My eyes narrowed, scanning the seroundings.
The wind came from the north. If you go north from the town, there is a giant bandit group residing at the cliff edge of the Shady Sea.
...
Should I go and check it out?
That sudden question popped into my mind.
It would be somewhat risky. The townfolks shouldn't notice any changes since the wall cover the whole town.
But if I don't return soon, the other guards would notice my disappearance...
Contemplating about the situation I turn still, trying to make up my decision.
..... but the boredom of my work get the better of me.
Taking off my armor, I left the spear behind a small boulder near the gate.
"The guards would probably think I abandoned the post since it isn't that uncommon... I'll go in with stealth..don't want to draw any unwanted attention after all"
With only my inner clothes, I left the town on foot, headed north.
After a few minutes, I arrived near the bandit hideout.
Hiding between the tall grass, I could still feel the warm air. The fact that it much hotter told me I was correct.
This must be where the source of the heat coming from... but where are the guards?
A bandit group in this size should have someone patrolling the area.... or maybe...
I carefully move in, slipping my way through the unguarded path.
As I reached deeper into the hideout, a bright light kept pulsing in waves through the trees.
Curiosity urge me to move forward, moving closer and closer, slipping from one tree to the other until I could see the forest clear.
What.... happened here?
The sight infront of me just was pure devastation.
Everything was burning, buildings all collapses, piles of bodies lay scattered everywhere.
The colour red had dye the place crimson.
Watching the burning buildings closely, my focus turn to the flame that consuming it.
For some reason, I felt drawn to it....
As far as I know only one thing could make me feel this way.
The only thing that I had interest in.
Focusing on the blazing fire. I whispered,
"A curse.....The person who caused this fire is cursed."
The flames burned in dark and red hues, engulfing anything they touched.
A faint smile crept onto my face, but then a commotion drew my attention.
Quickly, I rose ,and sprinted toward the sound.
Before long, my steps gradually slowed.
Hiding behind a tree, I watched the scene unfolding in front of me.
Sea breeze passed through the grass field, with collapsing buildings engulfed by the cursed flame brightening the surroundings.
A lone figure stood surrounded by bandits.
Watching closely, my ear pick apon their conversation.
"We know nothing about the kidnapped child!"
The figure wearing a black hood and holding in their left hand.... a battle scythe?
A rare sight. Seeing the weapon, my focus shift to that figure.
The hooded figure stayed silence for a moment before finally speaking.
"..... My clues have lead me here."
A woman?
"Don't test my patience anymore... Speak... or be killed."
The deepness in her voice was filled with sharp murderous intent,
all I could see is that the bandits had froze on the spot, unable to move.
Seeing the bandits remain silent, she finally snap.
Flames begin leaking from the sharp edge of the scythe.
Before the bandits could do anything, they had already turned to ashes.
I ducked down as the blast of heat rushes past me. When the wind settled, I turned my head forward again.
This time, I got a good glimpse of her.
Still holding the scythe, she turned around. The hood she's wearing had burn by the flame revealing her figure.
Long white hair with streaks of black in the front and back, pale skin, and light pink lips. She wore a white suit with hints of red and black accessories, black gloves, and crimson high heels.
But the most noticeable thing... Is her crimson X mark in her black pupils.
Dimply glowing and pulsing.
Waving the scythe, she walk away just like that. I could felt a hint of anger coming from her as the crimson fire pulse brighter.
I was left there alone, unsure of what to do.... but one thing for sure, I feel something was steering inside of me.
"This feeling....." I wondered.
After regaining my composure I returned to the town, arriving by the first sunlight.
I didn't waste any of my time no longer as I handed my armor and spear to the guard on the gate and I left the town with just two words.
"I resign."