Questions On The Past

The journey back to the base was filled with a mix of triumph and quiet reflection. Turai and the others had successfully hunted down five Grey Phantoms, securing their origin cores as proof of their victories. Turai, ever determined and focused, had managed to claim three cores on his own, while Gareth and Finn had each claimed one, using the opportunity to teach Turai their different methods for eliminating the Dwellers.

Grey Phantoms were elusive and dangerous, their almost incorporeal forms allowing them to phase through solid objects effortlessly. But they had one fatal flaw: their origin core, the source of their power, remained physical, though shrouded within their ghostly forms. To protect this weakness, the Phantoms had adapted, constantly moving their core within their bodies, making it difficult to target. The part of the Phantom hiding the core, however, could not phase through anything, and it was this vulnerability that Turai and his companions exploited.

Finn's approach was methodical and precise. He would concentrate, sensing the flow of magic within the creature, and with swift, pinpoint accuracy, strike the spot with the highest concentration of energy. His technique was elegant and professional, reflecting his background in stealth and assassination.

Gareth's method, on the other hand, was as direct as the man himself. He would hurl large objects at the Phantom, waiting for the moment when the core-holding part of the creature was forced to dodge. Once he identified which part couldn't phase through the object, he would attack that spot with all his might.

Turai had learned from both methods, but given his preference for efficiency over brute strength, he gravitated toward Finn's approach. His ability to sense the shifting core and strike quickly made him especially effective against the Phantoms. Within three hours, he had taken down three of them, his confidence in his abilities growing with each success.

Back at the base, the group gathered to compare their results. The atmosphere was light and filled with camaraderie, a stark contrast to the tension of the hunt. As the tallies were made, it was clear that Turai had done exceptionally well. However, the day's top performer was Lyra, who had managed to secure six cores, her mastery of elemental magic proving to be a formidable asset. Marin, ever the skilled tracker, had claimed four, while Elara, the healer, had matched Turai with three.

The men, however, had each secured only one core apiece, including Hubert. As the results became clear, the men exchanged amused glances, and soon, the entire group burst into laughter. There was no bitterness in their defeat—only good-natured ribbing and the satisfaction of a job well done.

As the laughter died down, the group settled into a more relaxed state, the bonds between them growing stronger with each passing day. They were unaware, however, that while they were enjoying their success, a new threat was quietly emerging in the town—one that could lead to something far worse than anything they had faced before.

Turai returned to his training where he was soon joined by Finn who wanted to practice close combat. When it came to it, Turai was the best of the party.

Finally, it was time for dinner and all of them sat around the campfire, eating the mean of the roasted rabbits they'd caught earlier.

The mood was right, and Turai saw the opportunity to ask the questions that had been weighing on his mind. He started with something simple, yet profound. "How did you all become magic users?" he asked, his tone curious but also serious.

Hubert, ever the leader, was the one to respond. "Magic is a gift, Turai. It's granted to certain people by beings beyond our understanding. We call them Gods. Some are born with it, while others gain it through life-changing events."

Turai nodded, absorbing the information. "So, does that mean the gods have favorites? They choose who gets magic and who doesn't?"

Hubert smiled faintly, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of many years. "You could say that. If they didn't, then everyone would be a magic user, wouldn't they?"

Turai frowned slightly, his thoughts turning over the implications. "Who are the gods, then? Can we see them?"

This time, it was Elara who answered, her voice warm and soothing. "Those who see the gods are said to be blessed, Turai. They are privileged to ascend to the heavenly realm without having to die first. It's not something that happens to many—only the truly chosen. There are rumors that they can be counted on one hand."

Turai considered her words carefully. The idea of gods choosing who was blessed and who wasn't seemed distant and mysterious, yet it held a certain appeal. But his next question was more personal, rooted in something that had troubled him for as long as he could remember.

"How possible is it to get memories of the past?" Turai's voice dropped to almost a whisper as he asked. "I have something I need to know… about my birth."

The question hung in the air, the group falling silent as they recognized the weight of Turai's words. Hubert, sensing the depth of the boy's unease, stepped closer and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Some memories are buried deep, Turai," Hubert said softly. "But there are ways to uncover them. Magic, artifacts, and even the gods themselves might hold the answers you seek. But it's a journey you'll have to be prepared for—it won't be easy."

Turai nodded slowly, his mind already turning toward the possibilities. If there was a way to uncover the truth, he knew he would pursue it, no matter the cost.

As the evening wore on, the group continued to talk, sharing stories, laughing, and planning for the days ahead. The bonds between them grew stronger, their trust in each other deepening with every conversation. But even as they enjoyed the camaraderie, the shadow of the unknown loomed on the horizon.

Somewhere, not too far away, a new threat was beginning to stir—a danger that none of them could yet see, but one that would soon make itself known.

For now, Turai's mind was focused on the questions that haunted him, the mysteries of his past that he was determined to unravel. But he knew, deep down, that the answers would come with challenges of their own. And when they did, he would be ready.