It was quick work.
The lankier one, the one with combat experience, put up a fight.
But it wasn't enough.
Not nearly enough.
My arms began to strain with the weight of the wagon I pulled behind me.
In the carnage the horses had bucked and fled.
And now with [Mark of the Leader] snug back over my eye, my body was feeling it's drain.
In our realm great power comes at a cost.
If you want much now, much must be sacrificed for a time beforehand.
I smiled as the weight on my arms began to lessen.
From the distant trees he had appeared
What took you so long, Muller?
And when do the troops get here?
I smiled wearily, not in his direction.
But he would know the grin was for him, and him alone.
They couldn't keep up.
But I'm sure they'll appear within a few minutes.
They are good men.
Good hearts, Captain.
He spoke as if trying to reassure me that his men would never partake in what I had to handle tonight.
I frowned.
He didn't have to do that.
I know you train good men, Muller.
Traits of the trainer rub off on the trainee, after all.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
It's my own fault.
We allowed corruption to enter our guild
Thinking we could manage evil.
I was a fool for letting it go this far.
I spat at the ground.
At my words.
At the faults all my own.
I felt a shake.
A wave of power.
Either an Elite Mob spawned within the forest
Or…
You removed it…
Turning my head I saw the young man for what he was.
A lost boy battling the demons of our realm on a whim.
He had lost his drive when I had found him again.
The once Wrathbringer holder no longer held the blade.
He was manipulated and torn down by a high guild.
By that bastard Mercy.
I'll get him soon enough...
I thought with a grimace that ached my soul.
Gritting my teeth, I replied with:
I did.
I know it's foolish.
Just makes things easier.
Just as I finished my sentence I immediately regretted my actions.
There was no chance that I needed to remove my limiter.
It was not out of necessity but out of cowardness
In that state
In my awakened form.
Battle takes over.
It's almost as if I'm no longer in control.
No longer needing to make the hard decisions...
Captain…
Muller began but was cut short by a rush of men from out the shadows of the forest, weapons drawn for a battle that had ended long ago.
Looking embarrassed.
They quickly came over and began lugging the wagon back to camp.
We no longer talked.
The walk back was quiet and calm and wrong.
The air felt wicked.
The moon hung high and haunting.
My soul quaked under a starry night.
Ahead our destiny lay cloudy.
Ahead our destination lay settled.
To conquer the realm before you conquer your soul is an impossible task.
Calming myself.
Lying to myself
To my men.
I smiled despite it.
Regardless of the cost...we would move forward...