"You're doing a great service to the cause of Emily." A middle-aged man dressed in black clergy robes spoke to a woman of similar age wearing a simpler version of the same robes.

"Thank you Grand Priest... but, will this work?" She asked with a worried expression.

"Be at ease, Emily, he will surely reward us. Now let's begin." As the conversation ended, figures in black hooded robes climbed the steps to a platform, each of them surrounded a child with dark brown hair chained to an altar in the center.

Dad...Mom...Why? The child spoke in a confused voice as he lifted his head, exposing his brown eyes filled with bewilderment.

"This is for your good, Siegfried. Rejoice in your fortune, for even I envy you." The Grand Priest responded preachingly.

"Emily prepare the ceremonial dagger." He ordered.

"Yes. Grand Priest." Emily bowed before giving her son an apathetic look.

Meanwhile, the seven hooded figures began chanting while inscribing a bloody sigil around the altar.

"Oh Progenitor of the Void, please accept the vessel we offer unto you."

The bloody sigil depicted three wolves, circling a fourth wolf painted in the center of the altar.

"The dagger is prepared, Grand Priest.", Emily handed a pitch-black dagger dripping with an ominous liquid to the priest.

"Thank you. Emily." The priest walked to the altar staring at the young boy.

"Dad"... The boy looked at his father, while tears stained his face.

"My son....." The Grand Priest looked at the boy, madness almost bursting out of his eyes.

You've made your father very proud!" He raised the dagger and carved a sigil into his son's hand.

"Aaaaah!" The boy's scream resounded all around reaching ears devoid of any humanity.

It's only a scratch, Siegfried." Emily stared at her son, showing only excitement.

It's only just beginning Siegfried. Find solace in your pain. Your small life will grant us power."

The dagger was raised to his chest and began carving letters into his flesh.

"Please!" The boy yelled hoarsely as snot and tears decorated his face.

The Priest continued, unbothered by the screams, skillfully using a dagger to write ancient letters on his son's flesh.

"Stop! I'm sorry! Please stop!" The boy writhed in agony hoping for anyone to stop his father. Black blood slowly dripped onto the ground.

Seeing the blood spoke Emily hurriedly. " The poison is beginning to work!"

The eyes of the seven hooded figures gleamed with anticipation.

One by one, the wolves illustrated in blood began glowing before turning black.

The priest nodded his head once before stepping back, "It's time to start. Begin the ritual."

The seven figures stepped forward each brandishing a dagger.

"Emily, begin!" The Priest yelled fervently as his eyes bulged in excitement. Emily raised her hands slowly and began speaking.

"Oh Void Wolf, hear us call you. We offer an innocent child raised for 7 years in ignorance to suffering."

The room began shaking wildly as the nine people in the room began breathing heavily. Joy was apparent on their faces. Siegfried's body began spasming, his hair turning pitch-black while his eyes began glowing yellow. The sound of his bones breaking spread throughout the room.

"Aaaaaah!"

The Priest smiles wildly before he spoke."We will now cleanse the vessel!"

He nodded towards the 7 figures. One by one they stepped towards the altar. The seven figures raised their daggers with hands that trembled in excitement.

"N..No..o."Siegfried protested weakly as his eyes looked on in horror. The seven figures ignore him and began stabbing enthusiastically.

"Agh.."

Siegfried coughed black blood as the seven figures continued tearing into his flesh: the poison that coated his Father's dagger enhance the pain, causing his suffering to reach a new height. Slowly, Seigfried stopped his struggle as he choked on his blood. His hands went limp as his yellow eyes dimmed, heat gradually receding from his body.

"Why? Did I do something wrong? Mother? Father? His last thoughts wouldn't be heard by those in the room. The seven figures eventually stopped when all signs of life receded. The Priest and Emily walked closer. Nine people smilingly stood in a circle staring at a lifeless body.

"Truly an innocent boy!" The Priest silently thought to himself.

"Use this humble body as your vessel!"

Emily said while shaking with reverence.

The previously motionless body began to show signs of movement. A faint black mist emerged from the pores of the body and soon after it throughout the room. The people in the trembled

jubilantly and kneeled on the ground awaiting possession of the "vessel". More and more black mist poured out congealing into a silhouette of a wolf.

The wolf hovered above Seigfried's body, sending a single glance towards the kneeling people before starting at Seigfried. For a while, it was silent as the faint black mist moves around the room as if it were alive. The 9 people began to get nervous, but couldn't help their excitement deep down. The Priest couldn't help but peek at the incorporeal being before him but when he tried to look he felt an unbearable soul ripping pressure that almost suffocated him.

