The First Mission
As the years went by, Aleric honed his skills with the sword and learned basic spells such as fireball and lightning. The day came when Damien informed him that he would undertake his first mission. They were tasked with intercepting a merchant's cargo, destined for another kingdom, as it passed through the meadows. Filled with excitement for his first mission, Aleric and the bandits set off towards their target.
Upon arrival, Aleric, fueled by the thrill of adventure, eagerly engaged the guards. However, the grim reality soon set in as he witnessed the bandits ruthlessly killing the guards. Friends and foes alike fell, some wounded, others dead. The stark brutality of the scene was a jolt to his young mind. In the midst of the chaos, one of the guards, seizing the opportunity, launched a deadly attack at Aleric, who was momentarily distracted. If not for Damien's timely intervention, killing the guard and saving Aleric, it could have been the end for the young apprentice. Damien's stern words followed, "This is what battle is, and this is our life. It's either kill or be killed."
Although the mission was deemed a success by the bandits, it left an indelible mark on Aleric. The once cheerful child, with a sparkle in his eyes, became cold and calculating. From that moment on, he took part in many more missions, his efficiency and ruthlessness in combat earning him a fearsome reputation throughout the kingdom. He was known as "The Shadow Spark," a name that echoed his mastery of electricity and the dark, full mask he wore to conceal his identity.