After riding hard to put as much distance as possible between myself and the imperial city, I finally arrived at a small village nestled deep in a valley. Relief washed over me as I took in the sight of the modest wooden homes and cultivated fields, so far removed from the towering fortress I had just escaped.

But my arrival didn’t go unnoticed, and the reaction was less than warm. The villagers eyed me warily, suspicion etched onto their faces. Some hurried back into their homes, slamming their doors shut. It was clear these people lived in constant fear of the Empire's reach.

Doing my best to appear harmless, I carefully approached one of the few villagers still outside.

"Good day, friend," I greeted with a friendly tone. "Might I ask you a few questions?"

The man gave me a long, skeptical look, his eyes narrowing.

"What do you want to know, stranger?" he replied gruffly.

"Are there imperial paladins patrolling this area?" I asked, trying to gauge the situation.

The villager nodded slowly, his expression darkening.

"Unfortunately, yes," he sighed. "They’re all over the lands surrounding the city, making sure people like you don’t get too close."

I frowned, realizing my escape was going to be even more difficult than I’d anticipated.

"I see... Do you happen to know why they’re so vigilant?" I pressed, hoping for more insight.

The man hesitated, glancing around nervously as if to make sure no one else was listening. Then, leaning in closer, he lowered his voice.

"You see, the imperial city wasn’t always what it is now," he whispered. "It was built centuries ago on the ruins of an ancient civilization."

I leaned in as well, eager to hear more.

"Apparently, the city’s foundations rest on an artifact from that time, some kind of early version of the Demon’s Vein," he continued. "That’s why the Empire built their impenetrable fortress—to guard it."

My eyes widened at his words, a sinking feeling twisting in my gut.

"The Demon’s Vein, you say?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as my heart began to race. "So the artifact is actually inside the imperial city?"

The villager nodded solemnly.

"That’s what they say," he confirmed. "For generations, the Empire has guarded that relic as their most prized possession, protecting it from anyone who might try to take it."

I swallowed hard, the enormity of the task before me sinking in. If the Demon’s Vein was truly hidden in the heart of that impenetrable fortress, how could I possibly hope to retrieve it?

"You know, we’ve all suffered because of it," the villager continued, his voice bitter. "When the Empire built their city, they tore through our lands, driving out anyone who dared resist them."

He shook his head, his frustration clear.

"Even now, we live under their rule, forced to endure heavy taxes and constant surveillance," he growled.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, sharing in his pain.

"I understand your suffering, my friend. Believe me, I’ll do everything I can to help, if it’s within my power," I said sincerely.

The man looked at me in surprise before a faint smile crept onto his face.

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"You’re the first outsider to show us any kind of compassion," he murmured. "Most people are too scared of the Empire to even speak to us, let alone help."

After a moment of hesitation, he looked me in the eye.

"Tell me, young man, what is your name?" he asked.

"My name is Griffith," I replied with a smile. "And I’d like to help you however I can."

The villager nodded slowly, a glimmer of hope flickering in his tired gaze.

"Well, Griffith, since you seem willing to listen, let me tell you more about this cursed city," he said gravely.

He took a deep breath before beginning his story.

"Centuries ago, this valley was a peaceful place where people lived in harmony with the land. But one day, strangers came—powerful, greedy men," he began.

"They discovered that beneath our valley lay a strange relic, an artifact of immense power. Enchanted by their find, they quickly seized control of the area, ruthlessly driving out anyone who opposed them."

I listened intently, hanging on his every word, fully aware of the weight of this revelation.

"They built a citadel—the fortress you must have seen—to protect their precious discovery. Over time, that citadel grew into the imperial city we know today," he continued, his tone filled with bitterness.

"But the most horrifying part is that the artifact they found was only a primitive version of the Demon’s Vein. Since then, the Empire has been obsessed with unlocking its secrets, trying to increase its power," he concluded, shaking his head sadly.

I remained silent for a moment, absorbing the implications of what I had just heard. So the imperial city truly housed an early prototype of the Demon’s Vein. No wonder the paladins were so determined to stop me.

"It’s a tragic tale, my friend," I murmured, meeting his gaze. "You’ve given me valuable insight into the origins of this city."

The villager nodded, his face weary.

"Yes, but it’s a tale that’s cost our people dearly," he sighed. "We’ve paid a heavy price for that cursed relic."

Suddenly, a thought seemed to strike him, and his expression softened slightly.

"But tell me, Griffith, what brings you to our humble village?" he asked, a spark of curiosity and hope lighting his eyes. "You don’t seem to be one of the Empire’s lackeys..."

I gave him a mysterious smile.

"You’re right, my friend. I’m not one of their men," I said calmly. "In fact, I’m searching for the Demon’s Vein myself."

The villager’s eyes widened in shock.

"You... You mean you’re after that relic too?" he stammered, fear creeping into his voice.

I quickly raised a hand to reassure him.

"Don’t worry—I don’t seek it out of greed or hunger for power," I explained. "On the contrary, I want to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands."

The villager studied me closely, as if trying to gauge the truth of my words. Finally, a small smile broke across his face.

"Well then, young Griffith, allow me to invite you into my home," he said warmly. "You must be exhausted after your journey, and we can discuss your plans in more detail."

I blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his sudden hospitality. After hearing about the suffering these people had endured, I hadn’t expected such generosity.

"Truly? You’d welcome me, despite... everything?" I asked, still hesitant.

The villager placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Listen, Griffith, I can tell you’re not one of those imperial bureaucrats," he said kindly. "And if you’re trying to stop the Demon’s Vein from being misused, you have my trust."

He gave me a playful wink.

"So, what do you say? Will you join us for dinner tonight?"

For a moment, I was speechless, touched by his offer. Then, a bright smile spread across my face.

"How could I refuse such an invitation?" I said cheerfully. "I’d be honored to join you."

The villager seemed relieved, his smile widening.

"Wonderful! Follow me—I’ll introduce you to my family," he said, leading the way.

I hurried after him, my horse trotting alongside me. As we entered the village’s narrow paths, a strange sense of peace settled over me. After everything I’d been through, this unexpected stop was a welcome reprieve.

Perhaps these kind souls could help me uncover more about the Demon’s Vein and its secrets. For now, I looked forward to sharing a meal with them and learning more about their way of life.

Who knew what challenges awaited me on the road ahead? But for now, I was simply grateful for this brief moment of rest, far from the reach of the imperial paladins.