“Are you awake now?” I could hear a voice—a man’s voice, quite rough, and didn’t sound like it had any real concern. It’s probably full of annoyance. The next thing that I felt was the cold water running through my face. It was not just cold, but also murky and tasted somewhat harsh. These sensations jump started every single cell of my brain, pushing them away from the realm of subconscious.
“HAAAA—!!!” I screamed as I woke up, pulling my torso upwards. The taste of murky cold water still lingered in my tongue and instinctively, I spit them out with utmost effort, trying to not have any of them enter my stomach. God knows what it could do to me. “What…what? Where am I?”
“You could talk? Heh. That’s a surprise. Make things easier for me.” A man, donning a full set of chainmail–or that’s what at least I thought it was–sat nearby. He had the appearance of an old man, although his voice hinted that he was at least younger than thirty. His black hair was surprisingly neat, and he didn’t look like he had a single speck of stain anywhere.
“Wait–wait! W-where am I?” The first question I instinctively asked was where I am. Of course, I am really confused, because it felt like I just had a long, long sleep and someone woke me up from it very roughly.
“Are you kidding me? You don’t even know where is this? Dammit, guess it’s not that easy, after all. Tch. Where you are doesn’t matter, but I found you floating down this river, sleeping like a baby. What I want to know, is how are things up there.” Quickly, he pointed at the direction where the river flew from.
“W-What? Sorry? I…don’t know! What the hell?” Of course, my first answer was confusion—I knew nothing of what happened before I was woken up. Hell, I don’t even know my name…wait, my name? Who am I?
“Stop spouting bullshit and tell me.” Quickly, he pulled out something flashy–a dagger, somewhere from his body. The sharp point was directed towards me. “I know you know something. Tell me or this knife will go through your neck.”
“I…w-what the fuck?! I don’t know! I said I don’t know!What the hell happened up there anyway?!” As I was in utter confusion, I frantically defended myself with mere words. Would I die here?
“Oh, you gotta be hiding something from me alright. Now, tell me, what happened up there. How’s the place running, and who’s on the winning.” The knife was even closer to my neck than before. I could already feel the cold steel touching my skin. “Funny move and you die, by the way.”
“I’m… I… I don’t know! I don’t fucking know, man!” As the knife drew closer, my brain went even more frantic. Cold sweat showed up on my face, in response to the increasing heart rate. Even the rush of adrenaline didn’t help much. It just made the feeling worse. What even is he talking about?
“Then you’re of no use to me. Farewell.” In the split second that the man finished his words, the steel went through my skin, cutting through the flesh where I could feel the cold before the pain inside my throat. It’s agonizing, and as I dropped down to the ground, my hands held my neck in a futile attempt to stop the pain. “Heh. Just remember that Grunther of Ronn was the one who sent you to your afterlife.”
“Gh-Ghru…nther of…Rohnn….” As I drew my last, I remembered the name clearly, etching it to my brain. The last thing I heard before I closed my eyes forever, leaving this world I barely knew.
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And from within the light, the dark came forth; sundering the shadows, conquering the glints. An absolute order, reforming what’s within. None shall escape, none are blessed.
“GRUNTHER OF RONN—!!!” I woke up, choking on my own scream. I will kill you. I will make you pay. I will…why am I still alive? The first thing I noticed after waking up was that I am alive and well; except the lingering pain on my neck, I could feel that I am indeed, alive. As I touched my neck, I could feel no cut; not even bloodstain was there. There was but skin and flesh.
Impossible. This is impossible. What happened to me?! I pondered about the impossible event that just unfolded. When I tried to recall them just to correct my perception, if my eyes and my senses were just making fun of me, I could recall the sharp knife tucked between my neck. Frantically, I stood up and ran towards my back—only to trip and fall on my nose.
“Aagh…fuck me….” Fortunately, it didn’t break; my spirit did, however. I feel utterly miserable, from waking up with no memories, getting stabbed by an unknown, and then tripping on myself. It could get worse. Quickly, I got up and dusted myself off. By the time I actually had a proper look at myself, I was equipped with armors–which I hardly knew the name of. Probably just chainmails. I had a chest piece, something over my legs, and my arms. No helmet, though, and there seems to be no distinct symbols.
In all honesty it’s pretty neat.
