“Halt! Do not take another step forward!” A loud male voice resonated out as Cain approached Sanctuary’s gates. Two guards were still stationed around the gate, having apparently been left behind. Cain inwardly sighed. Unfortunately, his entry would be not as simple as well.

“Reveal your Mark!” The other guard yelled. Cain could hear a twinge of nervousness in his voice. Cain quickly scanned their armors and weapons, his red eyes hidden under his hood. They both wielded a large iron polearm each, and were outfitted with chainmail armor that covered thick winter gear. Their faces were covered in a metal helmet. All standard gear. Probably made from the central smithy. No Tower items. Cain slowly raised his right hand towards the two, taking his glove off and revealing his hand to the world.

“I’m Cain. I have come by many times.” Upon hearing that and seeing his hand, the two guards both gasped out in unison. It was like an immense dread struck the entirety of their body.

“Oh, shit, a Scar! We’ll let you in right away!” The guards didn’t even bother to check for further proof as they immediately got to work on opening the gate. Before Cain could even react, the gate was open, wide enough for people to walk through.

“En-Enjoy your stay at Sanctuary!” The nervous guard’s voice sounded forced. It’s the same as always. Cain sighed in his head as he entered the gates, ignoring the now statues of guards. A Scar. That’s what happens when your Mark grows too big. When it starts to move from your hand, and becomes too controlling. People like Cain who had Scars were feared. It meant they were powerful, yes, but it also meant they also killed. A lot of monsters. And sometimes, very rarely, a lot of people. It was questionable on why Scarred people still were accepted by the remnants of society, as they were feared, example being Cain. Maybe it was because those that had Scars killed all the monsters those who were too afraid couldn’t. Cain didn’t know, nor cared. He was fine being an outcast. The gates shut moments later after he stepped foot into Sanctuary, closing with a loud thud as Cain adjusted to his new environment.

It always amazed Cain every time he entered Sanctuary. Seeing it, he could almost believe that humanity could be rebuilt. Even in the early morning, the city was bumbling with some activity, with bodies moving everywhere. A large central pathway lined with stone buildings was illuminated with torch fire, where Cain could see some people selling and trading in small market carts. There were a couple of guards stationed throughout the pathway as well, watching attentively. If it was the day, Cain knew the street would be filled to the brim. A few years ago, this didn’t exist. Cain slightly smiled, a nostalgic memory suddenly entering his thoughts. The time he had been brought here. But he quickly shook it off. Move. Eat. Don’t remember. Cain hardened his resolve as he started his walk down the main path, adjusting his hood to cover more of his face. Despite there being a couple nearby merchants close by the entrance gate, Cain ignored them. There was only one place Cain really needed to be right now, and it was in Sanctuary’s center.

Sanctuary’s central plaza wasn’t really a place Cain was quite fond of, but it was unfortunately a very useful place, especially with him being low in supplies. It was a hub that ranged from trading loot from monster hunts and Tower expeditions to crafting all sorts of items and weapons. After the Rapture, the items and weapons of the past were almost entirely useless. The only thing a person could defend themselves from a monster was their Mark, a weapon crafted from monsters, or items found in the Towers. Because of this, an economy was created, entirely built on killing. While the central plaza was ultimately very useful for him, Cain hated it for one particular reason. Because of it. He could see the Tower that had been slightly obscured by the path slowly enter his vision as he approached the center of Sanctuary, the obsidian monolith like a skyscraper that reached for the dark morning sky. Why did they settle around it? Cain hadn’t thought much of it before, but that changed after the incident. The Towers were not things worth worshiping, nor praising. They were death traps that caused humanity to fall this low.

“Get substance. Leave.” Cain whispered to himself aloud as the obsidian monolith loomed in the horizon. Gradually, the pathway that he had been walking on grew more and more expansive, until it became a large circular plaza. Torches lit with orange flame were placed evenly on the sides, illuminating the entire place. While not as busy as Cain had seen it before, there were quite a few merchants that had set up stalls even in the early morning, where he could see people buying and trading with a couple. However, the merchants weren’t where everyone was congregating in the plaza. Because in the very center, was the Tower. Cain could see a large number of people bumbling in and out the large entrance door. Some held items, some were bloodied. Sanctuary’s Hunters, huh. Cain shook his head, turning away from the tower as he started to scan for the place he was really looking for.

