The village of Torren Hollow lay nestled at the edge of the Outer Forest, a scattering of wooden homes and smoky chimneys, ringed by simple wooden palisades. To most, it was just another forgotten settlement on the fringe of civilization.
To Kai, it was home.
When he stepped past the gate, dirt-covered and half-burnt, the guards raised their spears—then lowered them just as fast.
"Boy's still alive," one muttered. "That makes one of 'em."
Kai said nothing. Just nodded, passing by. His mind wasn't here. It was still in the shrine. Still feeling the flame in his chest. Still haunted by the man in the cloak.
[Passive Quest Updated: Flame in the Shadows]New Goal: Reach Level 6 before next system-triggered encounter. Time limit: Unknown.
His pace quickened.
He found Elder Ren in the training yard, watching a few boys spar with sticks. The old man raised a brow when he saw Kai's state.
"You were gone three days," he said. "Didn't think you'd come back at all."
"I found something," Kai replied. "In the forest. A shrine."
Ren's eyes narrowed slightly. "The First Flame Shrine?"
"You knew?"
"I suspected." The old man turned back to the sparring boys. "Few ever return. Fewer still with their minds intact. What did you bring back, boy?"
Kai raised his hand, and a soft ember flickered into life.
Ren didn't smile.
"…Then you've started walking that path," he said quietly. "You need steel. Food. Training. And you need to leave this place soon."
"Why?"
"Because now, they'll come."
[Quest Updated: Prepare for Departure]Objectives: Acquire a weapon. Eat. Sleep. Visit blacksmith. Gain 1 level before leaving Torren Hollow.Reward: Travel Permit to Lower Verdane + Sidearm of Embersteel
That night, Kai ate stew with burnt hands and a full heart.
He'd finally be allowed to leave the village—something denied to Rankless.
He'd finally earn a real weapon.
And somewhere out there, in the world beyond the forest…
His enemies were already waiting.