His eyes narrowed, scanning the area.
The wind came from the north. If we go north from the town, there is a giant bandit group residing at the cliff edge of the Shady Sea.
Should I go and check it out? It would be somewhat risky. The people inside the town shouldn't notice any changes since the wall cover the whole town.
If I don't come back soon, the other guards would notice my disappearance...
Lost in thought about the situation he turn silence for moment..... but the boredom of his work drove him to make his decision.
Taking off his armor, he left the spear behind a small boulder near the area.
"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 create unwanted attention."
With only his inner clothes, he left the town on foot, heading north.
About sooner later, he arrived at the bandit place.
Hiding between the tall grass, he could still feel the warm air, and it was in fact much hotter now that he arrive there.
This must be where the source of the heat coming from... but where are the guards?
A bandit group in this scale should have guards patrolling the area.... or maybe...
As possibilities running through his thoughts, he slowly sneaked in, making as little sound as possible.
As he reached closer to the edge of the cliff, a bright light kept beaming in waves.
His eyes filled with curiosity as he moved closer, going from one tree to another until he could see the other end of the forest.
What happened here? His brain instinctively questioned as he looked at the surrounding buildings.
Everything was burning, piles of bodies were everywhere, and red colour dye the place crimson.
Watching the burning buildings closely, his eyes narrowed.
For some reason, he felt drawn to it.... Not to the building but the fire that consuming it.
Only one thing could make him feel this way, and he knew it. That one thing that he had an interest in.
He whispered, focusing on the blazing fire.
"A curse."
"The person who caused this fire is cursed."
The flames burned in dark and red hues, engulfing anything they touched.
A small smile left his face, but then a commotion caught his attention. He quickly stood from the spot and sprinted toward the direction.
Before long, his steps gradually slowed.
Hiding behind a tree, he viewed the scene unfolding in front of him.
Sea breeze passed through the grass field, with collapsing burning buildings brightening the surroundings.
A single person was surrounded by bandits.
Watching closely, he focused his ears on them.
"We know nothing about the kidnapped child!"
The bandit who seemed to be the leader shouted at the person being surrounded.
That person was wearing a black hood and holding in their left hand, was a battle scythe?
Now that's a rare sight. Seeing the weapon, he paid closer attention to that person.
The hooded figure left them unanswered for a second before finally opening its mouth.
"..... My clues have led me here."
A woman?
"Don't test my patience anymore... Speak... or be killed."
The deepness in her voice was filled with murderous intent leaving all the bandits shaking on the spot, unable to move.
Seeing the bandits remain silent, she finally snap.
Flames started leaking from the sharp edge of the scythe.
Before the bandits could do anything, they had already turned to ashes.
He ducked down as the flames erupt. By the time he felt it was safe, he turned his head forward again. This time, he got a good glimpse of her.
Still holding the scythe, she turned around. The hood she's wearing had burn my the flame revealing her 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 the crimson X mark in her black pupils.
Waving the scythe, she left the scene just like that. A hint of anger could be felt when the fire burn brighter.
He, who had been watching, felt something weird stirring inside.
What is this feeling? he wondered.
After that, he returned to the town in the morning. Handing his armor and weapon to the guard, he left the town with just two words.
"I resign."