Despite the terrifying stories whispered in hushed tones around campfires and in trembling voices in crowded inns, Adam remained undeterred. If anything, the legends of death and darkness only ignited something deeper within him—a fire that no tale could quench. He stood tall before the wary villagers, his voice calm yet resolute.
"Just show me the way," he said. "If I perish, may we meet again in the afterlife. But if I survive… I will return and repay your kindness tenfold."
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances, their fear battling their hope. In the end, it was his unwavering determination that swayed them. Reluctantly, they guided him to the edge of the forest and pointed toward the path to Veridia, escorting him halfway before bidding him farewell, their eyes lingering on him as if they were watching a man walk into a storm.
Adam's journey was brutal. He trudged through tangled forests where the sun barely touched the earth, crossed barren lands where the wind whispered like lost souls, and climbed cliffs that tore at his hands and knees. Thirst clawed at his throat. In some stretches, it felt as though even time had forgotten the path. But Adam pressed on—driven by purpose, fueled by the promise of redemption.
At last, he reached the feared domain of Oblivion—a monstrous creature born of nightmares. The air grew thick with dread as Adam stepped into the valley where few had ever returned.
From a distance, Oblivion stirred. The beast, towering and broad-shouldered, had not seen a challenger in years. With a growl that echoed through the valley like a thunderstorm, he raised his massive club and licked his lips in anticipation. Smoke coiled from his nostrils. His roar split the silence.
Maximus, Adam's loyal steed, reared in fear. But Adam gripped the reins and whispered softly, calming him. He met Oblivion's fiery eyes without blinking.
Oblivion charged, the earth trembling beneath his massive strides. Adam had vowed to abandon his blade—to prove that even without it, he could overcome any foe. He grabbed a sturdy branch from a nearby tree, steadying his breath. With the precision of a trained archer, he hurled it like a spear.
The branch shot through the air and struck true—piercing Oblivion's left ear and exiting the right. The creature screamed, staggering back. Then, with a bone-rattling thud, he collapsed.
Without hesitation, Adam seized the reins from Maximus and used them to bind the unconscious beast. He dragged him through ravines, over rocky hills, and across roaring rivers until they reached a hidden valley flanked by two jagged mountains. There, surrounded by ancient iron pillars and a towering gate, lay the lair of Oblivion's kin.
The creatures within cheered at the sight of their feared leader, mistaking his capture for a triumphant return with prey.
"Tonight, we feast!" one bellowed.
But a sharp-eyed woman with a jagged scar across her brow, Malel, stepped forward, her gaze narrowing.
"Fools," she spat. "Look closer. Our father has been captured."
As Adam approached, Oblivion raised his voice, weak but commanding. "None shall harm him."
Yet Malel, burning with fury, hurled a spear toward Adam's heart. In a blur of motion, he dodged. When she charged again, Adam caught her wrist mid-air, lifted her like a child, and slammed her into the ground. She did not rise.
Oblivion's voice boomed. "Enough! I warned you!"
Desperate to secure his release, the beast commanded his kin to bring forth their treasures—mountains of gold, rivers of silver, jewels that shimmered like stars.
Adam shook his head. "I did not come for riches. I came for justice. We go to Veridia."
With no choice, Oblivion complied.
When they finally arrived at the city's grand mosque, Adam tied Maximus and Oblivion outside, drawing curious eyes from the guards.
"You're leaving him here?" one asked in disbelief.
Oblivion smirked. "Run? Where would I go?"
Adam marched through the palace gates, demanding an audience with King Malik. The royal court laughed at the idea—this lone warrior claiming to have subdued a legend.
"Impossible," they scoffed. "Even our greatest warriors wouldn't dare!"
But Adam stood tall. "Then see with your own eyes. Come."
King Malik, intrigued yet skeptical, rose with Queen Anastasia beside him. Together with the nobles and townsfolk, they followed Adam through the winding streets.
Then they saw it.
Oblivion, bound and docile.
Gasps erupted. Some screamed. Others fell to their knees in terror. Panic rippled through the crowd like a wave.
"Silence!" Adam roared.
His voice thundered through the air, stronger even than Oblivion's. The people froze. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
The king, finally convinced, bowed his head. "Come, brave one. Let us honor your courage."
Adam was invited into the palace. A grand feast was prepared, music echoing through the marble halls. But before the celebration began, King Malik had a curious request.
"We have heard tales of Oblivion's roar—said to wake the dead. I wish to witness it myself."
Adam paused, then nodded. "Feed him. Let him drink. Only then will he roar at full strength."
Barrels of ale were rolled out, platters stacked high with meat. Oblivion ate like a beast unleashed. By dusk, the city gathered.
At Adam's signal, Oblivion inhaled deeply… and unleashed a sound that shook the heavens.
Buildings trembled. Glass shattered. Men and women collapsed, overwhelmed by the sheer force. Even the palace guards, blinded by fear, turned on one another in their desperation—striking down King Malik and Queen Anastasia in a tragic accident.
Adam raised a hand, and just as suddenly as it began, silence fell.
He turned to the beast. "This ends now. You've cast a shadow long enough."
Oblivion dropped to his knees. "Please… take my gold, my lands—just spare my life."
Adam's eyes were cold. "I seek no treasure. Only justice."
He raised a single arrow, nocked it, and let it fly.
Oblivion fell.
The crowd roared—not in fear, but in triumph. For the first time in generations, the skies above Veridia seemed clearer, the air lighter.
King Malik, still recovering from the chaos, declared a weeklong celebration in Adam's honor. Nobles, scholars, and warriors from distant lands arrived to pay their respects. Music, dance, and storytelling filled the city streets.