Chapter 12: The Golden Seed #12
Auhtor's note: figured ya'll need an insentive, so here's a double update on the house. Keep the power stones flowing and there will be more...
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Torrent surged forward, its powerful hooves pounding against the ground as it galloped beyond the towering gates. The rush of wind brushed against Adrian's face, heightening his senses as they charged into the heart of danger.
Within moments, the first line of defense materialized before them. Two heavily armored soldiers, brandishing their weapons with fierce determination, lunged forward to intercept their advance. But Torrent, an embodiment of spectral might, plowed through their feeble resistance without even a hint of hesitation.
The soldiers were no match for the steed's ethereal power as they were knocked aside, their forms crumpling to the ground in the wake of the unstoppable charge.
As the clash continued, Adrian deftly swung his broadsword, its gleaming blade cutting through the air with precision. The soldiers who dared to engage him were met with swift and decisive strikes, their defenses shattered by his skill and determination. In a seamless display of harmony between man and steed, they carved a path through the chaos, leaving only the echoes of their triumph behind.
However, their progress did not go unnoticed. Two soldiers armed with crossbows emerged from the shadows, their eyes fixed on their advancing targets. Arrows whistled through the air, seeking to impede Torrent's relentless charge.
Adrian, relying on his instincts and well-honed reflexes, swiftly raised his shield, deflecting the incoming projectiles with practiced ease. The arrows ricocheted harmlessly, their threat nullified by his skillful defense.
Ahead, the first roadblock loomed, a formidable obstacle seemingly designed to halt any intruders in their tracks. But Torrent, guided by its ethereal essence, possessed the agility to overcome such barriers. With a powerful surge, the spirit steed effortlessly leaped over the wooden obstruction, clearing the blockade with breathtaking grace. Adrian couldn't help but let out a boisterous laugh, exhilaration coursing through his veins.
Turning in the saddle, he aimed a taunting remark at the soldiers left in their wake, challenging their futile attempts to impede their progress.
"Suck my dick, bitches!" he shouted, his voice laced with bravado and mockery. His laughter rang out, echoing against the stone walls, briefly drowning out the chaos of battle.
But Adrian's mirth was abruptly cut short as his gaze turned to the cliff overlooking the passage behind him. A monstrous figure, immense in size and adorned with spiky white roots resembling hair, launched itself from the precipice. The ground trembled beneath the creature's landing, a shockwave reverberating through the stone walkway, threatening to disrupt their momentum.
Its gray skin, weathered and rough, hinted at the creature's formidable nature. Vines and roots snaked across its hollowed-out stomach, an eerie sight that spoke of a fusion between flesh and nature's dominion. Without hesitation, the colossal beast seized a massive chunk of stone from the ground, wielding it with surprising speed and strength.
With a fearsome display of precision, the creature hurled the stone projectile toward Torrent and Adrian. The massive rock hurtled through the air, its trajectory aimed with chilling accuracy. Adrian's instincts kicked in, his mind calculating the threat and the imminent danger they faced.
Reacting swiftly, Adrian pulled hard on the reins, urging Torrent to swerve to the side, narrowly evading the impending collision. The stone projectile crashed against the stone walkway, causing fragments to scatter in all directions as the shockwave reverberated through the air, momentarily disrupting their rhythm.
As Adrian's racing heart began to steady, he sighed, relieved that the massive adversary, a formidable troll, had landed behind them. The mere sight of the towering creature sent a shiver down his spine.
Adrian knew that with his current abilities, he was far from prepared to face such a formidable opponent. Resolutely, he turned his attention away from the rampaging beast, knowing that escape was the wiser choice.
Eager to increase the distance between themselves and the troll, Adrian urged Torrent to pick up the pace, his voice filled with urgency. The spectral steed, sensing the gravity of the situation, responded with a burst of supernatural speed. Their movements were swift and agile, effortlessly navigating the treacherous terrain before them.
More soldiers stood defiant in their path, attempting to halt their progress. But Adrian, fueled by adrenaline and honed combat skills, swiftly dispatched each foe that dared to impede their escape. His broadsword cleaved through armor and flesh, leaving a trail of fallen adversaries in their wake.