"Aaaah." The priest gasped for air and eventually caught his breath while blood dripped from his nose.

The semi-transparent Wolf slowly redirected its gaze to the 9 people again. Its mouth opened and an incredibly deep voice sounded out shaking the room."Nine of you wish to receive immortality in exchange for the boy's life?"

Although the words could be taken as criticism the tone was one of indifference not portraying any particular emotion. Thus, everyone became too nervous to speak but still looked expectant.

The priest cupped his hands and began speaking, "My Lord, we would like to -"

"That wasn't what I asked," The voice interrupted sounding ever so slightly annoyed causing the room to shake and the mist to stir. The priest quickly prostrated.

"Yes my lord, we wish for immortality! This one begs for forgiveness!"

"I see." The Wolf redirected his gaze towards Siegfried as if searching for something.

"And shall I revive the boy?" The Wolf asked in an emotionless tone making it hard to guess the intentions behind it if there were any at all.

"Pardon me, my lord! This one -"

"That wasn't what I asked you." The voice began to leak with an easier to detect, trace of annoyance, the room shook even more and the mist silently stirred," I would advise you to think before you speak again."

The other eight kneeling people began to bleed from their noses while silently cursing the priest. It was clear the Wolf was very forward and wanted a simple answer instead of flattery.

"Apologies my lord!" The priest slammed his head onto the ground.

"The boy.... is no longer needed, my lord." The priest forced a smile.

"Is he not your child? Reviving him would be a trivial task."

The priest thought for a while before speaking." He's outlived his usefulness, my lord, also, he was raised knowing very little of worldly matters, children can be replaced, reviving him be pointless my lord."

The Wolf stared at the priest for a while." Since he outlived his usefulness then he is no longer needed, correct?"

"Yes, my lord!" The priest responded quickly without realizing the potential implications behind the question.

"Then..." The Wolf pause while the mist stirred silently. Rising higher and higher. For the last time, the wolf exposed what appeared to be its incredibly bright yellow eyes that emitted light." Why do I need any of you?"

The 9 people felt pure terror in their hearts' wishing they could run away and yet no one could find the strength to move." P - Please My Lor-"

"To dust." The 9 bodies shook violently Aging rapidly.

"Please it wasn't my fault spare me, he forced me to give up my son!" Emily now looking twice her original age pleaded desperately wishing to find an escape.

"You'd lie to me? The Wolf said emotionlessly as it looked at Emily, a pillar of black mist formed above her and crushed her instantly.

Seeing Emily being reduced to a pile of ash, the remaining eight people began to feel dread. The priest regretted not saying something else and instead of rushing to answer. " The Wolf looked at those eight men and women aged rapidly, slowly withering, eventually turning into black dust. The Wolf turned it's sight back to the child.

The mist slowly expanded grabbing a book hidden within the robes of the priest with it. On the cover of the book was the sigil of 4 wolves. It slowly disappeared into the mist.

Then the wolf began to blend with the black mist, eventually, the mist-covered everything in the room while the ground violently shook.

Then all was quiet. The mist disappeared along with the body of Siegfried.

Rip!

An audible tear occurred in the space above the altar as a black pillar of the mist rose into the sky. Within a few miles of the surrounding area, all organic life dropped dead before decaying into black sand. All trees became petrified turning black. It seemed time to speed up thousands of years in an instant.

Through the pillar rose in a remote location it was visible thousands of miles around. People everywhere looked at the pillar of mist and felt a creeping chill.

"God help us!"

"Gods guide us!"

"Protect us!"

....................

Within a palace, a King was having a conversation that was identical to many leaders around the world.

"My King!" A minister bowed politely as he began to report the situation.

"Mages are reporting through transmission, the black pillar was spotted all over the Continent, they also say it's more than likely the countries of Parv and Telvane have seen it as well. Our sources report the major Parvian Houses are convening and the Tel'vian Empire is reorganizing its military. Also, many nobles hold under our Grenitian Kingdom are stirring. Many claim it's a warning from the Gods. The Diavol and Dark Elves are also showing movement."

"Aah!"

"Can't be."

"Will it involve our kingdom again?"

"Another great calamity?"

Many nobles began whispering as an ominous atmosphere permitted the room.

"Quiet!" The King rose from his throne, causing the nobles to quiet down.

"It has been more than one thousand years since the last time an event like that happened, the Grenitian Kingdom rebuilt and survived, did it not?"

