This is the chapter in which we will be learning about the important characters that made their appearance in ARC 1 “Horrors of Immortal cave”
Some of the character who made their appearance in the first arc are skipped, who made their appearance for a brief amount of time, even if they made a huge impact on the story.
Those characters will be introduced in detail on later ARC’s when they made their introduction to our main character (the story is told from the point of view of Ray Adams so if he does not know the character or anything about them it will not be explained, so wait till he meet them again and start to know them)
Character Design for Ray Adams
Appearance:
Ray Adams is a striking figure of resilience and strength. Standing at 5'11", his lean but muscular frame tells a story of survival and dedication. His jet-black hair is messy, often falling over his forehead, giving him a rugged, untamed look. His piercing silver eyes, reflective and intense, carry the weight of a painful past and the determination of a warrior. Scars line his face and arms, marks of countless battles fought in the shadows of a harsh world. His usual attire consists of worn black leather armor, scuffed and battered from constant use, layered over a simple dark tunic. The armor carries scratches and tears, each one a testament to a life spent battling monsters. His calloused hands and stern expression exude quiet strength, making him appear both approachable in his introspection and formidable in his resolve.
Behavior and Personality:
Ray is a man shaped by loss and a singular purpose. He’s stoic, rarely allowing emotions to surface, but his loyalty to those he trusts is unwavering. A quiet thinker, he has a sharp mind honed by years of studying his enemies. Though he often seems distant, those close to him know he hides a deep well of emotion behind his guarded exterior. His hatred for monsters drives him, but he is not reckless—Ray approaches every battle with precision and strategy, relying on his extensive knowledge of his foes to gain the upper hand. Beneath the tough exterior lies a man yearning for peace and redemption, though he doubts he will ever find it.
Short Story:
Ray crouched low, his silver eyes scanning the ruined village ahead. The stench of burnt wood and decay filled the air, memories of Duskwood flooding back unbidden. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade, feeling the familiar calluses press against the leather-wrapped handle. The faint growl of a creature in the shadows brought his focus back to the present. It was a lone beast, scouting the wreckage for survivors. He could see its hunched form outlined against the faint glow of the moonlight.
Ray moved with practiced silence, his black leather armor blending into the shadows. As he approached, he recalled everything he knew about this type of monster: its weak points, its habits, and its likely attack patterns. When the beast turned, Ray was ready. A swift, precise strike severed its connection to life, and it crumpled without a sound. Ray stared at its lifeless form for a moment, a mix of satisfaction and emptiness filling him. Another monster down. Another step toward a revenge he wasn't sure would ever bring him peace.
Character Design for Nio (Nicolus)
Appearance:
Nio is a tall, wiry young man with an appearance that is as striking as his eccentric personality. His hair is primarily jet black, but streaks of deep green run through it unevenly, giving him an almost otherworldly look. His mismatched eyes—one a piercing silver and the other a vivid dark green—are mesmerizing and unsettling, a contrast that adds to his peculiar charm. Nio’s wardrobe is vibrant and eclectic, favoring bold, clashing colors like green and red. He enjoys accessorizing with trinkets, beads, and scarves that jingle softly as he moves, adding to his odd, almost theatrical aura. Despite his eccentric style, there is a deliberate method to his madness, as though his outward strangeness is both a shield and a statement. He has a red scarf he took a liking to as he grew older, a symbol of a turning point in his life.(as to what that is we will see later in story )
Behaviour and Personality:
Nio’s life began in tragedy and rejection. Born with his unusual eye and hair colours, he was deemed a curse by his deeply superstitious parents. Convinced he was the spawn of the devil, they abandoned him at an orphanage run by the Azure Axe guild when he was just an infant.
The orphanage became his only home, but even there, his appearance made him an outcast. The other children whispered behind his back, calling him names and blaming him for every misfortune that befell them. Nio retreated into himself, becoming a quiet, withdrawn child who carried a deep resentment toward the world.
When he was eight, Nio’s life changed with the arrival of Ray Adams. Ray, who had recently lost his parents, became the centre of attention, drawing the sympathy and care that Nio had always craved but never received. Jealous and uneasy, Nio initially saw Ray as a rival. Driven by selfish motives, he decided to befriend Ray, thinking that proximity to him might win him the attention he longed for. However, what began as a selfish act slowly blossomed into a genuine friendship. Ray’s quiet acceptance of Nio’s oddities gave him a rare sense of comfort, and for the first time, Nio found someone who didn’t judge him.
