I spent the rest of the day helping how I can, carrying stuff around with soldiers, and polishing equipment. I also tried learning magic from the mages, but as expected, I couldn't do it at all. Before I knew, evening already came. I could hear the fear of people, they weren't drinking and celebrating life like usual. Everyone was quiet. Probably sleeping, not wanting to know what will happen tomorrow. The mages have prepared the ritual, and Freya was the one in charge.
"This might hurt a bit."
The mages surrounded me, and started chanting. I could see weird symbols written on the floor, slowly heating up. Blue sparks emerged from the mages, they all combined their magic and struck me. I swear I died back then. I couldn't feel a thing. It felt like hours, but it was only for a split second. Not moving and panting, I tried to calm myself from the shock, and the mages rushed to heal me.
"So?" Freya asked
"Nothing."
I couldn't sleep tonight, for some odd reason. The air outside was fresh so I went outside and sat by a tree, on a small hill. This feeling somehow felt familiar. Like I always used to do this. I sighed and look up at the stars. The moon was especially bright.
"You haven't changed."
I heard a voice from behind me, It was Freya again.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Sure, go ahead." I said as I adjusted myself. She sat next to me. She was rather close.
"You said that I haven't changed. What was I like?"
"You were kind. A good person. Heart of gold. Always kept everything to yourself."
But that doesn't mean I can be that same person now. After everything that happened will I ever be my past self again? That person is dead. This is my new life.
"You actually saved my life, and got me into magic." She smiled at me. She looked happy.
"I see."
I continued staring at the stars.
"I promise you this. We will meet again." I calmly said, looking at the stars.
I saw a sad shooting star.
Freya hugged me.
I couldn't sleep. The stars were haunting me. But I didn't know who they were. Why was she sad? Before I knew, morning already came. I searched around the camp but I couldn't find them. They had already left. I could do nothing but wait.
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[Deep down the hell]
Death. Screams. Bodies on the floor. Blood everywhere. Indeed, this is the end of the world.
"I taunted him, NOW!" Ulric yelled as he swung his sword at The Demon Lord. Freya started chanting. The Demon Lord swung his sword back but Owen protected him with his shield.
"Isn't this interesting. But I know all your plans." The Demon Lord claimed.
He shot a huge dark fireball at Freya, Ulric and Owen rushed to her and tried to block it, but The Demon lord teleported behind them and struck Freya. She fell on the ground. If she didn't have the Amulet she got, she would've died.
"Lacerate 100." Ulric whispered as he drew his sword. Thousand slashes were launched at The Demon Lord but he just laughed.
"For a human to obtain this kind of power. How impressive. Still, it's not enough."
The Demon Lord tore Ulric's arm off. Despite this, Ulric kept launching his attacks at him. He had to buy time for Freya. He will give his life for it. Owen healed Freya and she quietly started chanting. Seeing this, The Demon Lord chopped Ulric's head off and rushed at her.
"Divine Wall" Owen yelled as he blocked him.
Freya was close to finishing the spell.
"If only I was him, If only I was stronger. He could've locked him up for 100 years. No, this will be enough. He did teach me this skill after all." She thought to herself.
Freya closed her eyes for the final time. It is said that when mages use all their mana, using more magic will hurt them, with high risk of death. Magic will try to use the body as source of power. Even so, she had to do this much. Her mana veins cracked, her skin started tearing off as she opened the space, sealing The Demon Lord away.
On the brink of death, Freya's last thoughts went through her head.
"How funny. I wanted to tell you last night, but you forgot me. I hope you'll find it somewhere. A place where you belong to."
Freya has died. The Heroes have sealed the Demon Lord.
"You only have one year, Hero."
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I couldn't sleep. I was staring at the stars again. The news fly fast. They couldn't make it but sealed The Demon Lord. They all died. Every single one of them. They were my companions for life, good friends. And I can't remember any of it. I couldn't even get a chance to get to know them again. I wanted to cry but I couldn't. I didn't know who those people were yet they still mattered to me in the past. No, I will regain my memories and power. I will do whatever it takes to meet them again. Even if I have to battle the gods. I looked up at the stars again, with fire in my eyes. Like declaring war at the gods above.
I couldn't sleep.
"So, have you decided?" They asked me
"Yes. I will travel the realm on my own and learn magic." I answered.
"Are you sure? It would be better for you to stay at academy where best mages teach. The world is at stake."
"I am sure. I think my old self would've done the same."
"You really haven't changed. I wish you luck, we shall meet again in one year."
I had tried the robes but I didn't like them, I wouldn't be very mobile in them so I chose leather armor instead. Packed with a small dagger, a traveler's bag, and some food and water inside, I slowly left the camp.
"Waaaaait." A middle age mage yelled. He was carrying a book.
"You wrote this. It might be useful to your future travels."
He gave me the book and smiled. I thanked him and finally left the place. I went east, down the alley and river below, following it. The season was spring, there were many plants with weird colors, and small animals running around. Truly it was a beautiful sight. After a few days of traveling, I finally stumbled across a small village. It was right next to the river, people were fishing and sailing. I needed information about where I am and what's there to see, so I went to the nearest tavern. The place was old, and rather small for a tavern, but it looked rather cozy. I went to the bar and greeted the bartender.
"An adventurer?" She excitedly asked, as she poured me beer.
"Sort of. Just started."
"Where are you going?"
"I don't know, you got any suggestions?" I asked
"Maybe. How about you spend the night here, I heard a mercenary group will arrive here tomorrow. Maybe you could go with them." She smiled at me. It made sense, but I had a weird feeling. Like something isn't right.
"Sure, thanks." I smiled back, handing her a few coins. After getting my own room, I picked up the book and opened it.
"You need to die" Simple words written on every page. I quickly threw the book across the room.
What the hell is this? I need to die? There's no way that I would wrote that. Freya described me as kind and a good person. Just what happened?