Chapter 2

Vale woke up lost in the forest… again. “It’s been 2 weeks since I left Graviston!” he yelled. “I should be out of this hellscape by now, why does my magic cause all my navigation tools to go crazy!”. One of the issues that Vales’s magic causes is that any of the navigation abilities that he can get tend to not function... well only when used by him anyway. That was the trade-off though as he did get one of the rarest and lost magics that exist. He controls void magic; Only one or two people every few thousand years actually get the blessing of this magic. One of the many side effects is that it causes the user to live thousands of years, but unfortunately it is so taxing on the body that if you use it too much it can change your mind and body so you may live for thousands of years but what is living if you are a mindless Void Lich. Most who have this magic do not have the physiology for it, but Vale was different though as when the goddess remade his body she may have accidentally changed his body to one of pure and true affinity, but with that in mind he does not just have the Void magic, but may also be able to access to the entire library of magics as well. It was either a gift or curse bestowed upon him by the goddess when she rebuilt his ruined and desolated body.

“Eir get down here.” Vale yelled, A response in a soft and calm voice said to him in his mind “You know I cannot help you anymore Vale. I cannot be your personal navigator.” “I know” he said more calmly “But it’s been a fortnight.” he stated. Her voice now a little more stern “Vale, I have told you many times that you need to find a party and travel with them, or at least stay on the main roads or keep to the known trails AND STOP TAKING SHORTCUTS!.”. “I know, I know!” He said “but anytime I find a party that is willing to travel with me they ditch me at the next village. They see me use my magic just once to take out a monster and they start treating me like one of the monsters.” It was true Vale had tried to party up many times but every time he used a void power he just gets left in the next town. When he had left Graviston he had been with his 12th party and they had left him there while he slept leaving the same letter as the others.

Vale,

We are sorry but we feel that you are not a great fit for our party we wish you well and hope that you find a party that you would fit in better with. We paid the night stay and a round of ale for you to enjoy. In this town there is an adventures guild and they may have leads on a new party for you but we would recommend going to the next town to the south, Fairvern, it’s about a 2 day walk.

Vale did start the journey at the south gate and was following the road but when he got to the forest he thought he could just take a quick pass through but we know how that turned out.

“Vale maybe its time you try to use the sword to fight instead of your magic. There are many that do not know about void and when they see it they will fear you. Many have been told stories of a Lich that pulls people into a different realm and feeds on their soul.” Eir said. Vale sighed, frustration evident in his voice. "I know, Eir. But you've seen how clumsy I am with a sword. It's like trying to wield a toothpick against a dragon. Besides, my magic is a part of me. It's what I am now." Eir's response was gentle but firm. "Your magic may be a part of you, Vale, but it doesn't define you. There are other ways to navigate through this world, other paths to take. Perhaps it's time to explore those options." Vale grumbled in response, feeling the weight of his predicament pressing down on him. He hated feeling helpless, lost in a maze of trees and uncertainty. But Eir was right; relying solely on his void magic had led him down this path time and time again.

Taking a deep breath, Vale pushed himself to his feet and scanned his surroundings. The forest stretched out in every direction, the dense foliage blocking out the sunlight and casting long shadows across the forest floor. He had no idea which way to go. Closing his eyes, Vale reached out with his senses, trying to tap into the magic that flowed through the world around him. It was a delicate dance, one that required finesse and precision. But as always, his attempts were met with frustration as the magic slipped through his fingers like water. "Damn it," Vale muttered under his breath, frustration bubbling up inside him. He felt like a prisoner trapped in his own body, unable to break free from the shackles of his own magic. But then, something shifted within him, a spark of determination igniting deep within his chest. If he couldn't rely on his magic to guide him, then he would find another way. He may not be the greatest swordsman, but he refused to let fear dictate his actions any longer.

With newfound resolve, Vale set off through the forest, his eyes scanning the underbrush for any sign of movement. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig set his heart racing, but he refused to let fear consume him. He would find his way out of this forest, no matter what it took. Hours passed in a blur as Vale pressed on, his legs aching and his stomach growling with hunger. But still, he refused to give up hope. He had faced worse challenges in his life, and he had always come out stronger on the other side. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting the forest in a warm golden light, Vale stumbled upon a clearing nestled deep within the heart of the woods. In the center of the clearing stood a towering oak tree, its branches reaching up towards the sky like outstretched arms.