However, I am not equipped with any weapons at all—oh, I had…a dagger. It was there, tucked in-between my shirts. Since this is the only protection I have, there is nothing I could do but brandish it and be prepared for anything.
Still, however, with however calm my mind is, my heart is still filled with rage. I will…find Grunther of Ronn, and exact my revenge upon him. He killed me, after all, and an eye should be paid for an eye. I have no exact location of where he currently is, and searching blindly would prove to be an inefficient method…so I decided to bury the anger, all the while trying to find my identity. Who…am I? Why was I here? That man said something about what happened up there, beyond the stream, but I remember nothing.
There are no clues, and I feel reluctant to go upstream. It wasn’t without reason, because although I can probably find something that could lead to my identity, I have nothing but a dagger, and I’d rather not risk my life for a second time. There has to be something ominous up there…I’m sure of it.
And thus, downstream is where I was headed. The forest was serene, filled with green and the chirp of birds. Sometimes, I even saw small animals moving through the bushes—probably rabbits, or hares. I wasn’t fast enough to catch them, but it was none of my concern anyway. Along the way, I stumbled upon what seems to be the remnant of a bonfire. Somebody must have camped here…and it’s probably that bastard Grunther.
There was nothing of note around the bonfire, since whoever camped here before must have packed up their belongings fairly well. The only thing that remains was the bonfire remnant—in the middle of nowhere. There isn’t any sort of landmark around either, which makes it complicated to use it as a camping spot. I have no knowledge of this land, and the sun is still quite high.
After a few more walks, I saw a stone planted by the river. It’s on the other side of the bank. I couldn’t quite read it from here, but they look like some sort of landmark from this distance. Really…what gives? It’s probably a landmark, but it’s really in the middle of nowhere. For now, it holds no significance to me, but I should remember it just in case.
For the next few hours of what is probably the longest walk I ever take, there weren't any significant landmarks I have found but one: a pendant nailed in an intricate pattern over a tree. I did approach it, but all I did was take a look at it for a few seconds before deciding that it isn’t wise to mess around with something that looks sacred. It doesn’t look like I could pull the pendant off the tree either, with how deep the nails are, and the pendant itself was tied with some sort of chain, looks more durable than most.
No point in sticking around, and thus, I continued my path forward.
Just a little bit after the strange pendant, the river was split in half, with one being noticeably smaller than the other. The flowing water, in a peculiar sense, emanated an ethereal and incorporeal feeling, with a small thread of light surfing across the surface. Within the moment I saw it—I was immediately entrapped with a feeling of amusement. And just like a child, excitedly, I followed through the small waterway. Through bushes and shades, I mustered everything I had in my legs to reach the end destination.
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And from the light was the shadow borne; and from the dark was the glint borne; and thus the vanquisher ended it all, for the Nameless One to raise or fell.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Oh ye child of man… Come closer… for I am a bearer of news.”
As I got closer, a calm voice, soft-spoken and well-mannered, spoke to me. Its voice was inviting, and before I knew it, I stood before an altar of stone, where several items I know none of rests, along with a candle—and incense candle. The candle was lit, yet for some reason, it never ran out. For an altar, I somehow knew that this is a normal scenery, a commonplace; the incense candle was lit, the items were arranged, and no part of the altar was damaged. What’s strange, however, was the view to my right, just a few meters away from the altar.
A girl was chained up in a very intricate manner so that her right hand hung freely above her head and her left chained up to her chest. Her face was shadowed by her own platinum blonde hair, bent down gazing upon the soil under. “Be not afraid of mine condition; I am a Bleeding Maiden, and I act as the guide to every undead seeking refuge in this altar. Oh ye child of man, be so kind and offer me your name, for it is the mark of those unhallowed.”
“Ah…name?” I broke my own silence by asking her. Her manner of speech sounds so refined that my own language felt like dirt. “I don’t know, unfortunately.”
“...?” The Bleeding Maiden paused for a bit, before continuing. “Pardon me, child of man, but that escaped me…?”
“I-I’m sorry, but, I really don’t know my name. I recently lost my memories…and I don't know my name yet. It’s beyond me.”