Many nobles nodded in silence as the King began contemplating.

"Tell all the Noble houses to train their sons and monitor the people within their territories, any outstanding talents are to be sent to the capital for further training no matter the origin, all conflicts notice or they will be deemed enemies of the kingdom."

"As you will, my King."

"Any other matters?" The King asked.

"There is nothing else." The Minister bowed.

"Then if that's all. The King waved his hand, dismissing all the nobles.

"Empty..."That was Siegfried's first thought when he regained consciousness. A flat and empty expanse of white lay before him. Completely white all-round, no obstructions. He slowly tried to remember what happened to him.

"Dad...Mom..." An indescribable feeling lay within his chest. Siegfried was raised not knowing pain, much to his Mother's and Father's efforts. Anytime he was hurt or upset magic was used to erase his memories, sheltering him from reality. Siegfried didn't have an actual way to express negative emotions, for seven years, as he was raised ignorant to pain and negative emotions. Betrayal was an unknown concept to him.

"Dad...Mom..." Siegfried grew tense as he experienced something he hadn't felt before. Memories replayed in his head; Being hurt, confused, and seeing the smiles on his parent's face as he died. Why did they do that to him? Was the question that filled his head.

"Child." A deep voice with an indifferent tone rang out, instantly catching his attention. Though those strange feelings polluted his mind.

"Who's there?!" As Siegfried looked around his eyes fell on a gigantic dark silhouette of a wolf. It was at least 1000 feet tall. Its body was expelling dark mist yet it gave the impression it was solid. Huge yellow eyes stared at Siegfried.

"They are dead, child."

"Dead?"Siegfried felt a sense of incongruity in his heart.

"Did they feel what I felt?" Siegfried asked the silhouette in front of him.

"I would assume so." The hazy silhouette responded.

"......" Siegfried only responded with silence. Happy? Sad? Angry? There was a sense of unfamiliarity, he didn't know how to feel. Two streams of tears fell silently as he became rooted in place. After remaining quiet for a few moments, he asked a question,"...Who are you?"

".. I am..." The Wolf paused for a time then continued. " Nothing ."

"Nothing?" Siegfried repeated the wolf. The Wolf closed its eyes for a second, before opening them again. A strand of pitch-black mist flew towards his head, inserting itself into his skull.

"Ah!" Siegfried felt momentarily uncomfortable but began recalling things he never learned. The world he lived in was called Milneria, which was separate from the plane of existence Gods lived on. It was filled with many different races, but Humans were the most numerous race. Most races could practice magic or other skills, and the races who could rise to the pinnacle could become beyond powerful, though it was beyond rare for it to occur. Experiences of different lives intertwined in his head, but they seemed to flow smoothly. It went beyond common knowledge and showed him a wealth of different experiences. People lived and People died, but nothing changes.

A scene appeared in his mind as if he were there to spectate it.

Crowds of people... No, armies of people of different races, Humans, Elves, Dark Elves, and a few more. They met on a flat plain, hostility, tension, anger, and fear all mixed in the air, almost becoming palpable. Leaders dressed in Grand Armor gave speeches on each side, in response, the soldiers cheered. The crowds rushed at each other shouting, screaming, cursing. They crashed together forming a tide of violence where their differences became indistinguishable.

The scene faded away, and Siegfried was met with a very different one.

It was a harsh winter, so harsh the cold seem to dig into the skin of anyone exposed to the wind. A man dressed in torn clothes kissed his wife and son on the forehead before departing from one of the many run-down shacks among a sea of similar shacks. He followed a narrow street until he neared an upscale area. From there, he took his place among a crowd of people dressed in identical rags to his own. They yelled angrily in front of a wall of guards. They called out the Lord for living lavishly while his people starved. Their demands weren't much, most just begged for bread, just enough to feed their children. Meanwhile, the Lord watched them as if they were ants, after refusing to tolerate any more insults, he ordered the guards to attack. The men, afraid of offending their Lord compiled and charged into the crowd. They cut down defenseless men while Lord watched on with an expression colder than the frigid winds that blew. The man who kissed his wife and son goodbye was among those who died.

That scene soon faded and was replaced with the same Lord who ordered the massacre. He was far older than before and was kneeling with ropes ties around his hands. Not just him, but his entire family. They were lined up on a wooden platform, being displayed to a crowd. A young man dressed in leather armor listed his crimes. That young man's father was one of the people who begged the Lord for food and in turn, were slaughtered. His mother died not too long after that, as they struggled through the winter. The same young man harbored a grudge and inspired a rebellion, and after capturing the Lord and his family they staged an execution. The Lord begged for them to let go of his family since he was the only guilty one, but the crowd's fury couldn't be extinguished with one death. So they executed them all. The scene once again faded.

Finally, Siegfried came to understand how he met his end. His parents stumbled on an ancient book in ruin, it contained confusing yet profound knowledge. His Mother and Father gathered members of their family to take part in the ritual. They then left the management of their house to their " son," another child who looked similar to Siegfried's parents, while they took Siegfried away. Even with all their efforts, they only deciphered a small fraction of one ritual, to raise a pure vessel that would allow communication with a God. His parents assumed the vessel was being raised for a sacrifice after failing to understand the rest of the ritual.

The experiences he received made it apparent that death was part of life. Innocent or guilty, they all ended up dead in the end. Thus he accepted the belief that killing was natural, that it was part of the world. In all those experiences, some people seemed to love it, others seemed to show reluctance and even detest it, but in the end, a majority of them carried through with it.

"I see," Siegfried said solemnly, as he absorbed his newfound knowledge. Where could he go here? Unknowingly, he lost the bearing of a child after witnessing those events. He began to desire something to help prevent the strange feeling of being cast out by the ones you love.

"A blessing... Can you... give me a blessing?" Siegfried asked. The knowledge in his head detailed such things, blessings gave strength to people.

"It's not something mortals can handle, but if you still wish to receive it can be done."

"I still want one." Siegfried didn't give up, he stared at the Wolf, desperation apparent in his eyes.

"Child..." The Wolf said solemnly. Staring back at the boy.

"I don't want that to happen to me again." Siegfried meant his ritualistic sacrifice. He wasn't deterred by the ominous words the Wolf said to him, in his mind was more than good enough. The Wolf closed his eyes, giving the impression of contemplation.

"Make no mistake, My blessing won't grant you the power you wish for. It's similar to a key, and with it, you'll have a chance to grab power for yourself."

"I'm ready." Siegfried swallowed his fear, not knowing the trial which awaited him.

"Are you sure?" The Wolf spoke with his eyes still closed.

Siegfried nodded his head in acceptance, taking a deep breath.

"Then we start." The Wolf's eyes opened and a black doorway appeared in front of Siegfried. The doorway was of normal size, yet it was a completely black space. Wisps of black mist leaked out giving an eerie impression, they were like long strands of hair and almost looked as if they were alive.

A wisp of black mist shot from Wolf's body into Siegfried's left hand.

"You've received my blessing, now you are allowed to enter..."

"What's inside?" Siegfried asked fearfully. The darkness seemed hungry as if it were alive. Siegfried felt as if he going to get devoured should he enter the doorway.

"Nothing." The Wolf answered, offering no further explanation.

Siegfried clenched his teeth, and walked through, stepping into the doorway losing his senses. The doorway disappeared along with Siegfried. The Wolf stared for a while before also disappearing.

Siegfried couldn't see nor could he feel anything. It felt as though he wasn't real. He began feeling a burning pain, the intensity increased rapidly, it was as if his skin was being peeled layer by layer. Then it went deeper, deeper than flesh, his very soul felt as if it was being peeled.

"...." He wanted to scream yet no noise came out, being deprived of all his senses gave him a feeling of utter terror. His mind too preoccupied with fear and pain to think. The pain stopped after an unknown amount of time. Maybe minutes? Maybe years? Siegfried had no way of knowing.

............

"Who .... are ....you...?

A guttural and distorted voice rang out, it caused Siegfried to feel more fear than previously.

"Who is it?"

Siegfried couldn't tell if it was in his head or the darkness and causing him to panic. If someone could see his face they would find it was distorted with pure fear.

"......" Siegfried opened his mouth to speak no words came out even they did he could no longer recall his name.

"I...will....give...you....a....new....name" The voice continued speaking as if it was unaware of the soul-shaking dread it caused.

??....."

Siegfried tried to respond but he seemed to have forgotten the feeling of his own body.

"Ira..." The voice spoke again.

"My name is ....Ira?" Siegfried thought to himself.

"Now....why...are....you...here?

"Why am I here? Why am I ... here?"

The voice didn't respond as if allowing him to think. Siegfried tried to recall, but couldn't remember. It felt as his moments ago he arrived, yet somehow felt like he's been here forever as if this was always his life. Floating between life and death.

"To stop it from happening again..." Siegfried answered after an unknown amount of time.

"Why?" The voice asked another question.

Siegfried took less time to think as the answer came straight to him. " It scares me. It scares me more than anything."

"Then...I'll...Help...You." Siegfried trusted this strange voice. He relaxed his mind, slowly letting go. He began to feel consciousness fade, he tried to ask the voice a question, while he still was aware.

"Who are you?"

"Nothing"

From then on, Siegfried as a whole ceased to exist. The ego of a fragile child was fractured into pieces and reconnected with a savageness that wasn't originally there. Days passed. Months passed. Years passed. The Ego created from different pieces grew. The adolescent misgivings were erased and something broken replaced it. In the place of the former childlike naivete was a distorted innocence.

.........

"Empty..." That was the boy's first thought when he regained consciousness. A flat an empty expanse of nothing lay before him. Complete while all around, no obstructions. He slowly tried to remember what happened to him.

"Boy... Do you know who you are?" The boy stayed silent slowly contemplating. He examined his body, he was stark n*ked, he was about 5'9 his body was completely clean, except for a black sigil detailing four wolves, on his left hand.

He eventually turned around to see a silhouette, resembling a wolf made of black mist, measuring at least 1000 feet tall. Its eyes completely yellow giving off a faint glow.

"I...am.." A light flashed through the boy's yellow eyes. As he began laughing, A wolfish grin and pure white teeth shone"...Ira. My name is Ira." He remembered the name Siegfried clearly, but he would never use it again.

The Wolf paused briefly, opening his eyes again." So be it. I shall return you to the mortal world, Ira".

Ira held his chin with his hands, contemplating"...Wait! The book! I would like the book, please! Ira smiled exposing his teeth, as he held out his hands. An expression of pure self - satisfaction on his face.

"Do you know what it is? The Wolf asked him with an ever so slightly interested tone.

"Not....exactly..."

The Wolf gazed at him before black mist extended forward giving him the book, you may find some things of use if you can understand it.

"Don't worry, I'll figure it out eventually," Ira said as he grabbed the book. He examined the 4 Wolves on the front, then waved his left hand, making the book disappear.

"Are you familiar with the power of the void?" The Wolf asked, its tone resuming indifference.

"I know a little bit, but the rest will come to me slowly." Ira then looked at the Wolf expectantly," Whelp, I'm ready to go."

The Wolf didn't respond, as the mist began rising around Ira. Ira stared ahead waving at the Wolf, a grin on his face. He soon disappeared

"It's familiar." The Wolf closed his eyes before vanishing, leaving an empty white space.

...........

Whoosh!

Just outside a petrified forest a boy, 16 years of age, appeared from nowhere. The boy measured 5'9. He had a handsome face with soft features that enhanced his youth, black hair touching his shoulders, bright yellow eyes, wheat-colored skin, and pure white teeth. His grin gave off the impression of a wolf, yet held a wild charm. The only problem would be that this boy was completely n*ked. His grin receded and his face became deadly serious.

"I..."He paused, as the atmosphere around him grew colder," I need some damn clothes!"

He laughed loudly and began walking away from the black forest, sending a single glance behind him, before he turned and continued walking.

On the outskirts of a village, nearly six miles away from the petrified forest, someone began shouting.

“Clark! Clark! Come out and help!” A teenage boy was sleeping under a tree. The boy was dressed in a faded shirt, with worn outskirts, both of which were tan - colored. Upon closer inspection, he appeared to be at least seventeen years of age. The boy had an average face, brown hair, with an average build. The only thing that stood out was his height, measuring 6’0.

“Clark! Come help with the forge!” The voice came from a small pudgy kid, at least nine years old. The two appeared to be related as they held the same features and had similar clothes. He stood over the sleeping youth.

“Ugh!... Benjamin shut upppp.” The youth opened his eyes and began standing up. He lazily stretched his body before looking down at his brother.

“Amy is even helping out, if you don’t help, I’ll tell her, you love her!”

“Ben-“ Before Clark could finish, the little pudgy boy ran off. Surprisingly, the pudgy boy was quick on his feet.

“Ben! Wait!” Clark chased after his brother, falling behind. Eventually, they made it to a small village, it held 200 people. People began making way for the two boys, in a rehearsed matter, showing the familiarity of the inhabitants.

“Tell my daughter Amy to be home before dinner!” A middle-aged lady shouted with a smile.

“We will, Mrs.Ann,” Benjamin shouted, his speed not showing at all. He turned abruptly, running into a small workshop. Clark grit his teeth and ran inside.

...………....

“Pay attention, Amy. This blade will be placed onto the shaft, making your spear complete.”

Bang. Bang. Bang.

An old man with short white hair and a long bread hammered away at an anvil. Sweat dripped down his wrinkled forehead, as he poured all his concentration onto the 11 - inch blade.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

His robust figure rhythmically moved. The timing of each strike near perfect. The spear blade began taking shape under his movements.

A few feet away, a young girl stared at the old man working, gripping a towel. She wore a plain, green, short sleeve shirt, with brown pants. Her face dripped with sweat, and her brown hair clung to her forehead, but she kept her green eyes locked on the old man, rarely blinking. She had the face of an average village girl, fifteen years old, yet her body showed off faint muscle. One could assume she didn’t shy away from physical activity. Occasionally the old man would stop and the young girl would rush to wipe his forehead, showing the utmost attentiveness.

Finally, the old man stood up, quenching the blade. He held the blade up under the lamplight, examining every part of it. He nodded his head satisfactorily and eventually began sharpening the blade.

“Elder Davis, is this spear really for me?” Amy asked, anticipation apparent in her eyes.

“Hmmm, Benjamin is still too young and Clark still…” Before the old man could finish speaking, the pudgy, Benjamin ran up to Amy.

“Did…I…Miss…It?” Benjamin asked, taking huge breaths in between his words. Clark also ran in, breathing heavily. Glaring at Benjamin, before glancing at Amy then at Elder Davis.

“Sorry Ben, it’s almost over.”

“Aww, it’s all because of Clark,” Benjamin responded dejectedly, glaring at Clark.

Elder Davis smiled at Benjamin, before continuing to sharpen the spear blade.

“Hey…Amy…” Clark stared at the girl who held his heart, not knowing what to say. As he noticed he was covered in sweat and probably didn’t smell too good, his face began turning red.

“Hello, Clark,” Amy responded politely with a smile, she then turned to focus on Elder Davis again.

whiiiizzz.

Elder Davis stood up, walking over to a table, he then began assembling the short cross spear. The shaft of the spear was the same height as Amy, 5’2. The shaft was plain, made from enchanted redwood, rivaling the hardness of most metals. The blade was made from steel, its sharpness apparent. Elder Davis stoops up, handing the spear to Amy.

Amy excitedly took the spear. Looking up and down repeatedly. The design was plain and it stood 11 - inches above Amy’s head, but the simplicity enhanced the quality of it. Elder Davis looked on with a smile.

“Oh wow!” Benjamin said in awe of the spear. Clark looked on, not too interested.

“When do I get my weapon, Grandpa Davis?”

"Hohoho. In 3 years child.” Elder Davis responded with a haughty laugh, as he stroked his beard.

“3 years is too long!” Benjamin protested looking disappointed. He then turned to Clark, “Why don’t you ask for a weapon, Clark?

“That because…” Clark smiled bitterly while thinking of a way to respond, Amy stared at him curiously.

“That’s enough Ben. Go watch Amy practice the spear.” Elder Davis interrupted. Shooing away Ben and Amy. Soon the workshop was cleared out leaving Clark and Elder Davis alone together.

“It’s been twelve years, Clark.” Elder Davis had a sorrowful expression.

“I know but I…” Clark stared down at his feet, feeling uneasy.

“Why did it happen Grandpa Davis? If I just… Maybe my father..”

“Haaah.” Elder Davis let out a sigh, looking at Clark. He began to recall the story of his son’s death.

12 years ago a black pillar decimated a few km of forest. This small catastrophe occurred during a routine hunt, causing many animals and monsters to flee. At the time Clark was only 5. His father, Jacob, took him along to hunt for the first time. Everything was normal until the black pillar emerged from the forest, killing everything within a few km and causing many monsters to flee.

Unfortunately, Jacob and Clark were in the path six Ogres. Jacob successfully fought and killed four. One of the remaining two went for Clark forcing Jacob to defend him, his sword was knocked away in the process. Jacob told Clark to retrieve his sword while he evaded the attacks of two Ogres, in the end, he stumbled and was hit by an Ogre’s fist.

He shouted for Clark to bring the sword, but Clark was frozen in fear, he clutched the sword not moving an inch. Jacob continued shouting until Ogre’s began assaulting him, twisting his limbs, crushing his bones, ripping out his entrails, while Clark watched in horror. Jacob’s face held a look of disbelief as he stared at his son, his screams of terror echoed throughout the forest.

Clark stumbled backward, falling into a small ditch. The Ogre’s took pieces of Jacob’s miserable corpse and continued fleeing away from the forest. After a while Elder Davis found, Clark, lifelessly staring at the remaining pieces of his father and holding the sword tightly. At the time Clark’s mom Emma, was pregnant with Benjamin. After she heard the story from Clark, she lashed out blaming him. Clark’s heart was thrown further into despair, leaving mental scars on him. Emma gave birth to Benjamin, spiraling into depression and dying when Benjamin was only three.

Since then, Clark could never hold a sword. Experiencing painful memories whenever he held one. Hearing his mother’s voice, blaming him for his incompetence. His Grandfather never spoke of it again, burying his son’s sword, and leaving Clark to wonder if he also blamed him.

“This had to be caused by that damned couple!” Elder Davis grits his teeth thinking back years before the pillar emerged.

‘Couple?” Clark responded curiously.

“2 years before you were born… A strange couple came to the village, George Fallmire, his wife, Emily, his young son, Siegfried, and seven robed men.”

Elder Davis closed his eyes, recalling what happened all those years ago.

“People pass through village occasionally, and there is no shortage of strange fellows, but this couple was the strangest I’ve met. Everything was seemingly fine, the couple was very well - mannered. George was a nice guy, and he got along with everyone for the brief time he stayed. Until his son was accidentally hurt… The injury was minor and even through his cried, it wasn’t anything serious.. but he..”

“Then what happened Grandpa Davis?”

Clark also wondered what would’ve caused the pillar to emerged, causing him so much grief.” Maybe if I know who did it…. Maybe I wouldn’t feel so..”

“He became crazed, madness filled his eyes as he caused everyone, saying we damaged the vessel. He promised to pay us back ‘one hundredfold’ for our ‘crimes’. They left that day, taking up residence as he recalled the events that day.

“So they haven’t been seen since?” Clark asked, hoping for anything to appease his heart.

“One of the robed men would occasionally come into town for supplies, but after the black pillar emerged…”

“I see,” Clark replied disappointment apparent on his face.

“Clark, I know what you’re thinking, but try to move past it. Soon a noble will come from the capital to evaluate you and if you pass you’ll have to wield a weapon for the Grenitian Kingdom. Moreover, you can provide a better life for your younger brother, and may even impress Amy.” Elder Davis tried to encourage Clark.

Clark forced a smile as he thought to himself. ’Amy can already wield a spear proficiently and yet I can’t even hold a sword. Someone with her talent is might even attract suitors, and if it’s a high - ranking noble house…’

He clenched his fist. The pain of seeing his father die and having his mother blame him left him unable to hold a sword. If the girl he loves is taken from him…

“That’s enough Clark.” Elder Davis spoke up as he watched Clark’s expression darken.

“I believe one day that you-“

Bang.

A wounded man burst through the door, his expression grim. Amy and Benjamin walked in behind him.

“Elder, it’s an emergency! We don’t have much time!”

“Kenneth tell me what happened.”

“Our hunting party was attacked by bandits.”

“Is anyone dead?”

“No, but-“

“Kenneth clam down, we’ll get Mrs. Ann to take care of your wounds. A few bandits won’t be much trouble.”

“But, Elder-“

“If it’s more than we can handle someone could’ve spotted them from the watchtower and rung the bell.”

“Elder! That’s what I was trying to say it isn’t just a few-“

Ding. Ding. Ding.

The village bell rang out.

Elder Davis's expression grew troubled as he rushed to grab weapons.

...………...

“That'll be an easy target boss, I assure you. We were paid in advance for the one.” A thin man in a clean white button - shirt, black wool coat, spoke with a raspy voice. He adjusted his black combat boots. He equipped his quiver and bow, while his boss talked.

“If you’re wrong it’s your head, Q. We still should have killed those bastards who ran.” A huge muscular man with a bald head responded to him, the bald man was shirtless as he carried a battle-ax over his shoulder, a bear waistcloth covering his lower half. As if he wasn’t intimidating enough he had a diagonal scar across his face, with additional scars across his back.

“That'll make it easier, all the women and children will be in one place, plus if nobles from the capital came it’d increase the chances of our hideout being discovered.” The bald man held his chin.

“Hahahaha! Fine! I like the fight anyway!” He laughed deeply.

‘But you were just complaining a second age, you bastard.’ The thin man with the bow thought inwardly.

“Let’s find us some fresh whores! Whaddya’ say boys!” The bald man turned around facing a crowd of at least 200.