“What did it look like again?” He mumbled, eyes passing by the countless buildings and stalls that lined the plaza. Eventually, his sights landed on a sign far to the right of the plaza. It would’ve been a blank wooden sign if it didn’t have a large ship painted on it, though it was slightly faded away. That’s it! Wait. Cain had unconsciously stepped forward but stopped when he finally noticed it. In front of the sign and building was the black carriage from the entourage that had entered Sanctuary. Huh, strange. The last time that Cain had seen it, the carriage had been surrounded by not only the people on horses, but also the guards from Sanctuary. Now the only things that remained were only two horses. Why is it there? I don’t remember the store having many visitors in the first place. Feeling curious, he quickly jogged over. However, as Cain approached the building, the entrance door opened. Two silhouettes walked out. One was a smaller, petite robed figure, appearing to be a woman. She was dressed in a white robe, her face and head covered by a scarf and hood. Bright violet eyes briefly met Cain’s before she entered the carriage, disappearing from sight and leaving the other person behind. The other person was in what appeared to be silver armor, covered by a black coat dotted by intricate shimmering stars. Their face was covered by a star crested obsidian mask, and short white hair lined their head. The figure also gave Cain a brief glance, before jumping onto the carriage’s driver seat. That’s… interesting. They have to be important people from Avalon. They never had a connection with them, right? Having witnessed another strange event, Cain sighed as he watched the horses begin their trot away from the building. In a brief moment of curiosity, he considered following them, but he shook his head.

“Whatever. Not my business.” After all, he had no part in whatever others do. Cain waited until he finally saw the carriage disappear into the north pathway of the plaza before making his way towards the building. In a few seconds, he stood in front of the worn down stone building, below the sign. Here goes nothing. The door opened with a loud creak despite Cain lightly pushing it. Suddenly, the smell of burning coal immediately attacked his senses, causing Cain to slightly gag as he entered the building. The room he came to was basked in a light, gray smoke. Quiet clanking of what seemed like metal on metal could be heard.Various different weapons were spread across the floor of the room, as well as placed on the tattered blue walls. The vast majority of the items placed around appeared to be swords, but there looked to be things like axes, lances, and shields. Some were clean, some were bloodied. Most seemed to be used.

“I told ya, he’s not here anymore!” An angry high pitched voice came from the counter far back of the room, a voice that Cain recognized. From behind the counter, Cain could see a slim figure dressed in heavy overalls hard at work on an anvil, pounding with a large gray hammer on what seemed to be another sword. A raging forge flared in the background of the room the figure was in.Vibrant, red hair was wrapped in a long ponytail safely tucked behind their back..

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“It’s me, Cain.” He shouted out. The pounding of the blade stopped, hammer frozen in midair as the head of the smith turned towards Cain. The freckled face of a young woman with warm brown eyes bored into his.

“Cain! I thought ya were dead!” A large smile appeared on her face as she dropped her hammer onto the ground.

“Still here- argh!” Cain grimaced suddenly as a pain struck his back, causing him to stumble forward. His Mark churned with vicious hunger, feeling like a burning hot fire piercing his skin.

“What, are you okay!?” Fearing the worst, in a quick motion, the lady jumped over the counter and made her way towards Cain. He raised his right hand to stop her.

“I’m… good. Need… substance.” The Mark was hungry, and was essentially threatening to devour Cain. He had starved it enough.

“Damn it, I think I’m all out! Do ya have any raw ones?” Panic tinged her voice as she started to rummage through Cain’s bag on his back. Cain barely could nod his head as she searched through. It took a few excruciating moments, but the smith eventually found the small leather pouch that shined a small blue light. She quickly opened it, and poured the contents out onto her hand. Two large crystals tumbled out onto her palm.

“Sheesh, these are large!” The glimmer of the light briefly mesmerized the girl, but she quickly shook it off.

“Here, I’ll take you to the back.” Cain could barely understand the words as the smith draped him over her shoulder.

“I’m… good.” Cain tried to mumble out, but his vision began to blur to darkness.

“You look more drunk than that old man ever was.” Her laugh was like a melody to Cain’s ears. It sounded familiar. Like it came from a dream, so long ago. Wait, was it? Wasn’t it like his? Or hers? He couldn’t remember. Where was he again?

“I swear, you’ll make it through.” The voice was so familiar but also unfamiliar at the same time. He could see fire. Was he dying? His eyes drooped. The pounding echoed in his mind, the only thing he could hear. Darkness was quickly overtaking his vision.

“Here, take this.” Her voice broke through, clear. The last thing Cain saw was blue light, as his mouth opened and something inhumane dug deep within his body.

-

He found himself in a burning forest. He was running past the burned trees that screamed like the cries of the damned. He couldn’t find his brother. Where was he? He tried yelling his brother’s name, but his lungs were filled with smoke and ash. Why couldn’t he see? He kept running and running, his feet cracking and splitting as flesh burned black. He kept trying to open his eyes, but he couldn’t see. No. He could see. He saw it. In a clearing, the obsidian tower. Was his brother there? No, it couldn’t be. His brother died. How did he die again? Before he could think anymore, a loud roar suddenly shook the forest around him, extinguishing all the fire. He looked up, towards a star filled sky. He beheld a dragon, having seven eyes and ten horns, with four wings that were of an angel’s and devil’s. He knew. That was him. A sudden energy resonated within him, bursting out as he roared back towards the beast.