“...I could not understand. By the chains that bind us, only the halloweds remember no name; for a nameless to chatter, it is a phenomenon unprecedented. Whatever shall I do…?” Within her confusion, she questioned my circumstances. Then, slowly, her head was raised, revealing a beautiful face, lacking any defects—yet one unsettling factor, was that she was crying blood. From between her closed eyelids, a steady stream of blood spilled on the surface of the pale white skin. The crimson liquid never left beyond her jawlines. Into thin air they vanished, leaving not a tinge of her blood to the ground. “Oh Nameless One, would you be so kind as to kill the candle with your hands? I must inquire if you are a subject of a blessing, or simply a circumstance beyond mine reach.”
Kill…the candle. With…my own hand? “Sure.” I approached the altar where the candle rested, still burning itself, spreading a pleasant aroma to the mind. I lifted my hand, and placed the dim flame between my thumb and my index. Unceremoniously, I pinched the wick with the intent to kill the flame, all the while my subconscious pondered what could happen afterwards.
FWIP.
As my fingers killed the light, my vision dimmed, although not with a sense of safety and invigoration. It was an amazing experience…surely something I never had experienced before. As my sight returned, I felt better—way better than before. The maiden, although showing nearly no expression, clearly gasped. “...interesting. I have no words for this extraordinary circumstance…yet I could not reject one that received the Blessings of Eventide.”
“If you wish so, you could rest in any altar there is, and they will always give you strength. Before you continue with your journey, Nameless One, would you be so kind as to procure some of my tears as a help in your journey? A vial is on the altar, and with it should you contain my tears.” Her free hand weakly pointed at the altar, just beyond the incense candle. Just like her words, there is a vial, decorated with a needle on its end. I grabbed it carefully so I wouldn’t drop it and got myself closer to the maiden. Up-close, disregarding her bloody tears, she is actually quite a beauty, in fact, can be called otherworldly.
“How should I do this?”
“Hold the needleless point to my tears, and it should fulfill its purpose,” Quite easily, as I did what she told me, the blood filled the vial, turning it red entirely. I put it in my pocket as she said I would need it later on. “Thank you; if you ever find yourself with many injuries, or any life-threatening ailing, it would do you well to use my blood for a cure. Remember, that only an undead is able to use it, Nameless One. If you found another vial, it would do you well, too, to meet me and fill it with my blood. Flow it inside yourself, and it should heal any sort of injury but curses.”
Honestly, I’m a little skeptical. But…whatever. Something keeps telling me that she wasn’t lying, nor would she ever lie to me. “Mm…thank you.” It seems like the list of equipment had expanded even by a little. A healing vial…a blood that could cure any ailments and wounds but curses. It’s worth trying later on. Hopefully I won't die when I’m about to test it.
“Is something else on your mind, Nameless One? There is no shame in asking,”
Hearing her question, an objective appeared in my mind, one that is most important as of now. “Honestly, I am quite lost here; I don’t know anything about this place. Would you tell me where I am?”
“It is a pleasure to help you, Nameless One. In our vicinity is the Arahan River. If you follow it, you may find yourself some interesting locations…although straying from it could also yield the same results. There is no wrong in choosing either, as I cannot dictate what your heart has chosen, Nameless One.”
“Mm… Thank you. I’ll be going now.” I don’t know, but it seems like it’s just polite to bow to her before leaving. I would never know what she’s doing when I’m away from the altar, but I wouldn’t pry too much.
“May the Lords of Eventide keeps you safe, Nameless One,”
As I left the premises, I could see the river again, flowing down to the valleys below. The Bleeding Maiden said that if I follow the stream, I might be able to find ‘interesting locations’, which I would assume are some sort of settlements…do people even settle down by the river? Since I’m not even sure, it’s best to check it out myself.
Down, down, and down we go. The road down isn’t too steep, and isn’t filled with amusing things either; not enjoyable, but I couldn’t hate it either. The river, however, still has a strong stream. I really don’t want to go down there and try crossing it. Not much to gain from getting dragged to who-knows-where.
“Hey, you,” suddenly, as I walked by the river, a voice called me out. It was at that same time that I discovered that there were some bodies, washed up ashore by the river. The voice called out from the right, just under a tree. Looking at his blood trails, he’s clearly injured, and he could die anytime soon. Is there anything I could do to help him? No, not for now; I’m not a healer, and this man is probably not an undead, which is why injecting him with the blood of the maiden would only cause unknown results. “I’m calling you, young man! Don’t keep this dying man waiting!”
