My First Time Jump

I woke up with a feeling of discomfort. My head was still clouded from the alcohol of the previous night. I approached the bucket of water I had next to the bed, dipped a cloth in it, and passed it over my face, neck, and arms. I didn't have a tub, but the cold water helped me clear my mind. After one last wipe, I dressed quickly. Today was the day of my meeting with Grimmor, and I couldn't afford to be late.

The meeting place was in a tower high enough that, from an enormous window, almost the entire town could be seen. The sun shone brightly, giving the place an almost solemn air, but something in the atmosphere felt strange, as if the air was charged with more than just heat.

Grimmor was already there, standing by the window, contemplating the landscape. When he noticed my presence, he slowly turned around, saying nothing for a moment. Then, without preamble, he asked, "Tell me, what happened with the mage?"

My mind was ready, knowing that every word had to be carefully calculated. I took a deep breath and began, "The mage... he was cryptic, as expected. He spoke to me about important events that are coming, things that could change the course of this era. Though he didn't reveal details, he made it clear that I, in some way, would be involved."

As I spoke, I felt a slight pressure in my chest. Had I said too much? I wasn't sure how far I could carry this lie. I observed Grimmor's face. His eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtful. The silence in the room dragged on. My thoughts swirled, trying to read his expression, searching for any sign that he was buying my version of events. He didn't seem to distrust me, but he wasn't fully convinced either. I knew what I had told him was enough to keep him interested, but for how long?

"I see...," he murmured, looking out the window again. After a brief pause, he added, "This town needs someone like me, you know? Someone who understands what's necessary to maintain order. I do business with the merchants to protect them from thieves, and yes, sometimes I lend them money. It's simple: I keep problems away, and they continue to thrive."

He spoke with such conviction that it almost seemed like he believed his own words. But I knew what was really behind his actions: violence, fear, and terror. Nevertheless, I nodded, feigning empathy.

"I understand," I replied, measuring my words carefully. "Sometimes difficult measures are needed to keep those who depend on you safe."

Grimmor gave a slight smile, apparently satisfied with my response. But before he could say anything else, I noticed a change in his expression. His eyes fixed on something outside the window, and his face tensed all at once. It was as if the tranquility from before had vanished in an instant.

"Damn… those damned gargoyles!" he muttered through clenched teeth, with a frustration I hadn't seen in him before.

My heart skipped a beat. I quickly moved toward the window. From the town's main entrance, the stone creatures were advancing slowly, but with unyielding determination. They were enormous, their wings of rock beating the air as they descended, and their eyes shone with a clear threat. I knew this wasn't a random attack. Something in Grimmor's reaction confirmed it: these creatures were here for him. I sensed there was more to this, but I couldn't focus on that now.

Grimmor barked orders swiftly. "Prepare everything!" he shouted to the lizardmen who accompanied him. "Gather my men and defend the town."

He turned to me. "You, Darius, stay away from those things. Leave them to my men."

I nodded, but as soon as he left the room, I saw my chance. I couldn't just stand by while these creatures destroyed the town. I rushed down the stairs, blending into the chaos, and managed to slip away to see if I could help somehow.

The town was in a state of panic. The gargoyles had already begun their attack, hurling stones and debris as the houses collapsed. The creatures moved with terrifying ferocity, crushing everything in their path. The sound of houses crumbling, mixed with the screams of the people, overwhelmed me, but I tried to stay calm. I shouted to some of the townsfolk to get to safety, but the chaos was relentless.

Amid the confusion, I saw Nayris. She was helping some children escape down one of the side streets, but one of the gargoyles spotted her. Before I could shout a warning, the creature reached her. With a brutal strike, it slammed her to the ground, burying her under rubble. Her body lay still.

I ran toward her, my heart pounding with fury, but when I reached her, her body no longer responded. Her eyes, which had once been bright, were now lifeless. Blood trickled from her lips, and her skin, once warm, was growing cold to the touch. A mix of disbelief and despair began to suffocate me.

"Nayris… no, please… no…" I whispered, holding her body tightly. The pressure in my chest intensified, as if the weight of the entire world was crashing down on me. I wanted to scream, to do something… but it was useless. Something inside me started to change. A feeling I didn't recognize, but couldn't control. It was a strange energy, dark and overwhelming. I felt like my insides were breaking apart, as if the world itself was distorting. My breathing became erratic, and everything around me blurred.

The chaos in my mind was so intense that everything around me disappeared into a whirlwind of darkness.

And then, without knowing how, everything changed.

Suddenly, I was standing again, not in the present, but a few minutes earlier. The attack hadn't happened yet. Nayris was still running toward the children. Time… somehow, I had reversed it. I couldn't understand how, but it didn't matter. I had to save her.

"Nayris, watch out!" I shouted, running toward her before the gargoyle could strike.

I managed to reach her in time. I pulled her out of the way just as the gargoyle struck the ground where she had been. Nayris looked at me, surprised, but there was no time for explanations.

"Run!" I yelled, and this time, she didn't hesitate. She fled quickly, while I stood there, not understanding how I had achieved the impossible.

The chaos inside me was still there, and I could feel something dark had awakened. It was as if something inside me had been unleashed, and though I didn't know what it was, it was clear it wasn't natural.

In front of me, the gargoyle that had killed Nayris was watching me. Its eyes gleamed with the same malice as before. This time, there was no time to think or run.

I felt fury boiling inside me, mixed with a fear I could barely contain. The creature moved toward me, slow but steady. My body tensed.

The confrontation was inevitable.