-

“Argh!” Cain awoke to the deep surge of pain slithering around his back, his body involuntarily lurching up. Opening his eyes, Cain could see the dimmed light of a forge bask his vision. He was laying on a makeshift bed made of wool. Where is my armor? He wasn’t wearing them, only dressed in his dirty inner clothes. The anvil in the middle of the room was quiet, but he could hear humming. The lady smith was cleaning the anvil, but she stopped when she met Cain’s gaze.

“Welcome back to life! Had a nice trip, did ya?”

“No…I didn’t.” Cain groaned, rubbing his back as the soreness of the pain kept on returning. The girl laughed, dropping her rag to the ground. Her face suddenly became serious as she walked over.

“Your Mark is humongous, and you haven’t been feeding it! You could’ve died, ya’know? Good thing I was here though. I refined your crystals faster than anyone in Sanctuary.” She spat out words faster than a chattering squirrel.

“I know. How much… for it, Argia?” Cain could only groan out, as he forced his legs to stand up. Argia’s sigh was loud.

“Nothing. But you need to take care of yourself more! Your black hair is so dirty.” Before he could reply, Cain lost sight of Argia as she disappeared over the counter briefly. A few moments later, she came back with his pack, as well as his armor and cloak.

“I cleaned everything you own. Also sharpened this beauty as well.” Argia smiled as she produced his sword sheath, pulling the sword out for a moment. The black blade shone in the dim forge fire.

“Items from the Tower are like miracles, huh.” Argia whispered, her eyes being pulled into the black abyss of the blade. Are they? Cain inwardly said to himself, but he stayed quiet. Argia faked a cough as she sheathed the sword back, placing all of Cain’s stuff in front of him.

“I’ll be over the counter as you change, let me know if you have any problem!” Argia quickly spat out, before scurrying back and disappearing. Cain laid on the bed for a few more moments before forcing himself off the bed. He started to rummage through his items in the bag, but didn’t find anything off. Seeing that everything was in order, he started to put on the leather armor. Having done this many times already, it only took him a couple of minutes to equip the chest piece, gloves, leg armor, and boots. All of which fit snugly over his inner clothes. He felt much more comfortable as he stood up, latching his sword into his leather belt and draping his cloak over once again. Cain grabbed his bag as he walked over to the counter, revealing the humming Argia sitting on a stool, cleaning a blade. She stood up, laying the sword to the side.

“All done?” Her voice sounded tired, but still, she smiled. Cain nodded his head, climbing over and landing on the stone floor with a grunt.

“Gotta be careful for a bit. Your body is still recovering from all the scars your Mark made on your back.” Argia looked at Cain with warm eyes as she produced a small pouch. It glowed with a warm blue light.

“Here’s leftovers. It won’t last that long though, you're gonna need more, and soon.” Cain took it, lightly bowing.

“Thanks… a lot.”

“It’s no problem, it's what my old man would’ve done.” Argia scoffed. Hearing that, Cain slightly stiffened. A brief moment of red flashed through his thoughts, a scene of blood. His fist tightened involuntarily.

“I’m sorry. For what I could not do.” Cain couldn’t see Argia’s face, who turned away from him. She let out a large sigh, before looking back at Cain. Her brown eyes were clear.

“It’s not your fault. You know that.” Cain shook his head, not being able to look her in the eyes.

“No, it was mine. I was foolish.” His voice shook. Was it from rage? Fear? Or sadness? Cain couldn’t really tell. Suddenly, Argia’s laugh broke Cain off his trance. Confused, Cain looked at the still laughing Argia in silent dumbfoundedness. She wiped her tears as she controlled her laughter.

“Sorry, it was so strange to see the Wild Beast Cain so exposed! But if you’re so sorry you should avenge him by taking down that Tower. ya?” She reached over to pat Cain on the shoulder, recovering from her almost hysterical laughter. An amused expression settled onto her pretty face as she sat on the counter.

“I heard the golden boy was trying to get together on an expedition, why don’t you join him?”

“I’d rather go solo than join him.” Cain instinctively growled out as he thought of being bossed around by the annoying gold pest. Suddenly, as he thought of Jason’s intrusion reminded Cain of the other intruders, those from Avalon. He considered asking about them, but shook his head. Like he always said to himself, it was no part of his business. Argia sighed.

“I know you don’t want to, but you gotta face that Tower soon enough. Nothing out here can feed your Mark.” The words Argia always said were annoyingly correct, but Cain stubbornly never listened.

“Yeah. But…” Cain’s gaze was focused on the ground. He didn’t, no, couldn’t go back to the Tower. Not without the rage and hate returning.

“But what?”

“I’m afraid.” His scarred right hand shook.

“Afraid of what? As far as I know, you’re invincible.” Argia’s voice was warm, like a burning fire. Cain looked up to meet her eyes. His face was solemn, void of emotion.

“Of losing control of myself.”