Flashback
A few days after the competition ended, Xarther chose to be alone. While other students enjoyed their free time in various ways, Xarther walked towards the Ancient Forest located at the edge of the academy grounds. The place was known for its towering trees, dim light, and quiet atmosphere, far from the academy's bustle.
In the middle of the forest, in a small clearing surrounded by mossy rocks, Xarther sat cross-legged. His new night cloak was draped over his shoulders, feeling light yet providing a faint warmth. The obsidian bracelet on his wrist felt cool against his skin. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts.
A few moments passed in silence. Then, a cold and echoing voice began to fill his mind, not from outside, but from within himself.
"You seek Me again, Xarther?" the voice resonated, full of hidden power. It was Xarthos, the entity of darkness bound to him.
Xarther didn't open his eyes. He replied inwardly, his voice calm but firm. I just want you to stop.
Xarthos's cold laughter filled his mind, like the chilling rustle of night wind. "Stop? Why should I stop, boy? This power... it is part of you now. We are one."
I never asked you to be a part of me.
"You have no choice," Xarthos retorted with a harsher tone, a hint of anger in it. "When you are in danger, when you desire more power, it is I who grants it. Did you not feel how that power aided you in the arena? You almost defeated that girl with ease if I hadn't pulled some of my power back."
I don't want power like that. Power that feels... alien.
"Alien? This is true power, Xarther. Power that will make you more than just a mere human. You could rule this world if you wished. With me, we could reach the pinnacle of glory."
Xarther frowned behind his closed eyelids. What kind of glory do you mean? Power that sacrifices everything? I've seen what happens to those who fall into darkness.
"They were weak," Xarthos hissed dismissively. "They did not know how to control true power. But you are different, Xarther. I can feel it. There is great potential within you, a darkness hidden deep within your heart. Let me guide you. Let us become unstoppable."
No. I don't want to become like that. I want to control myself, my own power.
"Your own power? You think that girl's wind and lightning will take you far? Or that weakling's pet magic? They are mere toys. True power lies within darkness, Xarther. Power that is eternal, power that is terrifying."
Xarther clenched his fists. I don't care how strong your power is. I don't want to rely on you. I want to become strong in my own way.
"Naive," Xarthos sneered. "You think this world will wait for you to become strong 'in your own way'? Darkness always lurks, Xarther. And only darkness can fight it. Accept me. Accept this power. With me, you will survive. Without me... you will be destroyed."
I would rather be destroyed than become a slave to darkness.
"Slave? I offer you dominion, boy! Freedom from your limitations! You could do anything, have anything!"
True freedom is having control over oneself.
Xarthos was silent for a moment, as if considering Xarther's words. Then, he spoke again, his tone slightly changed, a hint of disappointment in it.
"You are stubborn, Xarther. Very stubborn. But I will wait. Sooner or later, you will realize that I am right. When this world begins to press down on you, when you feel powerless... you will seek Me."
That will not happen.
"We shall see," Xarthos whispered, his voice slowly fading. "But remember, Xarther. The power you used in the arena... that was a mere fraction of what I can do. Do not forget that."
Silence returned to Xarther's mind. He remained with his eyes closed, feeling the remnants of Xarthos's cold presence slowly dissipating. He took a relieved breath, feeling slightly calmer. The conversation was always exhausting, like arguing with his own shadow.
Xarther opened his eyes. His gaze was as sharp as obsidian, full of determination. He would not give up. He would find a way to control his own power, without having to rely on Xarthos. He would prove that true strength was not just about darkness, but about choice and self-control. He stood up, his night cloak fluttering in the forest breeze, and walked back towards the academy, carrying a burning resolve within his heart. The real training had just begun.
Back to the present, after the potion-making class, Aria, Sylvia, and Sylvana gathered in front of the mission board in the Mission Hall. The afternoon sunlight streaming through the hall's tall windows illuminated various parchment scrolls listing missions with varying difficulty levels and rewards. After the competition and the award ceremony, the three of them now had an additional 1000 Hero Points in their academy accounts, a significant amount to purchase essential equipment and as initial capital for the mission they were about to take: clearing a goblin camp.
"Okay, our next mission," Aria said, pointing to a parchment scroll in the 'Low Rank' section. "Clearing a goblin camp in the Mosswood Forest. The reward is decent, 500 Hero Points for a team."
Sylvia nodded in agreement. "Goblin camps aren't usually too dangerous, but we still need to be careful. This will be good experience for the three of us to work together in the field."
Sylvana, with sparkling eyes, added, "And we can use the Hero Points we got to buy better equipment before we leave!"
With the same enthusiasm, the three of them headed to "Renolts' Hero Provisions", a specialized shop within the academy that provided everything aspiring heroes needed. The shop was located in a sturdy stone building near the main gate and was run by an elder dwarf named Renolts. Renolts was known throughout the academy as an honest blacksmith and merchant with extensive knowledge of various types of magical and combat equipment.
As they entered the shop, they were greeted by the scent of metal, leather, and various potions neatly arranged on sturdy wooden shelves. Various types of weapons hung on the walls, from gleaming swords and elegant bows to magic wands emitting a faint aura. In glass display cases, various amulets, rings, and other magical artifacts were visible. Behind a large wooden counter, a dwarf with a long gray beard and thick-lensed spectacles was examining some parchments. This was Renolts.
"Welcome, young ones," Renolts greeted with a gruff but friendly voice, looking up from his parchments. "I heard the three of you performed quite well in the competition yesterday. What can I help you with?"
Aria stepped forward first. "Greetings, Elder Renolts. We've just taken on a mission to clear a goblin camp and would like to purchase some suitable equipment."
"Goblin camp, eh? A good choice to hone a team's skills," Renolts murmured, nodding to himself. "Let's see what you need."
Aria was drawn to a pair of leather gloves reinforced with silver thread embroidery hanging on one of the racks. "These gloves look interesting. What are their advantages, Elder?"
Renolts approached and picked up the gloves. "These are Gauntlets of Dexterity. Made from young Wyvern hide and embroidered with silver thread imbued with agility magic. They will significantly increase your hand speed and reflexes. Suitable for a swift fighter like yourself." After trying them on and feeling their comfort, Aria decided to buy them.
Sylvia was looking for a practical bag to carry potion supplies and natural ingredients. Renolts recommended a large waist pouch made of Treant leather that was waterproof and had multiple compartments reinforced with light storage magic. She also bought several rolls of strong, lightweight nylon rope, and a small Eternal Flame Crystal that could be used to easily create fire.
Sylvana was interested in various potion bottles and pouches. Renolts showed her some glass bottles sealed with airtight magic and some leather pouches lined with insulation magic to maintain the temperature of potions. He also recommended a Long-Range Viewing Scope that had been enchanted by the academy's scout mages.
After selecting the equipment they needed, the three of them calculated their Hero Points and paid Renolts. The elder dwarf smiled contentedly, seeing the enthusiasm and preparedness of these young aspiring heroes.
With bags and pouches that now felt heavier, but hearts that were light due to better preparation, Aria, Sylvia, and Sylvana returned to the Mission Hall. They had already submitted the goblin camp clearing mission scroll and now only needed to ensure all preparations were complete.
"We leave tomorrow morning," Aria said with burning determination, looking at the new equipment they had purchased. "We've worked together before, but this time with better gear, we can definitely complete this mission successfully."
Sylvia and Sylvana nodded in unison, their eyes showing excitement and anticipation. With their Hero Points wisely invested at Renolts' Hero Provisions and the mission already taken, their adventures beyond the classrooms and arena of Nytharia Academy were finally about to continue.