Vale approached the tree cautiously, his senses on high alert. But as he drew closer, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, like a warm embrace wrapping around his weary body. Reaching out, Vale placed his hand against the rough bark of the oak tree, feeling the steady pulse of life thrumming beneath his fingertips. It was as if the tree itself was reaching out to him, offering him solace and guidance in his time of need. Closing his eyes, Vale allowed himself to sink into the embrace of the forest, letting go of his fears and doubts. For the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. As he stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, Vale knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on, with courage and determination in his heart. For he was Vale, wielder of void magic, and nothing could stand in his way for long. With the newfound sense of calm enveloping him, Vale decided to rest beneath the protective canopy of the oak tree. He settled against its sturdy trunk, feeling the weariness of his journey weighing heavily on his limbs. As he closed his eyes, he allowed himself to drift into a fitful slumber, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of his predicament.

In his dreams, he found himself wandering through a labyrinth of shadow and light, his footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. Everywhere he turned, he was met with dead ends and false promises, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. It was then, a voice called out to him from the darkness, a soft whisper that seemed to cut through the chaos like a beacon of hope. "Vale," it said, the sound echoing inside his mind like a distant memory. "You are not alone." Startled, Vale spun around, searching for the source of the voice. But all he saw was darkness, stretching out before him like an endless abyss. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice echoing off the walls. There was no response, only the sound of his own ragged breaths filling the silence. Frustrated and confused, Vale pressed on, determined to find the answers he sought.

As he wandered deeper into the labyrinth, he began to notice subtle changes in his surroundings. The walls seemed to shimmer and shift, their once solid forms melting away like smoke in the wind. And with each step he took, the darkness seemed to recede, replaced by a soft glow that illuminated his path. Following the light, Vale soon found himself standing at the edge of a vast chasm, its depths hidden from view by a thick veil of mist. But as he peered into the darkness, he felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him, like he had been here before. With a deep breath, Vale stepped out into the void, his heart pounding in his chest. For a moment, he felt weightless, suspended in mid-air as he soared through the darkness. But then, as suddenly as it had begun, the sensation faded, and he found himself standing on solid ground once more. Before him stood a figure cloaked in shadow, its features obscured by darkness. But even so, Vale could sense the power radiating from it, a palpable force that sent shivers down his spine. "Who are you?" Vale asked, his voice barely above a whisper. But the figure said nothing, only watching him with eyes that burned like embers in the night. And then, without warning, the figure reached out a hand towards him, its touch sending tendrils of darkness snaking through Vale's mind. He tried to pull away, to break free from its grasp, but it was like trying to escape the pull of a black hole.

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In that moment, Vale felt a surge of panic rising within him, threatening to consume him whole. But then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the darkness receded, leaving him standing alone in the empty void. Gasping for breath, Vale stumbled backwards, his heart pounding in his chest. He felt as if he had been thrown into the depths of the abyss, only to be pulled back at the last moment by some unseen force. As he stood there, shaking and disoriented, he knew that he had glimpsed something beyond the realm of mortal comprehension. Something ancient and powerful, lurking just beyond the edges of his consciousness. But try as he might, he could not shake the feeling that his encounter with the shadowy figure was only the beginning of a much larger journey. And as he gazed out into the darkness, he knew that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty. But no matter what lay in store, Vale was determined to press on, to uncover the truth behind his strange and unsettling visions. For he knew that only by facing his fears head-on could he hope to find the answers he sought. With a steely resolve, Vale set off into the unknown, his heart filled with a sense of purpose and determination. And as he disappeared into the darkness.

As Vale traversed through the dark and mysterious depths of his dreams, he couldn't shake off the lingering feeling of unease that clung to him like a shadow. The encounter with the cloaked figure had left him unsettled, his mind plagued by questions and doubts. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was a flicker of something else maybe curiosity?. Despite the fear that gnawed at his insides, there was a part of Vale that yearned to understand the mysteries that lay beyond the veil of his consciousness. With each step he took, he felt a sense of clarity wash over him, like pieces of a puzzle slowly falling into place. He knew that he was on the cusp of a revelation, a truth that had been hidden from him for far too long. Guided by this newfound sense of purpose, Vale pressed on, determined to unravel the secrets that lay buried within the depths of his mind. He knew that the path ahead would not be easy, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way.