Though their bond brought Nio some solace, his rebellion and eccentricity only grew stronger as he aged. His bitterness toward a world that had discarded him manifested in defiance and a flamboyant personality, as if daring anyone to reject him again. Still, a mysterious figure would one day enter his life, challenging everything he believed and setting him on a path toward transformation. How and why this figure changed him remains a story for another time.
Short Story:
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the orphanage yard in hues of orange and red. Nio sat alone on the crumbling stone wall, his fists bruised and his knuckles bloodied from yet another fight. His chest heaved with ragged breaths as he glared at the fading sky, his thoughts a tangled storm.
They called him a bad omen, a cursed child. Even at the orphanage, he was nothing more than a freak with green hair. The other kids jeered at him, their words cutting deeper than any wound. He fought back—not because he thought he could win, but because it was the only way he knew how to keep his anger from swallowing him whole.
His gaze shifted when a familiar figure approached. Ray, silent as ever, came to sit beside him. The boy’s silver eyes stared ahead, unfazed by Nio’s scowl. For a moment, neither of them spoke.
“Why are you here?” Nio spat, his voice rough.
Ray didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he pulled a small piece of bread from his pocket and offered it to Nio. “Because you look hungry,” he said simply.
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Nio hesitated, his instincts telling him to refuse, but something about Ray’s quiet presence disarmed him. He took the bread with a begrudging grunt, tearing into it as if to hide his gratitude.
They sat together in silence, two boys united by loss and loneliness. For Nio, it was the first time someone had reached out to him without judgment or pity. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make him wonder if there could be more to life than anger and rebellion.
As he grew older, the seeds of change began to take root. Yet his transformation wasn’t immediate; it wasn’t until the mysterious figure appeared in his life that the boy once known for his rebellion would begin his journey to becoming "the brightest among the stars." How and why this person changed Nio’s life remains a story for another time.
Character Design for Rose Rodrick
Appearance:
Rose Rodrick, in her early 20s, is a petite but striking figure of resilience and grace. Her long, black hair is often styled in a neat braid, keeping it out of her face during battles. Her warm silver eyes shine with kindness and determination, always carrying a spark of hope even in the direst situations. Rose’s clothing is both practical and stylish, designed for the life of a swordswoman. She favors fitted tunics paired with lightweight armor crafted to allow swift and agile movements. A dagger rests at her side, and her gloves bear small nicks from countless hours of training. Her demeanor is calm and graceful, but her stance exudes confidence, reflecting her years of combat experience.
Behavior and Personality:
Rose is cheerful and optimistic, traits that have endeared her to everyone in the Azure Axe guild. Despite her tragic past—losing her parents to a dangerous mission when she was just a baby—Rose grew up surrounded by love and support from her grandfather, Albert Rodrick, and the guild members. This warm upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of loyalty and duty, as well as a fierce determination to protect those she loves.
Though she is kind and approachable, Rose is no pushover. Her gentle demeanor masks a warrior’s spirit, and she faces challenges with unshakable resolve. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, Rose is hesitant and unsure. She has harbored a deep crush on Ray Adams for years but fears rejection, so she keeps her feelings to herself. This internal conflict occasionally makes her feel vulnerable, but she channels those emotions into her training, striving to become someone strong enough to stand by Ray’s side.
Short Story:
The clang of steel rang through the training yard as Rose deflected an overhead strike with a swift parry. Her opponent, a burly guild member twice her size, stumbled back, caught off guard by her speed. With a quick sidestep and a well-placed strike, Rose ended the match, her wooden sword pressing lightly against his chest.
The gathered guild members erupted into cheers, their laughter and applause filling the air. Rose lowered her weapon, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks as she offered her opponent a hand. “Good match,” she said warmly.
“Rose, you’re getting too good for us!” one of the onlookers teased.
She laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “I just have good teachers.” Her gaze flickered briefly to her grandfather, who stood at the edge of the yard, his weathered face lit with pride.
