front of him. His wings coming closer to wipe away the tears he had. "It is safe now" The angel spoke, as the boy looked up to him.
"A-are you...Did the Goddess send you?" The boy asked. "Are you my guardian angel?"
The angel lets out a soft chuckle before he'd stand up. "Not quite."
The boy, coming to his senses would let out a wide smile. He did not care if the angel was sent from the heavens or not. All he knew that his wish was granted, and a hero has come.
As I jolted awake, pain shot through my body like lightning. My hands instinctively clutched my side, pressing against the wound as I slowly regained my senses. The cold, howling winds outside the black stone walls filled the air. Wounded soldiers lay among the cots, some resting while others sat by their comrades.
I was in an infirmary. From within the wall. I took a reassuring sigh as I tried to remember what I had just dreamt about, but my mind failed me, and the thought had already been swept away by my sudden awakening.
As the pain began to subside, I focused on my wounds. I recalled the dagger sinking deep into my side and was still in disbelief that such a small injury had rendered me unconscious, especially considering the brutal spars I had endured with Esshiek. However, my confusion was quickly resolved when I turned to the table besides my cot and saw the very dagger that strange man had used to stab me, lying on a tray.
It was as black as ink, and the blade itself looked to be constantly shifting from its given shape. Small waves and strange patterns continued to form along the strange, winding make of the blade as the crudely carved inscriptions along the swerving design seemed to be pulsing with a soft green glow.
Whatever this dagger was, it wasn't natural. It didn't seem like metal, nor was it practical. Everything about it seemed incomprehensible, like any attempt at understanding the purpose of this dagger would only lead to many more questions. Something about it simply sends shivers down my spine. I chose not to even interact with the weapon, as my instincts would be screaming bloody murder if I did.
Just as I was about to look for something to distract myself with, I heard a familiar voice calling out from down the hall.
"The Mighty Stone Guardian awakens." It was the female guard who helped us during the fight. Beside her was Mick, who seemed to have been enjoying himself during our stay judging from the Adamant armor he had on.
"How long was I out?" I asked, turning towards them as I sat at the edge of the bed.
"3 hours. That dagger did quite a number on you." Mick replied as he walked over and covered the tray with the dagger with cloth from his pockets.
"Wha- what happened since then?"
Mick gestured to the female soldier, who would let out a soft breath before explaining.
As I was being brought into the infirmary, they tried to recover the body of the mage that had brought me down, but due to the fact I had left Obsidian embedded into his chest, frozen enesial started to grow from the body. Not enough to consume it, though, but it was enough to lock my weapon in place. However, from whatever they could study, they noticed that the man seemed to follow some sort of doctrine called "The Eternal Life", as noted by a piece of paper they recovered from what wasn't covered by Enesial.
The Wraith attacks also seemed to have stopped since the death of that man. Local mages assumed that he was a summoner, but some argue that it would be impossible to summon the dead, while some say that while possible, the spell would require a ritual and the lifeblood required to do so would kill a man just to summon a few, let alone a recovering army.
"Since you two had assisted us in this matter, the Bastion authorizes your passage into Dragonclaw. As well as giving you two a couple of supplies during your trek into the mountains." The woman added, gesturing to Mick.
"Winter Armor, extra snow gear, and most importantly, a set of warming potions for the road." Mick explains as he juggles a single glowing blue vial.
"Although, our clerics and medics do recommend you stay for a little while for further recovery since we still do not know what that dagger truly did to you." The female soldier spoke as I looked towards the cloth covered weapon.
I did consider the offer, but unfortunately I had already wasted enough time on this side quest. I just wish this isn't a rash enough decision that might cost me later...
"Thank you, but we have to get going." I spoke out as I picked up my gear and the new supplies set next to it as they were gathered at the foot of the bed.
The female soldier nods, yet her expression remained worried.
"At least let us guide you towards the path."