"Welcome, good sir," she greets Alix warmly. "Will you be needing rooms for your companions as well?"
Alix nods. "Yes, please, three rooms for the night."
As the innkeeper hands over the keys, she leans in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You must be sir Aiden, word travels fast in Sumbrasth. They say you single-handedly took down a Tier 4 beast that’s been terrorizing the villages."
Alix offers a modest smile. "News does seem to have wings in this city."
The innkeeper chuckles. "Indeed. If you need anything, just let me know."
As they make their way to their rooms, Grixx glances at Alix, a smirk playing on his lips. "Your majesty, it seems like you’re the talk of Sumbrasth now."
Alix sighs softly. "Fame is a double-edged sword. Let’s hope it doesn’t draw unwanted attention."
Berko, silent until now, speaks up, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Humans celebrate the death of a beast, yet they are blind to the monsters among their own kind."
Alix pauses, turning to face Berko. "Hatred is a heavy burden to carry, Berko. Not all humans are the same."
Berko’s eyes harden. "Perhaps. But forgiveness doesn’t come easily when one’s kin have suffered."
After settling into their rooms at the Silver Chalice Inn, Alix invites Berko to join him in his quarters. The room is modest but comfortable. Grixx, sensing the need for a private conversation, excuses himself.
Alix gestures to a chair opposite him. "Please, sit. I’d like to understand how you came to be bound by the War God contract."
Berko settles into the chair, his expression somber. "After the humans attacked our home, I managed to flee," he begins, his voice heavy with emotion. "But surviving when my family and tribesmates perished or getting abducted filled me with unbearable guilt."
He pauses, collecting his thoughts. "I wandered aimlessly through the forest, lost in my grief. Days, perhaps weeks passed; time had little meaning. Then, I stumbled upon an ancient altar, overgrown and forgotten. The inscription read ’God of War’."
Berko continues, his voice tinged with reverence. "Beside the altar, I discovered a Tier 4 skill book. Its pages seemed to pulse with power, and I felt an inexplicable pull to read it."
Alix leans forward, curiosity piqued. "A Tier 4 skills book? That’s a rare find. Did you read it?"
Berko nods slowly. "Yes, I did. As I absorbed its knowledge, I felt a surge of strength and clarity. It was as if the book unlocked potential I never knew I had, elevating me to a Tier 4 warrior."
Alix considers this, tapping his fingers thoughtfully. "And the altar? Did it have any other significance?"
Berko’s expression darkens. "In my grief and desire for vengeance, I made a vow before it, seeking the strength to avenge my fallen kin."
Alix’s eyes narrow slightly. "And that’s when the contract bound you?"
Berko sighs, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Yes. Unbeknownst to me, my vow forged a contract with the God of War. It granted me immense power, but at the cost of my free will. I became an instrument of war, driven by an insatiable rage."
Alix leans back, absorbing Berko’s tale. "It’s fortunate we crossed paths, then. With the contract severed, you have a chance to reclaim your destiny."
Berko meets Alix’s gaze, gratitude evident. "I owe you my freedom, Your Majesty. I pledge to use my strength to serve you."
Alix leans forward, his interest piqued. "Do you remember where that altar is located?"
Berko nods. "Yes, Your Majesty. I can lead you there."
Alix’s eyes narrow thoughtfully. "Tomorrow, we shall visit it together."
Berko’s expression reflects a mix of surprise and determination. "As you command, Your Majesty."
The following morning, as dawn’s light filters through the forest canopy, Alix, Berko, and Grixx set out toward the ancient altar. The forest is dense, with undergrowth that crunches beneath their boots and the distant calls of birds echoing through the trees.
Berko leads the way, his movements confident yet cautious. After traversing the forest for several hours, they arrive at a clearing where the altar stands, partially reclaimed by nature. Vines drape over its weathered stone, and moss carpets its base.
Alix approaches the altar, his gaze tracing the faint inscriptions that hint at its ancient purpose. He turns to Berko. "This is where you found the Tier 4 skills book?"
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Berko nods, his eyes reflecting memories of that pivotal moment. "Yes, Your Majesty. Right here."
Grixx circles the altar, his keen eyes scanning the surroundings. "This place... it feels like it’s been untouched for centuries."
Alix places a hand on the altar’s surface, closing his eyes as if sensing the remnants of its power. "There’s a lingering energy here. It’s faint, but present."
Berko watches Alix, curiosity evident. "What do you intend to do, Your Majesty?"
Alix opens his eyes, determination gleaming within them. "I aim to understand the nature of this altar and the forces it once channeled. Such knowledge could prove invaluable."
As dawn’s light filters through the dense canopy, Alix, Berko, and Grixx navigate the forest’s undergrowth, their senses heightened for any sign of the ancient altar. The forest is alive with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves underfoot.
"Stay vigilant," Alix instructs, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Report anything unusual immediately."
After some time, Berko halts, his gaze fixed on a section of overgrown foliage. "Your Majesty, I believe I’ve found something," he calls out, pointing to what appears to be a concealed door, its outline barely discernible beneath the vines.
Alix and Grixx exchange a glance, both sensing the faint hum of a defensive spell emanating from the hidden entrance. Before they can react, Berko steps closer, his hand reaching out to touch the door.
"Berko, wait!" Alix warns, but Grixx is already in motion. With a burst of speed, he uses his Tier 5 ability to position himself between Berko and the door in an instant. The defensive spell activates, releasing a surge of energy that strikes Grixx. He grits his teeth, absorbing the impact, but a shallow cut appears on his cheek, a testament to the spell’s potency.