My eyes narrowed, gazing the surroundings.
The wind blew from the north.
To the north of the town, a large bandit group resided along the cliff's edge of the Shady Sea.
As my mind on somewhere else the warm gust kept brushing again my skin.
This unexpected turn of event somehow manage to caught my interest.
Should I go and check it out?
The first question come to mind.
It wouldn't be without any form of risk. The townfolks shouldn't notice any changes since the wall covers the whole town.
But if I don't return soon, the other guards will notice my disappearance...
Contemplating the situation, I turn still, trying to weighed my options.
..... but in the end, the boredom of my work got 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 sneak in quietly... after all, drawing any unwanted attention would only cause trouble.".
With only my inner clothes, I left the town on foot, heading north.
As time passes, I reach the vacinity of the bandit hideout.
Hiding between the tall grass, the warm air could still be felt and the fact that it got warmer told me I was heading on the right direction.
-This must be where the source of the heat is coming from... but where are the guards?
A bandit group of 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 urged me to move forward, moving closer and closer, slipping from one tree to another until I could see the forest clear.
What... happened here?
The sight in front of me was pure devastation.
everything was engulfed in flames, buildings all collapsed, and piles of bodies lay scattered everywhere.
The colour red had dyed the place crimson.
Watching the burning buildings closely, my focus turned to the flame that was consuming it.
For some reason, I felt drawn to it....
As far as I know, only one thing could make me reacted this way.
The only thing that I had interest in.
Focusing on the blazing fire. I spoke,
"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 ears pick up their conversation.
"We know nothing about the kidnapped child!"
The lone figure wore a black hood and in their left hand holding... a scythe.
What a sight, not every day you get to see one being used to strike fear into the enemy.
Seeing such weapon, my focus shifted to that figure.
The hooded figure stayed silent for a moment before finally speaking.
"..... My clues have led me here."
A woman?
"Don't test my patience anymore... Speak... or be killed."
The depth in her voice was filled with sharp, murderous intent, leaving the bandits froze on the spot, unable to move.
Seeing the bandits remain silent, she finally snapped.
Flames began 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 rushed 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 was wearing had burned away, revealing her whole 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... Was her crimson X mark in her black pupils.
Dimply glowing and pulsing.
Waving the scythe, she walked away as if her business here is done yet I could feel a hint of anger coming from her as the crimson flame pulsed brighter.
I was left there alone, unsure of what to do.... but one thing is certain, I feel something stirring 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 anymore. Handing my armor and spear to the guard at the gate, I left the town with just two words.
"I resign."