The wind carried ash across the quiet farmland of Elderstead Village, just west of the Lioran Kingdom.
Smoke curled toward the sky—remnants of a bandit raid.
Corpses lined the dirt paths. Farmers. Soldiers. Innocents.And among the flames, a single boy stood, clutching a broken wooden sword in shaking hands.
Golden hair. Torn tunic. Mud-smeared face.A young Kael of Liora.
Not yet a hero.Just a survivor.
Part I – The Mask of Mercy
Vaenira approached him with slow, deliberate steps. Her long black coat rippled behind her, ash brushing off her boots. Her sword remained sheathed. Her crimson eyes glowed faintly under her hood, but her face… was carefully calm.
She knelt before the boy, voice soft but firm.
"You're not dead. That means you can still fight."
Kael flinched. "Wh–who are you?"
"A traveler. Nothing more," she lied. "I heard the screams. I came too late."
Kael didn't respond. His body trembled as he looked around at what was left of his village—his home.
"Your parents?" she asked.
He shook his head slowly.
"I see," she said.
Then she reached into her cloak and pulled out a small crystal. It pulsed with faint light.
"Take this. It's called a Soul Ember. It'll keep your spirit from breaking."
"Why are you helping me?"
Her eyes met his.A pause.
Then a small smile.
"Because I know what it means to have nothing left."
Part II – Planting Seeds in a Hero's Heart
Vaenira brought him food. Water. Wrapped his wounds.She never gave her name.Never asked his.Just "wandered" with him for a day and a half—leading him away from the ruins.
In that time, she planted the idea that power comes not from justice, but from survival.That revenge was not evil—just necessary.
When they reached the gates of a nearby knight's camp, she gave him her sword.
"You want to protect people? Learn how to kill."
He stared at the blade, then at her.
"You're not like the knights."
She smiled. "Neither are you. Not yet."
And just like that, she turned and walked away, leaving Kael behind…
…with a weapon forged in lies.
Part III – Meanwhile, in the Dark Citadel
Back in the throne room, I watched it all from the Tactical Nexus.
The scene played out like a memory I never saw in the original game.
Kael, clutching Vaenira's blade.
Choosing to train.Not for glory.Not for peace.
But for revenge.
I smirked.
"That's it… Step off the path of light.Just a little further… and you'll never go back."
[Quest Update: The Hero Has Chosen to Train in Blood – Success]Bonus: +1 Influence over Kael's FateUnlock: Shadowbind Tree – Tier I