My eyes narrowed, scanning the surroundings.
The wind came from the north. If you go north from the town, there is a large bandit group residing at the cliff's 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 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 make up my mind.
..... but 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 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, heading 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 was much hotter told me I was correct.
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 burning, 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 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 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 opponent.
Seeing the 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 just like that. 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. Handinh my armor and spear to the guard at the gate, I left the town with just two words.
"I resign."