As he journeyed deeper into the labyrinth of his dream, Vale began to sense a shift in the world around him. The darkness that had once enveloped him like a suffocating shroud began to recede, replaced by a soft, ethereal light that bathed everything it touched in a warm, comforting glow. He found himself standing in a vast chamber, its walls adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that seemed to pulse with life. The air was thick with the scent of ancient magic, filling Vale's lungs with a sense of wonder and awe. In the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, upon which rested a gleaming artifact, a sword of purest mythril, its violet blade shimmering in the soft light. As Vale approached, he felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over him, as if he had been drawn to this place by some unseen force. Reaching out, he grasped the hilt of the sword, feeling its power coursing through him like a bolt of lightning. It was as if the sword itself was alive, pulsating with energy that resonated with his very soul.

With a sense of purpose burning in his heart, Vale lifted the sword high above his head, the weight of its significance bearing down upon him. He knew that this was no ordinary weapon it was a symbol of his destiny, a tool that would guide him on his journey back to his world . He stood there, bathed in the radiant glow of the chamber, Vale felt a surge of power coursing through him, filling him with a sense of strength and determination. He knew that he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, armed with nothing but his courage and the sword that now rested in his hand. With a resolute nod, Vale took a step forward, his heart filled with determination. He knew that the path ahead would not be easy, but he was prepared to face it head-on, for he was the wielder of void magic, and nothing could stand in his way. And with that thought echoing in his mind, he set off into the unknown, his destiny calling out to him like a beacon in the darkness. For he knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, he would face them with courage and determination, ready to take on whatever the world held in store.

As Vale emerged from the depths of his dreams, a ruined sword in hand, a shadow of the one he had found in the dream. He felt a gentle warmth enveloping him like a comforting embrace. Opening his eyes, he found himself still beneath the protective canopy of the ancient oak tree, the soft light of dawn filtering through the branches above. But as he stirred, preparing to rise from his makeshift bed, he was startled by a soft, melodious voice echoing in his mind a voice that seemed to emanate from within the very heart of the tree itself. "Vale," the voice whispered, its tone gentle yet unmistakably powerful. "You have been chosen." Startled, Vale blinked in confusion, unsure if he was still dreaming or if this was some trick of his overactive imagination. But as he listened, the voice grew stronger, its words resonating within him like a chord struck deep within his soul.

"You possess a power unlike any other," the voice continued, its words filled with a sense of reverence and awe. "A power that has been dormant within you, waiting to be awakened." Vale's heart began to race as he listened, his mind swirling with a myriad of questions and uncertainties. What did the voice mean by "chosen"? And what was this power it spoke of? Was it related to his void magic, or was it something else entirely? As if sensing his thoughts, the voice spoke again, its words soothing and reassuring. "Fear not, Vale. You are not alone. My name is Oakheart, and the path ahead may be fraught with danger, but know that you have been chosen for a reason. Embrace your destiny, and you will unlock the true potential that lies within you." With each word, Vale felt a surge of determination coursing through him, filling him with a sense of purpose that he had never known before. He may not have all the answers, but he knew that he could no longer ignore the call of destiny beckoning him forward. Rising to his feet, Vale gazed up at the towering oak tree, “Oakheart," Vale replied tentatively, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I must admit, I've never met a talking tree before." Oakheart chuckled softly, the sound like the rustling of leaves in the wind. "Ah, I suppose I am quite unique in that regard." the tree replied. "But fear not, young traveler, for I mean you no harm. In fact, I have been watching over you ever since you entered my grove." Vale furrowed his brow in confusion, trying to make sense of Oakheart's words. "Watching over me?" he repeated, his voice laced with uncertainty. "But why? What do you want from me?" Oakheart's response was immediate, its tone filled with sincerity and warmth. "I sense a great power within you Vale" the tree explained. "But more than that, I sense a kindred spirit a soul burdened by the weight of its own magic, yet yearning for companionship and understanding." Vale felt a pang of recognition at Oakheart's words, as if the tree could see into the depths of his soul and understand the struggles that he faced. It was a comforting thought, knowing that he was not alone in his journey through the darkness.

"I... I appreciate your words, Oakheart," Vale replied softly, his voice filled with gratitude. "But what is it that you seek from me? Why have you reached out to me in this way?" The tree's response was simple yet profound, its words echoing in Vale's mind like the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. "I seek friendship, Vale," Oakheart replied. "In this vast and lonely world, companionship is a rare and precious gift. And in you, I sense a kindred spirit, a soul that shares my love for the beauty and wonder of the natural world." Vale felt a warmth spreading through his chest at Oakheart's words, a sense of connection and belonging that he had longed for ever since he had been cursed with his void magic. It was a feeling that he had thought lost to him forever, yet here it was, reaching out to him in the most unexpected of places. "I would be honored to call you my friend, Oakheart," Vale said