Later, as the sun dipped low, Rose found herself sitting alone by the guild’s main gate. The excitement of the day had faded, leaving her with her thoughts. She traced the hilt of her dagger absently, her mind drifting to Ray. She admired his strength and determination, but it was his quiet vulnerability that had drawn her to him.
“Why can’t I just tell him?” she muttered, frustration creeping into her voice.
“Because you’re scared,” came a voice behind her. She turned to see her grandfather, his eyes wise and kind. “But courage isn’t just for the battlefield, Rose. When the time is right, you’ll know.”
Rose nodded, though the knot of uncertainty in her chest remained. For now, she would continue to train and grow stronger. Perhaps one day, she’d find the courage to share her feelings. Until then, she would protect Ray and the others with everything she had, because that was who she was: a fighter, a protector, and a steadfast friend.
Character Design for Andrew Paul
Appearance:
Andrew Paul is an imposing figure in his late 40s, standing at an even 6 feet tall with a broad, muscular build that reflects both physical strength and years of magical discipline. His golden-blonde hair, falling just past his shoulders, is slightly tousled, giving him an air of effortless authority. His piercing golden eyes are intense, exuding wisdom and a quiet power, with a gaze that seems to penetrate the very soul. Andrew’s face is weathered with faint wrinkles and battle scars, each one marking a chapter of his life as a mage and mentor. He wears a shimmering deep-blue robe that moves like liquid when he walks, adorned with intricate golden embroidery. His ornate staff, capped with a glowing gemstone that pulses faintly with mana, is both a symbol of his incredible magical prowess and a constant companion in battle.
Behavior and Personality:
Andrew is the epitome of a scholar and a warrior combined. A prodigy born into a noble marquise family, he has always possessed a sharp intellect and a boundless curiosity. His innate talent for mana manipulation has driven him to explore the depths of magical knowledge, but his ambitions are tempered by a strong sense of responsibility. Calm and composed, Andrew rarely loses his temper, and his words are measured and purposeful.
As a mentor, he is patient yet demanding, always pushing his students to achieve their full potential. Andrew values hard work and determination over innate talent, believing that perseverance is the true path to mastery. Though his demeanor is often reserved, those who know him well are aware of a surprising side to him. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a deeply caring and compassionate nature. He often goes out of his way to support and protect those under his care, though he rarely admits it outright.
What surprises even his closest companions is his sharp sense of humor. In private moments, Andrew has been known to crack dry, witty jokes that leave others in stitches. His ability to lighten the mood during tense situations reveals a side of him that very few get to see—a man who, despite the weight of his responsibilities, has not forgotten how to laugh and enjoy life. This secret side of Andrew endears him even more to those lucky enough to call him a friend.
Short Story:
The chamber glowed softly, the light of the setting sun streaming through stained glass windows that painted the room in hues of amber and gold. Andrew stood in the center, his staff planted firmly on the ground, as he addressed the group of young apprentices before him.
“Magic is not just power,” he began, his deep voice commanding their attention. “It is a reflection of who you are. It requires discipline, patience, and above all, respect.” His golden eyes scanned the room, pausing on each face. “Without these, it will consume you.”
One of the students, a boy no older than 15, raised his hand hesitantly. “Master Paul, is it true you cast your first spell when you were only ten?”
Andrew’s lips twitched into a small smile. “It is true. But it was not without cost.”
His gaze turned distant for a moment, the memory of his younger self flooding back. He had been a boy driven by insatiable curiosity, determined to prove his worth in a family of nobles. The day he successfully cast his first spell was the same day he realized the dangers of his gift. The spell, though a triumph, had spiraled out of control, nearly destroying the family’s library. It was his first lesson in humility—and the beginning of his lifelong quest for mastery.
Returning his focus to the apprentices, he continued, “Talent will only take you so far. It is the trials, the failures, and the perseverance that forge a true mage.”
As the students dispersed, Andrew turned to the shelves lining the chamber walls, each one filled with tomes of ancient knowledge. He ran a hand over the spine of a particularly old volume, his golden eyes glinting with determination. There was still so much to learn, so many mysteries to unravel. And though his years were advancing, his ambition burned as brightly as ever.
Andrew Paul was not just a mage—he was a seeker of truth, a protector of those under his care, and a man who understood the weight of his power. In a world fraught with danger and uncertainty, he stood as a beacon of wisdom and strength, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead