The musty scent of ancient parchment filled the dim air of the Gallowgate Archives. Sunlight filtered weakly through stained glass windows, casting mottled patterns across rows of bookshelves that stretched like endless corridors. Amid the muted whispers of forgotten knowledge, Alex sat hunched at a heavy oak table, eyes devouring the worn pages of a tome on the mysteries of magic.
So this is how necromancy works, he thought, tracing the intricate illustrations with a fingertip. It says here the dead—not just monsters, but even humans—can be reanimated. Though to wield such power over a living soul, the caster must be truly legendary. That kind of strength… I'll have to train hard to reach it.
He closed the book with a soft thud and rose, resolve hardening in his chest. The path ahead was uncertain, but every step must be taken.
The Shaded Path Guild was no place for idle talk—only those who danced with death and shadow found comfort within its walls. Alex navigated the labyrinth of corridors until the faint clink of blades and whispered scheming led him to Kaito, a ghostlike assassin leaning against a pillar in the guild's sombre hall.
"Hey, Kaito," Alex called quietly. "You know if there's any labyrinth near the city? Somewhere with monsters to fight?"
Kaito's eyes gleamed with a flicker of amusement. "There's one at the heart of the Theocracy of Lumen. It costs a few coins to enter. Mostly adventurers try their luck there. What's got you interested, hunting beasts?"
Alex shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Nothing specific. Just want to train, get experience. I've never been inside a labyrinth before."
In my old world, labyrinths were just part of games, he mused. Now… they're real, and dangerous.
Kaito nodded, as if understanding more than Alex said. "Then Lumen's Reach is your destination."
"Thanks," Alex said, stepping back, determination igniting within his eyes. Time to prepare. I'll see what waits for me there.
Outside the guild, a brisk wind carried the scent of rain. At Gallowgate Stables, the friendly merchant sized Alex up with a trained eye.
"Looking for a horse, warrior?"
Alex nodded. "Yeah. Heading to Lumen's Reach. How much to rent?"
"Ten silver coins. Steady mounts for steady riders."
Alex handed over the coins without hesitation. "I'll take it."
Led to the stables, he chose a sleek black horse, its coat as dark as the gathering clouds. There was something fitting about it—a silent companion for the trials ahead.
Mounting up, Alex gazed upward. Thick gray clouds swirled overhead, dropping cold droplets as the afternoon waned.
Rain's coming. I hope I'm ready.
Nightfall crept across the Shrouded Wood like a predator. The first fat drops of rain slicked leaves and dampened the forest floor. Then, subtle and chilling, a pulse—the flicker of mana—whispered through the trees.
Alex's instincts bristled. Dismounting silently, he crept forward, shadows folding him into their embrace. Behind a gnarled tree, he spotted the source: a small demi-human child cornered among snarling goblins mounted on jet-black wolves.
So this is where the mana was coming from. His voice was steel beneath the quiet. No time to hesitate.
"Reciting enchantment… Come to me, undead!"
Four glowing magic circles ignited at his feet—two ahead, two behind. From each emerged skeletal warriors armed with rusted swords and shields, their hollow eye sockets burning with unnatural light.
"Not yet," Alex murmured, drawing his own blade and channeling fire magic to enflame its edge.
With a battle cry, he charged, skeletal thralls flanking him like shadows made real. Blades clashed and sparks flew as Alex cut through goblin ranks. Wolves lunged, teeth bared, but he was swift—retreating just enough to summon his next spell.
"Reciting enchantment…"
Eight fiery swords circled him, blurring with lethal grace. One by one, wolves and goblins fell, smoke and embers trailing their demise.
As silence settled, Alex turned to the trembling demi-human—a girl no taller than he was, her black hair tipped with crimson, cat-like ears twitching as she wiped grime from her pale face.
"Can you speak?" he asked gently.
"Y-yes," she stammered.
"What happened? How did you end up here?"
Tears welled as she spoke—of Sunstone Hamlet, a quiet village deeper in the woods. Of thieves burning homes and kidnapping children. Of warriors who fought desperately but were lost, and of those taken captive. And of monsters in pursuit, and the cruel bait of children thrown to them like prey. She was one of the few left.
Alex felt a hard knot form in his chest.
"Is your village far?"
"Not too far," she answered, voice breaking. "Deeper into the Shrouded Wood."
"Come. I'll take you home," he said, offering a hand.
She grasped it tightly, rising.
Walking the forest path, the rain beginning to patter around them, Alex asked, "What's your name?"
"Aiko."
"I'm Alex."
They moved together beneath the somber canopy, but soon Aiko's pace quickened.
"A little further…" she urged.
When they arrived, the grim scene unraveled before him—a grim tableau of lifeless demi-humans scattered like discarded dolls; children, parents, elders, all stolen of their souls.
Aiko collapsed, sobbing bitterly.
Alex's thoughts darkened. This world shows no mercy. The weak are crushed, trampled, used and discarded. Only power shields against such cruelty. This jungle has no law but strength.
"Come, Aiko. What do you want now?"
She shook her head, lost in despair. "I don't know… I have no home anymore."
Alex's voice was steady, his will forged from his own losses.
"Then come with me… to the Theocracy. I'll train you. Make you strong—a prodigy. And together, we'll take revenge on those who hurt you."
Aiko looked up, hope flickering in her tear-streaked eyes.
"Okay."
"Good," Alex smiled faintly, tightening his grip on the reins. "Now, let's get out of here before the rain really falls."
Under the curtain of the gray skies, they left the Shrouded Wood behind—two souls bound by fate, riding toward the uncertain shadows of the Theocracy of Lumen.
To be continued…