He called for me; he doesn’t seem to be any threat, especially with his condition. “...what can I help you with?”
“You’re from those boys, don’t you?” The man had his stomach bathed in his own blood. It seems like the pieces of armor he wore didn’t stop sharp blades tearing through his flesh. He had his gauntlets, shin guards, and boots on—strangely enough, his chest piece or helmet were nowhere to be seen. He could have thrown it away, knowing that it wouldn’t do him anything well. Under the blood that spilled from his guts, I could see glimmer of iron, probably his chainmail that failed its duty miserably.
“Pardon?”
“Hah! Of course. Not gonna talk about it, then.”
“Apologies…but I lose my memory.”
There’s a silence and a look of disbelief in his eyes, before he chuckled. “Is this a new trick to hide information? You boys sure are tricky…heh heh heh—cough, cough, hack!!” The chuckle turned into a cough, and the cough spilled blood on the floor. “Haaah…fuck me. I’m gonna die soon,”
“...do you need anything?”
“Hmm…? You sound awfully good for someone coming from there. Heh heh. You really hit your head, huh?” The man chuckled again, and he coughed for another one, spilling more blood. “...fuck. Anyway…I’m just…need a hand. You know, people have families, and I got one, too. Help me with—cough cough!! Haaa—I can feel it…the death’s door. When I drew my last, take this pendant. I have a family, from a town nearby…give it to them. There’s a flower pot by the window—my daughter raised them. White flowers… so beautiful. Tell them I died bravely. Heh heh… This isn’t so bad. Take my sword—it’s gonna help with your journey ahead. Aah… I can see it already, my demise,”
I really could have just run off. I could have just ended his misery earlier. Yet here I am. Listening to his dying words. And the question I uttered before he finally drew his last was, “...may I know your name?”
“Name…? I suppose so. Remember. I’m Null. Elio Erat Null. And this sword is mine. Be sure to deliver my pendant, young man. Heh heh. I guess…this doesn’t feel so bad….”
The man slumped over his now breathless corpse. In his death, he left a smile on his face. The only thing I could do was to close his eyes and rest his body on the ground. After taking the uniquely shaped pendant and his sword—presumably a longsword—I continued my journey downstream. The sight I was greeted with was not pleasant; soldier corpses, floating on the water or drifted ashore. There seems to be nobody alive, and that man was the sole exception…until he himself died.
There really seems to be something going on upstream.
However, I could not bother myself thinking about the unnecessary things. I need to reach the nearest town as soon as possible, just like what the maiden said. After another boring walk, the river finally turned itself to the right—which means I couldn’t go straight anymore. Luckily, not far from the turn is a wooden bridge, which I would assume had been used to cross occasionally.
“Man…there’s no end to this walk.” I gruntled as I got off the bridge. This was really a long walk. Come to think of it… I have been walking through this path for a while, yet I haven’t seen any villages or towns yet. I wouldn’t say that I don’t trust the maiden, but I start to doubt myself—I probably got lost somewhere. I hope this forest stops spreading itself over the horizon….
…is there no end to this? How long have I been walking? Am I just too slow?
“S-Sir…”
Oh–-look, finally. A city. I’m so glad.
“S-Sir…”
That walk felt really bad. Wait, what is this feeling of having my cloth pulled? What–
“Sir! Are you there!?”
“Sorry?” When I looked back, there’s a girl that looks a little bit raggedy; her face is somewhat dirty, her clothes are torn here and there, and she doesn’t even wear any shoes. However, under that dirty face and unpleasant expression, the traces of beauty still can be seen. “What are you doing here?” Even though I lose my memory of my past, it seems like I still retain a lot of common sense. Convenient, don’t you think?
“I…Uh…”
“Hmm? I can’t hear you, say it more clearly.”
“I…Help me…please….”
Another person asking for help? Twice in a row? Surely, this isn’t a mere coincidence, right? I knelt in front of her just so that she looks a little taller than me. “What kind of help do you need, young miss? What are you even doing in the middle of the forest?”
“No…you…I…please help me…. My… my sister.”
“What happened to your sister?”
“I…help me… rescue her from bandits.”