Mount Kahl was still charged with the residual electricity from the previous storm. Axel, panting heavily, carried the charred Benine on his back, his muscles tense from the effort. Suddenly, a young woman with sharp, piercing eyes fixed her gaze on him and spoke calmly.
— You should tie the sword to Benine. I'll explain later why.
Axel stopped, surprised.
— I… I have to save him! he pleaded.
The woman nodded, but set a condition:
— Very well… I'll help heal him. But only if you deal with the plague that's oppressing my village.
Without hesitation, Axel nodded firmly.
— Alright. I'll do whatever it takes.
The woman smiled faintly, revealing her identity.
— Nice to meet you. I'm Umbrela.
A few moments later, Axel arrived at the village. He laid Benine down in the den that served as Umbrela's home.
— Don't forget your condition, she reminded him.
Axel headed toward the village weapons dealer.
— I'm going to the weapons shop, he said firmly.
Umbrela's eyes lit up with determination.
— The plague is at the entrance of a cave on the left side of the river! she shouted.
Once Axel was out of earshot, she murmured quietly, with a manipulative smile:
— This man doesn't need my help to heal… all he needs is constant contact with his sword… hehehe.
At the weapons shop, Axel scanned the shelves filled with ancient weapons and swords.
— Excuse me, I'm looking for an extremely durable weapon, he said.
The dealer furrowed his brows, then suggested:
— Hmm… what about these two blades? They can be wielded together.
Axel squinted at the pair.
— But… one of them is rusted! he exclaimed.
The dealer nodded gravely.
— I know it sounds strange, but the person who sold them to me said that the one in good condition has caused 1,000 injuries… while the rusted one has caused 1,000 deaths!
A bold smile appeared on Axel's face.
— These two blades are amusing! I'll take them.
With his new weapons in hand, Axel rushed at full speed toward the cave Umbrela had indicated. The air vibrated around him, charged with electricity and tension.
He finally arrived at the cave entrance. Without wasting a second, he drew both blades and muttered, trembling slightly but with determination:
— So… this is their plague! Great.
The wind whistled through the dark opening of the cave, and a shiver of anticipation ran down Axel's spine. The infamous plague waited, motionless, ready to defend its territory. And for Axel, there was no turning back.
--- End ---