Chapter 1: Beginning? 

Death the never-ending pestilence bound to every living thing. Yet fearing such an inevitable threat comes in many forms. From the looming existence of it chasing after you, maybe coming face to face is what brings one to their knees, or a meaningless struggle to stay only for what little time you may have. These are questions that can never be answered until the very end.

Adventures face this dilemma of wandering the seemingly endless landscape of this godforsaken world, facing these savage and horrendous monsters. From the caves, forests, or oceans these monsters can be found posing different threats. But those aren't the true monsters of this world anymore. A terrible fate befalls on those who takes part in this lofty journey. Care to listen?

In a tavern, blissful joy and laughter are heard far into the street in the thriving kingdom. The night and heavy rain damped the once bustling streets. From the joyous fun and raindrops, the sounds of heavy metal clanging together could be heard outside the door. Until the sound stopped, the figure stood looming behind the door only to be seen from the window, dripping heavily from the rain.

BANG!

The person slammed the door wide open, drawing eyes and silencing the crowd. The old man dressed in a full suit of armor, shining beautifully in the tavern light. He stood tall with confidence, yet from his imposing stature showed elegance. Like the amour he wore, his head shinned alongside it.

The once living tavern grew silent, and all looked at this man with awe. It wouldn't be surprising to call him a giant. Unfazed by the gazes the armored man started to look around the tavern and furrowed his brow at his frustration.

"Hey!" screamed the armored man towards the bar. With the scream, the people looked to what the armored man was talking about.

It was strange, since the only person at the bar was a groggy old man with his head down and unkempt. He didn't seem like the person, the armored man was looking for, yet something feels right about him.

"Nol!" called the armored man.

"Shut up, Asher." replied Nol.

With Asher's newfound knowledge, he pushed his way throughout the crowd to Nol. Ordering both men a drink as he sat next to him.

As Nol changed his posture, revealed a man seemingly ravage by fights and bloodshed from the countless scars on the face with time adding wrinkles to an already broken face. Along with unruly long white hair and a beard unkempt from years of traveling the lands. The many layered leather covering his body, but his physique molded from years of experience and training showed underneath.

"How's traveling the land, have you fared well?" asked Asher "Time seemed to not have treated you well." He added.

Nol groaned. "It's clear to see how I have been, but it seems you haven't changed any bit. For what reason would you come looking for me again?" With the snarky response, he glared eyes of daggers towards Asher.

"As strange as ever, truly I can never understand what you think." Asher laughed.

"Enough with the pleasantry and small talk or should I ask again Asher." Nol coldly said.

"Not in the mood to talk with an old friend." sighed Asher. "Let's at least eat while we talk." He called over the waiter to order.

"Asking for a favor." whispered Asher.

In such a happy establishment with drinking, the reckless and chaotic attitude ran wild. All the while, Nol and Asher shared an ear deafening silence as both sipped on their drinks hidden away in the crowds of people.

The same eyes stayed focused on the two. Though, unable to hear, it only sparked more curiosity. But, to these men forged from countless battles and struggles to think they wouldn't notice such a thing is an insult. Acting too fast would lead the person to run. The standstill between the two parties continued over the night and not even one wanted to act.

As the first sunlight came, Nol and Asher were full of food and booze. Puzzled, as the person sat there with his tattered cloak and glimmering light amour. The person stood up nervously, arms tucked in and slowly walking towards Nol. Both men act accordingly, ready to strike at a moment notice. Until both the person and Nol made eye contact.

The person was young, no older than 14, with brown hair, hazel eyes, and 5'6' height. His eyes showed innocence, yet his hands battered and rough gave off something else. His amour still had a shine like the blade near his hip, unlike the ragged cloak he wore.

"U-u-umm, hello there, my name is Warren." Warren stuttered as he spoke, yet still had confidence. But his demeanor changed and spoke with his chest and stood up straight, asking Nol; "Can you be my mentor!"

The tension of the matter broke yet neither men relaxed. Asher couldn't help laughing at the situation Nol found himself in. Nol from years of roaming the land never had an experience like this, but as always has a response.

Nol chuckled and replied, "Let these old men wallow in our self-pity, a fool shouldn't be your mentor."

"S-s-sorry, but I don't see you as a fool, sir." Warren clenched his hands still close to his chest and asked again with the at most earnest "Please train me!"

The stubbornness of the child annoyed Nol. Thus, the conversation was bland and full of Warren begging Nol to train him. Through the constant denying, Warren still has the raging fire in his eyes which didn't falter. Nol noticed this and wanted to test him.

Nol harshly said "Give up." and waved Warren away. Angrily added, "Why should I train you? Its pitiful to see you beg."

THUD!

Nol slammed his fist onto the table and asked, "What's your motive behind this?". From a swift motion, Nol drew his blade. The blade was dull, chipped, and dirty. Asher kept drinking unfazed, while a crowd formed around Nol and Warren.

"Don't kill him on accident!" Yelled Asher, followed with a hardy laugh.

"Just doing some light stretches." replied Nol. "Draw your weapon let's see how you fare." said Nol facing Warren.

Warren stood there speechless, but still drew his sword. It shined nicely like Asher amour.

"Take your stance and strike me Warren!." shouted Nol.

Nol was unconventionally holding the sword in one hand and lax stand. While Warren took time preparing for the proper stance as he gripped his sword with both hands.

Nol continued to goad Warren to fight. The ever-increasing crowd grew louder even bets could be made out from the noise. For the crowd of drunks, it was just a show of entertainment for them. While Nol chose to look for answers. Warren bewildered and stiffened in place. All the while, Asher drunk stagger his way to the door.

Confusion spread among everyone, and the hectic mess of the situation caught the attention of patrolling guards.

"Bloody hell, seems like I worked up a crowd." remarked Nol as he dashed at Warren, disarming him as swiftly as the fight started. A strike that could only been seen if one was skilled enough. It was only one strike for Nol to deem Warren perfectly suited to be trained. He couldn't shake off that strange feeling he had about Warren and continued to figure out what it was.

Chants filled the large, crowded tavern, when the fight was over. Knights could be heard running towards the ruckus.

"Knights are so slow in their response." said Nol then gestured Warren to come with him "Dealing with knights are annoying, so, blend into the crowd and wait to leave."

"Where did that moron Asher gone off now." visible frustrated Nol said. "Didn't he have something to tell me."

Warren, still confused at the pace, everything is moving taking his head for a spin. While figuring out what's happening, he just follows the things Nol says.

When the knights got there, the event had already died down and two knights was confused on what happened. All the while Nol and Warren escaped.