In the vast expanse of the Titans’ Reach Desert, the scorching sun beat down mercilessly on the golden sands.

A group of six men, draped in deep purple cloaks, stood in a remote spot. The otherworldly silence that surrounded them broken only by the whispering winds. They formed a circle outside a pentagram etched onto the desert floor.

Five of the hooded figures stood at equal intervals around the pentagram, their faces hidden beneath the shadowy hoods. Each held a small, ornate bottle in their hands with a mysterious bug crawling inside.

Within the confines of the pentagram, five men, wearing earth-toned arab clothing, were bound. Gagged and blindfolded, they sat in a state of tense pitiful fear, unknowing of the scene unfolding in front of them.

In the center of the pentagram, the sixth figure stood alone, his cloak billowing in the hot desert wind. His stance was commanding, and the air seemed to vibrate with a strange energy emanating from his presence. In his hands, he held a ceremonial dagger, its obsidian blade gleaming in the harsh sunlight.

Starting a ritual, the hooded figures chanted in a language unknown to the mortal world. Their voices harmonized with the eerie wind, creating a symphony that resonated through the landscape. The pentagram began to glow faintly, its lines pulsating with an ethereal light that made any animal near run away.

As the ritual reached its climax, the figure in the center raised his ceremonial dagger high and plunged it into his left hand. Ripping the blade out, the man proceeded to spin around in an uncanny dance, splattering his blood everywhere.

Halting his dance after some time, the enigmatic man stopped and stood resolutely in the center. “My loyal subjects, it is time we beseech thy lord’s will. Give these chosen the right to evolve past their weak flesh and grow closer to the one true god. Only then, can they can serve for all eternity…”

Adhering to the command, the five men outside the circle continuously chanted as each approached one bounded victim.

The bound men in the circle strained against their restraints, their muffled cries drowned out by the arcane incantations, their tears soaked up by the desert’s parched sand.

Popping the cork off each of their bottles, the chanting men pressed the opening into the spines of the bounded sacrifices.

The bugs, seeing a way out of their prisons, ferociously burrowed into their backs. As their grotesque mandibles dug further into their bodies, the bound men writhed in unbearable agony. Their screams, while at first primal, became demonic, echoing across the barren desert.

Now surrounded by the unholy screaming of the damned, the man in the center preached to the descending sun with outstretched arms. “Do not fret my fellow men. The pain may be temporary, but what comes after will be eternal! Strength! Magic! Evolution! RISE, IMMORTAL CHILDREN OF THANATOS!”

—

As Theron and Iila traversed the Buon Plains, a cluster of houses would soon reveal themselves. “Oh! Iila! Look there!” Theron ecstatically pointed towards their destination. “Joulm Village! See, told you we'd make it before nightfall!”

Slightly trailing behind, Iila tiredly responded. “I honestly don't care about you being right… I just want to give my feet a rest already…”

“Want me to carry you the rest of the way?”

“N–” Iila at first disregarded the idea, but changed her mind. “…On second thought… Sure.”

Giving a slight chuckle, Theron crouched into position. “Alright, well hop on.”

Now at the entrance of Joulm, its cobblestone walls raised high, a lone young man with light purple hair was taking in the scenery. Watching the sunset had to be his favorite pastime.

His sightseeing would be interrupted though by a silhouette of Theron and Iila. “Hm? Ah! Adventurers!” Running up to the pair, he bowed and readily introduced himself. “Hello, my name is Jerma! Jerma Usel. I must inquire, what brings you two to Joulm?”

Theron bowed in response. “Oh, hello Mr. Jerma. We’re on our way to Titans’ Reach and were hoping we could rest in Joulm for the night. Are there any inns we could book?”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Jerma's eyes lit up. “Why yes there are! In fact, my mother owns one here. Come, follow me!”

As Jerma started to lead Theron into and further inside Joulm, he was amazed by the architecture. Paved cobbled roads, packed horse carriages strolling along, and buildings of all makes and sizes.

The townsfolk littered the streets and in front of buildings. Chatting, leading horses, and doing their own daily activities. Alongside them stood guards on duty, their chainmail armor and sharp rapiers ready for combat.

“Wow, this village looks way more furbished than most I’ve been to!”

With a sense of pride, Jerma explained Joulm's prosperity. “Indeed, us people of Joulm take pride in our humble town. It’s thanks to our main sources of income: Our prized Helios Ale, the Giant Skink Express, and Vocational Inns. My mother dabbles in the Inns business.”

“Wait, Helios Ale!? That’s the most expensive drink back in Eve’s Flask!”

“Ah, Eve’s Flask back in Kirull? They’re one of our best consumers, right behind June Kingdom!”

“June Kingdom too? Jeez, no wonder you guys are rolling in dough…”

“I take it you’ve had a cup or two before? If so, once we book you a room for the tired lass on your back, I’ll show ya to the tavern where I work. My treat.”

“Really?”

“Of course! I love a cup here and there myself, so it’s no biggie. Also, since we produce it here, it’s way cheaper than I imagine it’d cost outside of Jou–”

“Can you two hurry it up?” Iila rudely interjected.

“Yes ma’am…” Jerma and Theron said in unison, both picking up their pace.

—

“Mother!” Jerma burst through the front door of an inn. “I have brought weary travelers in need of your services!”

Jerma's mother, Jula, sat behind the counter straight ahead. At first busy cleaning, she shot up from the sudden announcement. “My goodness Jermy! You scared me half to death boy!

Catching a glimpse of the woman, Theron could immediately tell she was Jerma's mother. She had the very same soft features and light purple hair, a clear giveaway.

“My apologies mother,” Jerma stepped aside, revealing Theron and Iila to his mother. Theron in particular made Jula's face widen with surprise. “These two are looking for a ro–”

“B-BRAVEHEART!?” Jula ecstatically shouted, her hands cupping both cheeks in joy.

Jerma turned around with the same shocked face his mother had. “EH!? No way! You’re THE Braveheart!?”

“Oh yeah, I am. Forgot to mention that. My actual name is Theron Blackborne, and this is Iila Harkon, a traveling companion. We were on our way to Titans’ Reach ma’am.”

“Is that so? Then please, follow me upstairs!” Jula eagerly traversed upstairs, with everyone following suit.

While walking down the hallway behind Jula, passing many doors, Iila leaned toward Theron’s ear. (“I didn’t know you were this famous…”)

(“Honestly, me neither. I’ve never been to Joulm Village, so word must have spread.”)

Halting at the door marking the end of the hall, Jula opened it and enthusiastically presented her best room. “Here’s your room!”

The room boasted everything an inn room needed in order to promise a restful sleep.

Sturdy hardwood beams and walls adorned with hanging lanterns.

A large, comfortable bed with a plush quilt took center stage. It was adorned with intricately embroidered linens, reflecting the attention to detail that characterized Jula’s kind hospitality.

The curtained windows allowed a view of the town rooftops and the tranquil setting sun.

The soft glow of a lantern illuminated a small writing desk and bookshelf, complete with a few quills.

A compact fireplace in the corner emanated a gentle glow. Overstuffed armchairs placed in front of the fireplace practically invited Theron to unwind in the comforting warmth.

Last but not least, another door to the left, leading into a polished bathroom.

Theron and Iila couldn't help but enter mystified.

“Holy, this room is amazing! Previous rooms I've stayed in barely could compare!”

Iila felt the velvet white sheets of the bed. “Yeah, I have got to say, it’s one impressive room…”

As Iila flopped onto the bed, finally giving her body a rest, Theron turned back to Jula. “Alright, so how much will it be?” He said with his coin pouch in hand.

“Oh no no honey! It’s free!”

“Eh?” Theron and Jerma once again said in unison.

“Ma’am, y-you don’t have to do that.”

“No, I insist, enjoy yourself! Either way, once word gets out that the esteemed Braveheart rested his head within our little ol’ inn, business will skyrocket!!” Jula mischievously laughed, her country accent starting to show itself.

“I… I see. Is this to your liking, Iila?”

“Yeah, I’m more than satisfied. You can go to that tavern or whatever you guys were discussing.”

“You mean the Helios Tavern, no? Isn’t it about time you go to work anyways, Jermy? You know how busy it can get this late.”

—

Later, as Theron and Jerma strolled towards the town square, where a fountain and various shops awaited, the moon cast a cold glow upon the land.

Theron, noting the changing light, commented. "It seems to have gotten late rather quickly. So you actually work at the tavern Jerma?”

“Mhm, started working there when I was twelve, four years ago.”

“Jeez, that’s kind of early for that type of work… Do you enjoy it at least?”

“Oh, indeed I do! The work isn't bad at all. The regulars are nice. Not to mention Mr. Kin, my boss, is awesome and very caring,” Jerma looked down with a smile. “He’s… Like the father I never had.”

Theron smiled himself and patted Jerma on the head. “That’s good to hear Mr. Jerma. I'm assuming you're working so hard to help your mother out. To think you're already such a man!”

As Jerma's smile widened at Theron's comment, his gaze would be drawn to the fountain at the town center. Looking into it as they passed by, he noticed something amiss. Coins, tossed into the fountain for wishes and good luck, were missing.

“Oh boy… Looks like it happened again…”

-

Next: (Chapter 7) The Second Rune