The morning sun climbed higher into the sky, casting its golden rays over the small village of Greystone. The chaos of the bandit raid had left the air heavy with unease, but for now, the villagers had a fragile sense of calm. They were alive, and for that, they had Adam to thank.
Adam stood near the edge of the village, his eyes fixed on the distant tree line where the shadows of the forest loomed like a veil hiding untold dangers. He couldn't shake the feeling that this place, for all its quiet beauty, was teetering on the edge of something much worse.
Behind him, the villagers worked to clean up the aftermath of the raid. Seren approached, her twin swords sheathed but still close at hand. She handed Adam a small loaf of bread and a waterskin.
"You should eat," she said flatly, though there was a trace of warmth in her voice.
Adam took the offering with a nod. "Thanks."
She studied him for a moment, her green eyes sharp. "You're not like anyone I've ever met."
Adam raised an eyebrow, biting into the bread. "Is that a compliment or an insult?"
"Neither," Seren said, crossing her arms. "It's just an observation. Most people who walk into this village either die or run away. You fought off a Razorkin and a band of raiders in less than two days, and you barely seem fazed by it."
Adam shrugged. "I've had a lot of practice."
Seren tilted her head slightly, her expression skeptical. "Practice doing what, exactly?"
Adam considered her question, weighing how much to say. He couldn't tell her the full truth—not yet. But he also couldn't hide the fact that he was different.
"Fighting," he said simply. "I've been doing it for a long time. Protecting people."
Seren studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Fair enough. Just don't get yourself killed trying to play the hero. This world doesn't reward people like you."
"I'll keep that in mind," Adam said, though his tone carried an edge of defiance.
The Elder's Insight
Elder Varus called for Adam and Seren shortly after. The three of them sat at a table inside the village's central hall, a crude map of the surrounding region spread out before them.
"This is all we know of Vaeloria," Varus said, pointing to the map. "Greystone is here, in the southern reaches of the Wyrmwood Forest. The nearest city is Eldwyn, about two days' travel to the northeast."
Adam's eyes scanned the map, taking in the rough details. The world seemed vast, with sprawling forests, mountain ranges, and rivers cutting across the parchment. There were markings for cities, towns, and landmarks, but much of the map was blank, labeled only with ominous phrases like "Uncharted Lands" or "Forbidden Territory."
"What about the cult?" Adam asked, his gaze returning to Varus.
The elder's face darkened. "Their activity is centered deeper in the Wyrmwood, near a place we call the Scarred Hollow. No one who goes there ever returns. The forest itself seems to twist and warp as you get closer, and the creatures that roam those parts… they're not natural."
Seren frowned. "The Razorkin we've seen lately—are they connected to this Scarred Hollow?"
Varus nodded. "I believe so. The attacks have grown worse ever since the rumors of the cult began. And those stone monoliths you described—they match the stories. The cult is using them to spread their corruption."
Adam leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. "If those monoliths are tied to the cult's magic, destroying them might weaken their influence. But I'll need more information before I can act. I can't just run in blind."
"You won't get far without help," Seren said, her tone matter-of-fact.
Adam raised an eyebrow. "You offering?"
She smirked faintly. "Let's just say I'd rather not have to clean up the mess if you get yourself killed."
The World's Power Systems
The conversation shifted to the topic of Vaeloria's power systems. Adam had been trying to piece together how the world worked ever since his arrival, but the details were still murky.
"Explain this to me," Adam said, gesturing to the faint glowing runes on the map. "What powers the people here? I've seen a few things—magic, monsters, whatever those monoliths are—but it's nothing like what I'm used to."
Varus nodded, folding his hands over the table. "Vaeloria's power is rooted in three primary forces: Mana, Aura, and Divinity. Each one is tied to a different aspect of the world's balance."
Mana: The most common form of power, drawn from the natural energy of the world. It's the foundation of magic, used by mages to cast spells or manipulate the elements. Mana is tied to study and discipline—those who wish to use it must learn to harness it through years of training or instinct.Aura: The power of the body and spirit, used primarily by warriors and knights. Aura is less about external energy and more about amplifying one's physical capabilities—speed, strength, and resilience.Divinity: The rarest and most mysterious of the three. Divinity is the power of the gods, often channeled by priests or paladins. It's tied to faith and belief, allowing its users to heal wounds, smite evil, or perform miracles.
Adam absorbed the information carefully. "And what about me?" he asked. "Where does my power fit into all this?"
Varus frowned, stroking his beard. "You're… different. From what Seren described, your abilities don't seem to rely on mana, aura, or divinity. The golden light you wield—it feels… foreign, like it doesn't belong to this world."
Adam nodded slowly. That made sense. His nuclear core wasn't part of Vaeloria's natural order—it was something entirely separate, a relic of a world that no longer existed.
"Whatever your power is," Varus continued, "it's strong. But it's also dangerous. If the cult becomes aware of it, they'll stop at nothing to claim it for themselves."
The Path Forward
By the time the conversation ended, the path ahead was clear.
"I need to go to this Scarred Hollow," Adam said, standing and placing his hands on the table. "If that's where the cult is based, then that's where I need to be."
"You can't just charge in," Seren said, crossing her arms. "Even you aren't invincible. We'll need supplies, information, and a plan."
Adam met her gaze, his expression firm. "Then we'll get what we need. But I'm not going to stand by while this world tears itself apart."
Varus placed a hand on Adam's shoulder, his expression grave. "You've already done more for us than we could have hoped for. But if you're going to face the cult, you'll need allies—and not just from this village. Eldwyn is the closest city, and its people may be able to help."
"Eldwyn…" Adam repeated, his mind turning over the possibilities. If he was going to gather allies, a city would be the best place to start. And it would give him a chance to learn more about this world and its people.
"Fine," Adam said. "We'll head to Eldwyn first. But after that, we're going to the Hollow."
A Shadow Watching
Far from the village, deep within the Wyrmwood Forest, the glowing orb at the center of the monoliths flared once more.
A figure stepped into the clearing, their black robes flowing like liquid shadows. Their face was hidden beneath a hood, but their crimson eyes burned with malevolent purpose.
"So," the figure murmured, their voice low and venomous, "the stranger survived."
They placed a hand on the orb, the crimson light reflecting off their pale skin.
"No matter. Soon, he'll know the true power of the Cult of the Core. And when he does, this world will belong to us."
The orb flared brighter, and the figure disappeared into the shadows.