"I am Logan Ronwick from the Empire of Astoria," the young man replied.
"The empire has long fallen," Osric said.
"It's now known as the United Government of Astoria, with a system of power shared among seven council leaders who claim to fight for justice and end the tyranny of aristocracy."
"A lot must have changed," Logan remarked.
Osric's tone turned serious. "I'm not interested in small talk, Logan. What is your connection to demonic crystal formation? You're clearly not a wizard. Tell me everything, My patience is wearing thin."
Logan's expression tensed. "I'm willing to cooperate, but I have one request."
"What's that?" Osric asked, his gaze suspicious.
"That you release me and let my soul rest. I've been tormented by this demonic curse of that legion for years, and sometimes I've longed to die but couldn't." Logan's voice was laced with desperation.
Osric remained unfazed. "I refuse, I'm not in a position to let go of such a powerful swordmaster. Your strength is needed, Ronwick."
Logan's face hardened. "If that's your decision, then forgive me, but I won't cooperate."
'Aurion intervened, "Osric, I know what you're thinking, but I advise you to change your approach. The curse mark won't make him obey, no matter how much you torture him. He's clearly suffered enough to not be broken by your methods.'
Osric's expression shifted. "Very well, Logan, How about a deal? Help me conquer the Dark Forest, and I'll release you. I'll even give you a proper burial. Tempting, isn't it? I suggest you don't bother telling me it's impossible or questioning my sanity, I'm not in the mood."
Logan's eyes narrowed. "What year is it?"
"1760, November," Osric replied.
Logan's expression turned grim. "It seems I've been stuck for 200 years. I was a capable swordsman, but I was never affiliated with any organization. Like many fools who perceived themselves as geniuses, I challenged the Dark Forest to make a name for myself and met my end."
He paused, reflecting on his past. "My end was different, though. I was wounded by the monsters attacks, and I tried to flee and find a place to hide. I discovered this cave with passage leading to this hidden temple, where I met members of a demonic organization of wizards called the Numbers. They held me captive and were occupied with their activities, they created a gateway that leads to the underworld."
"However, the Numbers had already created four other gates around the Dark Forest, with one designated as the main gate at the center. The three gates at the East, West, and South including this one North gate are portals designed to feed demonic energy into the main gate, forcing it open."
"The reason behind this is rooted in ancient history. As you know, the gods sealed away the Underworld from interfering with our world, but where light reigns there is always darkness."
(referring to the fact that Osric used dark magic which is linked with demons and underworld)
"The organization was using this ritual of gates and they finally succeeded in forcing open the main gate for a brief moment. A powerful legion emerged and wiped out the entire organization in the Dark Forest."
"Once the legion gained its consciousness, it seized control of the forest and stopped its senseless killing. It studied the organization's intent and found their goals aligned, but it was too late. The legion empowered the monsters in the forest, creating Dark Lord guardians to watch over the gates. I am one such Dark Lord."
Logan's voice was filled with anguish as he continued, "When the legion came to inspect this Northern gate, I was held captive, starving and wounded, on the brink of death. Instead of killing me, it cast an ominous curse, imprisoning and binding me to this gate. Even in death, the curse tormented me, compelling me to do its master's bidding; that's how I became a dark lord."
"His name is Adyius, the Prime Lord of the Dark Forest," Logan said.
"He calls us at random times to report any changes. I'm afraid my knowledge is limited, as I'm not always free to move as I please."
Osric's gaze narrowed. "That doesn't explain the mutations in this forest or the senseless number of monsters. Didn't the Dark Forest become a graveyard for geniuses even before you arrived 200 years ago?"
Logan's expression turned somber. "The mutation of the beasts is caused by the concentration of demonic energy from the gates seeping into the Dark Forest. It triggered abnormal reproduction, granting them enhanced strength and intelligence."
"The Numbers organization might have existed long before, I was born, I had it known like any other Astorian that the organisation operated in the shadows within the Empire or rather, the Government of Astoria causing havoc , that was until I stumbled upon this place and discover more about their goals," Logan explained.
Osric's curiosity was piqued. "How many beasts has Adyius shared his power with?"
Logan's voice was measured. "The four lords, including myself, are the guardians of the gates. We also rule over the monsters in our territories. However, if you wish to conquer this place, Adyius is the real problem you'll need to address but the others are not to be underestimated."
"Five of them in total doesn't seem so bad, right, Eira?" he said, glancing at Eira, who turned to face him.
"Thanks to you, Logan, we can now make a proper plan. Unfortunately, we're cold and starving. We'll fix all our problems after we get some rest for the night. But how can we rest with that crystal formations spilling demonic energy around? I might mutate too at this rate."
Eira suggested, "Why don't you send those idiots to hunt for food? They're familiar with this place, even if it's dark."
Osric nodded. "You're right. Three of you goblins, go bring us food. The goblin with the scar also gather firewood. Eira, help them clear the rubble at the entrance."
Eira accompanied the two goblins and cleared the entrance that had caved in using magic.they ventured into the dark cave passage and left.
Logan remarked, "I was surprised to see an elf. It seems things have changed a lot in the past 20 decades, my lord."
"The elves and dwarves are still myths in the outside world," Osric replied. "I was shocked myself when I found her here in the Dark Forest. Anyway, I need to attend to something now. I'll be back."
The wanderers of the dark forest sheltered themselves from the night in the ancient temple hall also known as Northern gate. Osric went away from Logan and sat down near the giant door of the temple, his mind consumed by the weight of responsibility. With their party increased, he knew he had to think not just for himself, but for the others who were relying on him.
"Aurion it's about time you tell what happened to me I remember fainting the next thing I was wielding tremendous power." Osric asked
'Why do I even bother with you,One of my abilities is Aethon: energy manipulation turning the raw mana in the atmosphere into Divine flames , when you fainted I took ahold of your consciousness to prevent you from fainting and our subconscious minds linked.'
' It seems your talent being a wielder helped you unconsciously learn my ability to combat your distress but clearly your body couldn't handle the power you are far too weak."Before you ask any further questions I should show you,your status information.' Aurion explained
'Good news I hope?..Aurion remained silent..good news I hope?'
Clin..Clin..
Status Information:
> Name: Osric Veynar
Title: Lord Of flames
Life span: 2 (-31)
Race: Human
Talent: Wielder
Class: Wizard
Cultivation rank: none
Mana: 12
Stamina: 11
Agility: 3
Strength: 24
Skills:
Unknown Sword technique
Death's bargain (resurrection spell)
Anthon (raw mana manipulation)
'Oh my I stole your title as Lord flames is that why you are so mad.., Osric paused, shocked by his life span.'
'How is it possible to be two years?,was it because I resurrected Logan whose possibly at or above argentum phase,' Osric asked with a grave expression on his face.
'Osric don't be so lukewarm it's either you or cold, The reason you lost your life span is because your body I prevented you from consuming low mana which would have left you dead within seconds instead your life span was used as compensation for using my ability [Aethon].' Aurion explained.
He continued trying to give him hope, 'Don't lose hope if you increase your cultivation rank you increase the amount of life span you can reap from fallen servants will also increase it could be years rather than days but if continue to use my ability Aethon it will burn on your life span likewise and to avoid losing your arms again you need to strengthen yourself.'
Without responding Osric stood up and returned inside, Eira who left with goblins and stood outside the cave returned with fired wood and The goblin leader also returned alone carrying a dead beast on his shoulders, Osric lifespan increased by two he knew that the others were dead from the hunting.
They roasted the beast and feasted camping near the fire ,they slept through the night taking turns standing guard.