Ch 3: Markus Esen

"Looks like you haven't changed at all, Markus Esen. Still solving problems with force."

'Galen Stone, I see you are still preaching nonsense.' the stranger called Markus, who was fighting in the inn, stopped and simply gazed at the newcomer with a mocking smile.

"and you still don't listen to my advice." Galen couldn't stop his face from twitching.

Markus was silent. Galen Stone is a very old acquaintance, close to even being a friend. Also, he is a magic-user.

Then Galen used his magic to return everything to as it was before the fight broke out. Not a single trace of the fight remains. Everything is where it was before the fight started like it was restored piece by piece.

'Leave,' he ordered the guards. No portion of guards even if they tried their best to defend against Markus will see victory. Galen Stone knew that best.

"You lot can't handle him, understood?" Galen said, warning the guards and telling them to leave. No other words were needed. They left the place obediently. It's evident that Galen is someone very important here.

The guards left and took the injured ones with them.

'that's some neat trick you have there.' Markus called Galen's magic a cheap trick. Galen got angry and his face turned red.

"it's magic, you asshole. Show some respect for the gods who bless us from their Obsidian Palace."

'Look here in Edea, magic comes from the gods. It is their gift to us, the residents of the world, and a testament to their divine powers, and more powers may be granted if the followers prove themselves to be worthy enough. Unfortunately, gods can be cruel; from time to time the gods will pit their followers against each other by whispering promises of greater powers should their followers overthrow those of a different god.' Galen spoke to Markus, trying to educate him.

"Out there almost everyone is looking for ways to please the gods in an attempt to gain more powers, but so far none have managed beyond the main characters in myths and legends but that didn't stop anyone from committing violence in the name of god and legend says that the gods live in an obsidian Palace in the sky, I hope someone will teach them a lesson up there, cause they are spreading chaos faster than rumors," Markus said, his feelings about gods are not the same as everyone else.

"Ah! these topics are always such a huge letdown when discussing with you."

"Then don't."

They both sit down at a table in the corner. Other customers just watched them with their eyes widened, they began to whisper with each other in a low voice. They looked very wary of the duo.

'Then, as I was saying,' Galen clapped his hands.

'Beer!' he called. The innkeeper was forced to bring them beer. He didn't want any more trouble in his inn.

"You do remember the last time we met, don't you?" Galen asked reminiscing the stimulating past.

Galen had last seen Markus eight years before during Theon Greyjoy's rebellion, it was a tough one for young Markus.

"Yeah, before I choose to live the rest of my life as a mutant." Markus with a voice filled with uncertainty said.

'I see you carry the Punisher's emblem? Do you regret it?' Galen stared at his chest with interest.

Markus reached into his jerkin and pulled out a round medallion on a silver chain and stroked it. It pictured the eye of a savage monster, within its dilated pupil a black sword.

"I don't regret it. But I am not enjoying all the killing as a monster murderer." Markus reflected slowly.

"The criticism finally got to you. Who could've thought that such a profession as a punisher would exist even now?"

"I don't give a shit as to what they say about me. It's more about the sense of direction. The direction in life. After wandering around all over the place, you start to feel a little drained."

"Well, no gain in dwelling in the past."

"Yeah but don't tell me you forgot the horny bull incident. That was funny."

"Shut up, you scumbag. Don't even remind me that." Galen's old face turned pale as remembered that piece of dark past.

Markus smirked seeing him being miserable.

But after this Galen sighed melancholy, Things were going well. In the past, it was just wolves howling in the woods, but now it's Kobolds and Spriggans wherever you spit, werewolves, or some other vermin.

"So what are you doing here?" Galen Stone asked Markus, with a hint of suspicion.

"Why? Are you being wary of me?" Markus asked, his expression clearly showing how much he is disappointed by Galen's behavior.

"Well, you can't blame a man for being cautious. After all your reputation after you became a punisher is not something hopeful, so much chaos you caused throughout the journey." Galen showed a cheeky smile on his old face. With it, he successfully invited Markus's ire.

"You have a punchable face right now, you know?" grumbled Markus.

"C'mon jokes aside. why are you here? you here on a job?"

"No, but I'm looking for one."

"That's great. If you're free, then why not help out an old friend, huh? I got a job for you."

"You are paying for the job, right? I am not doing freebies"

"Just listen to me first, you bastard."

'A few days ago, some people were attacked near Halitos Mill. They were traveling from Krist to here peddling medicinal herbs and other things. but only one fellow to her good fortune survives the attack. She says their group is attacked by some monster or ghost. When I send some guards to investigate, they returned to me with bodies full of injuries. But they were able to dig out some details.'

'They found a cave leading underground behind the mill. In the depths of this strange cave is a mysterious Vilefang nesting up to something. Whatever it is, it can only bring about a disaster. Find and eliminate this mysterious Vilefang nest and put a stop to its plagues.'

"You sure the details are correct? it's hard to identify Vilefang. Those are the invisible monsters."

'The details? Yes, I am pretty sure. They described me its corpse.'

"Where is the survivor from the first attack?"

"Why? you want to inquire personally. does that mean you are doing the job?"

'That's what I want. But keep my money ready.'

'If you insist, then go and listen to what she has to say. She lives not far from here. Here is her address.' Galen drank some beer and spoke in a hushed voice.

"OK, I will investigate again, find out what's really happening. If there is some monster, I will hunt them down." Markus assured, his eyes glowing with confidence.

"yeah, Punisher, I will leave it to you, the monster-hunting expert. Having a pro punisher like you dealing with this makes things easier." Galen sighed in relief.