Bab 1: The demon warlock
The Avoner Continent.
In the heart of the Starr Wilderness stood Arizella City, its stone walls a testament to centuries of resilience. Despite the sweltering southern climate, the city buzzed with activity under a cloudless blue sky. The scent of fresh bread mingled with the distant clang of blacksmiths at work, and the lively chatter of merchants echoed through its cobbled streets.
Amid this lively scene, nestled within a quiet corner of the city, lay the Holy Cross Monastery. Its arched windows glimmered faintly with candlelight, offering a sanctuary of peace from the bustling world outside.
In one of its dimly lit chambers, a young man lay motionless on a modest bed, his brow furrowed as though trapped in the throes of a deep dream. His breathing was shallow, and sweat clung to his skin like a shroud.
Suddenly, a voice broke through the haze.
"Awaken… awake…"
The words were soft, yet they carried an undeniable weight, distant and echoing as if spoken from the depths of a canyon.
Who's calling me?
The voice seemed to pull at him, tugging him away from the abyss of unconsciousness. It was both near and far, a paradox that Limon could barely comprehend.
With a sharp exhale, his chest heaved, and his eyes snapped open. He stared at the wooden ceiling above, his breaths ragged, as if he'd just surfaced from drowning.
"Where… where am I?" he muttered, his voice barely audible in the silence of the room.
He turned his head slowly, taking in his surroundings. The chamber was spartan, its walls lined with stone. A single candle flickered in a wall-mounted sconce, casting long, wavering shadows that danced eerily. He was lying on a simple bed, its frame creaking faintly as he shifted.
"You have finally awakened, honorable magician."
The voice startled him. He turned his gaze toward its source and saw a figure standing by the bedside. The man wore the simple grey robes of a monk, his face plain but kind, his eyes filled with both relief and curiosity.
Magician?
The word echoed in Limon's mind, foreign and jarring. Memories flickered through his mind—chaotic, fragmented, and incomprehensible. He recalled a dark alleyway, the smell of gunpowder, and the searing agony of a bullet piercing his skull. He remembered dying.
And yet, here he was. Alive.
His fingers instinctively touched his chest, searching for wounds, but his skin was unbroken. The confusion only deepened as he looked down at himself, noticing his attire: a dark robe, torn and bloodstained, hanging loosely on his unfamiliar frame.
"Where is this place? How did I get here?"
"This is Erizella City, a sanctuary at the edge of the Starr Wasteland," the monk explained patiently. "You were found collapsed on the roadside, gravely injured. Lord Dray of the Silver Guard brought you to the Holy Cross Monastery, where we tended to your wounds."
The Starr Wasteland.
The Holy Cross Monastery.
The names meant nothing to Limon, yet they resonated with a strange sense of finality. He wasn't in the world he had once known.
Forcing his aching body into a sitting position, he ignored the protest of his stiff muscles. The monk stepped forward, concern etched across his face.
"Honorable magician, you must rest. Your wounds were severe, and though I've healed them, your strength has yet to return fully."
Limon waved off the monk's concern. "I feel fine. Just… disoriented."
As he spoke, a strange phenomenon occurred. A translucent blue panel materialized before his eyes, hovering midair. It was filled with information:
[name:Limon Darwin
Profession: Demon Warlock
Level: 1
Strength: 23
Agility: 19
Endurance: 21
Intelligence: 42
Spirit: 41
Unallocated Points: 0
Experience: 0/100
Skills: Dark Energy Mastery, Dark Energy Blast
Magic Value: 300/300]
"What… what is this?" he whispered, staring at the panel in shock.
The monk, however, seemed oblivious to the display. Instead, he continued speaking, unaware of Limon's growing unease.
"Though I am but an apprentice priest, I give thanks to the Goddess of Light, Frenya, for granting me the power to heal your wounds," he said reverently.
Limon barely heard him. His attention was fixed on the panel, its information both perplexing and fascinating. He glanced at the monk again and saw another panel appear above the man's head:
[Name: Rein Duvel
Occupation: Priest Apprentice
Level: 3
Strength: 9
Agility: 8
Endurance: 11
Intelligence: 14
Spirit: 11]
The information was detailed, almost clinical.
Is this some kind of game?
He clenched his fists, his mind racing. To test his theory, he bit down hard on his hand, grimacing as sharp pain shot through his nerves.
No. This wasn't a game. This was real.
"Lord Magician, are you… are you quite all right?" Rein asked hesitantly, his brows furrowed.
"I'm fine," Limon replied, his voice steadier now.
Rein nodded, though his expression remained concerned. "You were carrying this when you were found," he said, pulling out a rolled parchment from his robe. "Lord Dray instructed me to deliver it to you once you awoke. It may contain answers to your questions."
Taking the parchment, Limon unfurled it carefully. The text was written in an unfamiliar script, yet he could somehow read it. It was a power of attorney, signed by someone named Grand Duke Kaios of Meroka City.
However, the document made no mention of Limon Darwin.
This isn't mine, Limon realized, though he said nothing aloud. He carefully rolled the parchment back up, tucking it into his robe.
"Perhaps you should visit the Adventurer's Guild," Rein suggested. "Many skilled magicians like yourself join their ranks. It could be a good starting point for someone… unfamiliar with the city."
Limon raised an eyebrow. "Adventurers' Guild?"
"Yes," Rein said with a smile. "Adventurers are in high demand here in the Starr Wasteland. With the demon incursions increasing, they play a vital role in protecting the region."
The mention of demons piqued Limon's curiosity. He didn't know much about this new world, but it seemed rife with danger and opportunity.
"Very well," Limon said, rising to his feet. "Lead the way."
Rein beamed, clearly eager to help. "Follow me, Lord Limon. I'll guide you to the guild."
As the two left the chamber, Limon couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement amid his confusion. This world was unlike anything he had ever known a place of magic, adventure, and limitless possibilities.
And for the first time in a long while, Limon felt alive.
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone