Valen sat on the edge of the bed, resting his elbows on his knees. The cold seeped into his body, but it was nothing new. Slowly, he rose and walked to the window, opening it with a quiet creak. The icy air rushed in, wrapping around him like a ghostly hand touching his chest. He drew in a deep breath not for the oxygen, but for the memory of the life he was leaving behind...
After a moment, he turned around and grasped his sword, his gaze settling on the blade with quiet pride. It was the only thing he would take with him the last remnant of his only friend, Orlen. Though his heart resisted leaving the village, he knew he had no choice. Only by walking this path would he uncover the truth behind his family's death.
He stepped through the door and saw Orlen talking with Luca.
"Hey, Valen, come here. Luca will explain what you need," Orlen called out.
The two stood near an alchemy table outside Luca's house, bathed in the golden light of the sun. The scent of herbs and simmering potions filled the warm air, mingling with the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer. Dust swirled in the breeze as Luca turned to face him, a knowing look in his eyes.
"I heard you're going to the Abyss," Luca said, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. He paused for a moment before adding, "Is that true?"
His gaze was sharp, studying Valen as if searching for hesitation. The alchemy table between them was cluttered with vials, herbs, and strange glowing liquids, their faint fumes curling into the warm daylight. Orlen crossed his arms, waiting for Valen's response.
"Yes, I told Orlen everything. He understands me… I guess," Valen replied, his voice steady but distant.
A sudden gust of wind howled through the village, lifting whirlwinds of dry leaves into the air. Birds scattered from the rooftops in startled flight, while butterflies were tossed like fragile petals, carried away by the unseen force. The world itself seemed to shudder, as if sensing the weight of Valen's decision.
"Okay, listen, young one. You'll need some potions, especially mana ones the Abyss sucks mana like black magic," Luca said, his tone firm.
He paused for a moment before adding, "Orlen told me he'll give you mana crystals too, so you'll be safe… at least when it comes to mana."
Luca reached for a small leather pouch on the alchemy table, the faint glow of enchanted vials casting eerie reflections on his fingers. The air was thick with the scent of brewed herbs and arcane energy, as if the very earth whispered warnings about the path Valen was about to take.
Orlen stepped forward, his expression serious. "And remember," he said, "if you find a messenger, write a letter and tell him to bring it to this village. That way, we'll know you're still breathing."
His words carried both concern and a silent plea. The wind picked up again, rustling the parchment in his hand before he tucked it away. Luca remained quiet, observing Valen as if trying to memorize him just in case he never came back.
"I was there once… in the Abyss," Luca said, his voice lower now, almost distant. He paused for a moment, his gaze darkening. "It was years ago, but I still remember the Death Watchers."
The air between them grew heavier as he continued, "You better be careful watch what you say and what you do. They see more than just flesh and bone."
A shadow seemed to pass over Luca's face, as if he were recalling something he wished he could forget. Orlen shifted uneasily, but said nothing. The wind had died down, leaving only the quiet hum of distant life a stark contrast to the suffocating silence Luca spoke of.
Orlen handed Valen a sturdy backpack, the leather straps worn but reliable. "Here, take this," he said. "I've packed some extra things for you animal blood, some clothes, and…meatballs."
He gave a small, lopsided smile, trying to mask the concern in his eyes. "Figured you'd need something decent to eat"
The weight of the bag settled on Valen's shoulders, heavier than it should have been. Not because of its contents, but because of what it represented a final gesture of friendship before he stepped into the unknown.
Valen took a step back, his figure retreating into the sunlight, his presence fading like a shadow dissolving into the day. He raised a hand, letting the wind carry his silent farewell.
"Remember about the messenger!" Orlen called out, his voice firm but tinged with worry.
"I will!" Valen shouted back without turning, his words swept away by the breeze as he disappeared beyond the horizon.
Orlen exhaled slowly, watching Valen disappear into the distance. Then, without looking at Luca, he muttered, "You better tell Abby to pray for his safe return."
Luca didn't respond immediately. He simply stared at the spot where Valen had vanished, the weight of unspoken fears settling between them. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "She already does."
And so, Valen set off on his journey to the Greatest Abyss. He did not know when or if he would return. The path ahead was uncertain, shrouded in mystery and danger, but he had no choice.
A contract bound him, one given by Rahul himself. The Champion of Eruyland was waiting for his own death. Whether this journey would lead to answers or only more darkness, Valen would soon find out...