The Soul Keeper

My heartbeat quickened as his voice reached my mind. I still remembered the power of the primal core of fire vividly. Even now, I could feel it whenever I summoned my wings or used my flames, I could sense it within me.

"Where?" I asked, my voice filled with excitement and anticipation. The power I'd gain from it, I couldn't help but feel thrilled as I imagined it.

"I'll let you know soon." He said slowly. 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝓸𝒎

"What? No, tell me now." I said, irritated. "Where is it?" I needed that power – now.

"Be patient. You still have a tournament to win, remember?" His calm voice did nothing but annoy me. "Then, we'll meet up and I'll help you get it."

"Just tell me now." I insisted, clenching my fists. "The next battle is in two days. I have more than enough time." I could fly there, get the core, and come back. My wings gave me that ability, it was stupid not to take advantage of it.

"No," Asher said. I flinched; his harsh voice sent a chill down my spine. "Focus on the tournament. Don't get ahead of yourself."

I gritted my teeth. Why was he trying to hold me back? "Asher, just tell me. I don't have time for your games."

"I said no. You're angry, I can feel it. It's eating you up. You're not fit to get your hands on the primal core of water. Calm yourself down, win the tournament and then we'll get it." As soon as his last words reached my mind, I felt the connection sever.

"Damn it!" I punched the tree I was standing next to. Naturally, pain shot up my arm. With a pained moan, I glanced at my bleeding fist. I leaned my back on the tree and sunk into the ground.

What the hell was I doing? I was so pissed off – I just wanted to destroy something. I took deep breaths to try and calm myself down.

I stayed there for a while. Long enough for the blood on my hand to dry. Long enough for the sun to approach the horizon and dye the sky crimson and purple.

Only when darkness began to envelop this world did I force myself to get up. I took to the skies again, this time with controlled anger. We had no match tomorrow. It was a good chance to do some grinding outside the city walls. It was a good chance to let loose a little.

I landed not too far away from the city gates and walked the rest of the way. I didn't want the Ereth to know about my ability to fly. As I approached the gate, my steps slowed down. There was a crowd waiting. Both Ereth and other local races had lined up at the gate. The Ereth guards were checking each person before allowing them entry.

Hesitant, I approached the crowd. I could spot some human looking people there. Assuming they were other players, I decided to stay a bit farther away from them. Instead, I approached the Ereth guards.

"Please show your identification." The seemingly tired man said with a flat voice. I quickly summoned my status panel and showed him my name. He checked it for a moment before gesturing me to enter the city. I thanked him, then stepped on the golden streets.

The bustling streets were filled with people. People who wore clothes that weren't just white and golden. Finally, I wasn't the only one being stared at for my green clothes. Despite that thought, I couldn't help but feel anxious. Why had so many people come to Baile Chailce?

I remembered Asher's words. Was this about the demon sightings in the outskirts of Ereth controlled territory? Were people fleeing? Had an invasion begun?

"Asher!" I called out to him. I waited a short moment for a response, but all I heard was silence. "Asher, something is going on in Baile Chailce. People are flooding into the city – do you know why they are all here?"

Once again, all I got was silence. Annoyed, I hurried to the inn. Maybe Alina and Samantha had a clue.

I somehow made my way to the inn, despite the massive amount of people on the streets. I nervously opened the door of the white building and stepped inside the inn. I was half expecting the inn to be completely filled up with travellers - I was glad to be wrong.

"Kai!" It was Alina's voice that called my name. I looked around and spotted her all the way in the back of the room. She and Samantha were still sitting at the table. I hurried towards them, I couldn't see Erik, Vincent, or Joshua anywhere.

"What's wrong?" I asked as soon as I reached the table. Both girls' eyes were red. Had they cried?

"Villages are being attacked by rampant beasts." Samantha explained. "Stonepatch village was also attacked." She sniffed and shook her head. "Kai, I'm worried about Alex and Rina. What if something happened to them?"

I flinched. Those two women weren't easy targets to take down, but they weren't all powerful. I considered flying there for a moment, could I make it in time?

"I'm also worried about Vince and Josh." Alina said. I flinched, had they not returned yet?

"Where is Erik?" Samantha asked.

Too many things, too many questions... I was being overwhelmed. I took a deep breath to calm myself down.

"I don't know about Erik. I'll check on Vincent and Joshua now. Can you two wait here in case any of them return?" They both nodded as I pushed myself up and rushed to the door.

My heart racing, I sprinted to Victoria's shop. Had she done something? Were they in danger?

As I reached the green, grass covered garden, I spotted the door of the building slowly creak open. The butler from before stepped outside with a tired expression. He paused when he saw me, then chuckled as I approached.

"Sir Kai, I guessed you'd come here." He said with a respectful nod.

I forced myself to remember his name. "Thomas," I said as it popped into my mind. "Has Lady Victoria brought two young men over? Their names are Vincent and Joshua."

He nodded. "They are currently having tea. Follow me please, I'm sure all of them will be delighted to see you."

I doubted that'd be the case, but still, I thanked him. He led me inside, up the stairs to the room I had talked with Victoria in just a few days ago. He knocked on the door twice, then pushed it open.

"Ah," Vincent's voice sounded as I stepped inside. I heard the door close behind me.

"Kai," Victoria said softly. "I'm glad you're here. Join us, there are things happening that you should also know about."