Torrent, the embodiment of ethereal grace, leaped and air-stepped over the obstacles that obstructed their path. The spirit steed's speed and power allowed him to effortlessly clear any hindrance, maintaining their momentum with unmatched agility. The rising and winding path posed no challenge to the magnificent creature and its determined rider.
As they continued their gallop, the narrow passage slowly transformed, melding with the sprawling valley at its summit. The confining walls gave way to a more expansive landscape, revealing the beauty of the untamed wilderness that awaited them.
As Adrian's keen eyes scanned the surroundings, he couldn't help but notice a small, leafless golden tree standing proudly at the side of the cobblestone road. Vibrant yellow flowers adorned the ground around it, creating a striking contrast against the barren branches. A knowing grin spread across Adrian's face as he recognized the significance of this peculiar sight.
Guiding Torrent to a halt, he dismounted the spectral steed and approached the tree with a sense of anticipation. Kneeling down, he began carefully digging through the soil at the foot of the tree, his fingers searching for something hidden beneath the earth. His excitement grew with each moment, and his efforts soon bore fruit or a seed in this particular case.
With a triumphant expression, Adrian uncovered a palm-sized, golden, spherical seed— a Golden Seed, a precious item known to increase the number of available flasks, vital for replenishing health and energy.
Although he couldn't fully grasp how this mechanic would translate to his current reality, he recognized its significance. Determined to learn more, he securely stashed the Golden Seed into his inventory, intending to seek Melina's guidance on its usage.
Remounting Torrent, a renewed sense of purpose filled Adrian's being as he urged the spectral steed to continue their journey. The wind tousled his hair as they pressed forward, their destination lying in wait. The cobblestone road stretched ahead, winding through the rugged terrain, guiding them towards their next teminus.
As they ventured forth, the surroundings transformed around them. Dull greenery embraced the path, wheathered trees dotting the roadside. The air carried a hint of decay, mingling with the earthy aroma of the open area. The sun was out, but its rays barely slithered their way inbetween the gloomy clouds.
As the landscape unfolded before his eyes, Adrian's gaze fell upon a weathered shack in the distance. Time had taken its toll on the humble abode, as half of its walls stood in ruin while the remaining structure clung desperately to its wooden frame. The shack appeared worn and forsaken, a testament to the harsh trials and unforgiving nature of the world.
With Torrent fading away into particles of light, Adrian made his way towards the Site of Grace, situated just outside the confines of the crumbling wooden fence that encircled the shack.
The ethereal energy enveloped him briefly, offering a moment of respite and rejuvenation before he turned his attention to the peculiar sight near the shack.
Approaching the black-robed corpse that knelt beside the weathered structure, Adrian took a deep breath. With caution, he reached into the pockets of the lifeless figure, his hand brushing against the cold fabric of the robes. After a brief search, his fingers closed around a dull silver-colored dagger, its hilt heavily adorned with intricate patterns.
He recognized it as a Stonesword Key, a valuable tool to break Imp Seals and access areas hidden behind their magical barriers. A smirk crossed his face as he stowed it away without hesitation.
Dusting off his hands, Adrian headed into the ruined shack, his footsteps echoing through the dilapidated space. As he ventured deeper into the shadows, his eyes fell upon a young girl, her attire contrasting with the desolation of her surroundings.
She wore a white dress that reached just above her knees, while white pants and sturdy brown leather boots completed her ensemble. Adorning her head and cascading down her back was a vibrant red cape, intricately decorated with golden patterns that matched the flowing blonde locks of hair sticking through the hood.
The girl's voice broke the silence before Adrian could say or do anything. Her tone quivered with sorrow as she began, her eyes filled with anguish. "Everyone's... been grafted. Everyone who came with me..." Her voice trailed off, weighed down by the immense sadness that gripped her.
Frowning at the girl's words, Adrian seated himself before her. "I'm sorry for your loss... but what happened exactly?"
The girl's voice trembled as she recounted the horrifying events. "They crossed the sea for me. They fought for me," she said, her voice filled with gratitude and despair. "Heh... Only to have their arms taken. Their legs taken. Even their heads taken..." She continued with a troubled, mournful smile.
"Taken and stuck to the spider...."
...
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