“Yeah!!!” The men shouted in response and marched towards the village gate.

...………....

Elder Davis looked at the increasingly grave situation. A bandit raid party of least 200 marched forward. Although the village held 200 people, 100 were women, children, and the elderly. 50 were farmers with little combat potential, and out of the 50 remaining 10 were injured. A force of 40 barely trained villagers versus 200 bandits experienced in combat.

“Shit!” Villagers turned pale as he saw the bandits march towards the village.

The path to escape was blocked by the petrified forest, although the most damage was done 12 years ago, a huge group of knights, mages, and alchemists were sent into the forest to investigate yet only one alchemist returned, with a broken mind. The forest was deemed dangerous and the villagers were advised to move but they stubbornly stayed. Who could just uproot their families and livelihood? Although many regretted it now.

“Can we surrender? M-Maybe they’ll make some money, food, alcohol, and weapons.” One villager trembled.

“Damn it! They’ll want women too! Will you give your wife or daughter up?”

The Villagers began to argue.

“That’s right they won’t stop with our possessions, we fight or we die!”

“If we die who will take of our families? Maybe Elder Davis can make them some high - quality weapons and they’ll leave?”

“Like hell, those fuckers have ‘****’ written on their faces! Maybe you can watch your wife get pushed down, but I sure as hell won’t!”

“He’s just thinking of everyone, no one wants to die.”

“Oh f*ck off! Both of you are cowards!”

“Or maybe you’re just one dumbfuck with a death wish!”

“Quiet!” Elder Davis finally spoke up.

“Both of you are wrong! It we fight and lose, they’ll still take everything, kill the elderly, **** the women, and sell the children as slaves! If we let them push us over they’ll still do the same! Both roads lead to the same place!” The villagers nodded inwardly at Elders Davis's word. The two choices held similar outcomes, and who could trust bandits to follow through with negotiations?

At the same time Amy, Clark, and Benjamin pushed a cart filled with swords and leather armor. Benjamin pulled a sword with a black scabbard and ran to Elder Davis, handing it to him.

“Are you ok, Clark?” Amy whispered, her hands gripping her spear tightly.

“Yeah…I’m fine.” Clark felt light-headed and wanted to vomit, the words began bringing the terror of 12 years ago to the present moment.

‘Could O protect Amy? Will she be …. Right in front of me? Will my brother be sold as a slave? Will Grandpa Davis be killed?’ Clark grew increasingly pale, he began to hear his mother’s hateful voice.

‘It’s your fault he died Clark. You failed your father and you’ll fail all these people.’

“Clark! Amy yelled, she grabbed Clark’s hand, snapping him out of his daze.

“I believe in you, Clark.”

“Haah.” Clark let out a deep breath, determination appearing in his eyes.

“Thank you, Amy.” Clark grabbed a sword and walked towards his Grandfather.

‘I can do this, it’s not like back then.’ Clark pushed down the feelings of apprehension in his chest. Amy gripped her spear even tighter and followed behind him.

Elder Davis watched and nodded inwardly, feeling proud of Clark. He looked at the 40 villagers who showed fear, they served as the only defense of 160 innocent lives.

Kenneth ran to Elder Davis.

“We moved everyone into village storehouse. We’ve ready when you are.” Elder Davis Nodded his head and stepped forward.

“I’ve decided on the best course of action, we will neither surrender nor will we fight. We’ll give these bastards a portion of our valuables, money, food, and alcohol. But we won’t let them take it all. Equip yourselves with weapons and armor and stand strong, we don’t want to lose people but neither do they. It’s beneficial for both sides if we do this.”

The 40 villagers felt better when they heard the plan, some sighing with relief, others still nervous.

...………...

At the same time, Ira walked through a forest, before arriving at a small overlook seeing a village roughly 700 feet away. Below him he could see a group of men, led by a bald muscular man, heading toward the village, that was surrounded by an 8 - foot wooden fence.

“Oh?” He grinned, exposing white teeth.

“Clothes. Someone has to have some clothes for me.” His eyes lit up, as he stared ahead. An old man stopped outside the gate, letting it close behind him. The bandits arrived in front of the old man in an imposing manner.

Ira tried to focus his hearing on the conversation between the old man and the bald bandit leader.

“Also….I….Weapons…Man….Quality..” The wind made it hard to hear, but Ira still caught small bits of the exchange.

“Ah! I’ll need a weapon too!” He smiled brightly before disappearing from the spot. Only faint traces of black mist were left behind.