章 37: Village Farewell

A few days had passed since Karyan's awakening, and the initial shock had settled into acceptance among the villagers.

Karyan had taken the time to gather information about the village and its history, learning of its origins tied to Lanta, and the villagers' devout worship of her.

Lanta, originally born in this town, later became a guardian of serpents and journeyed to the snake realm.

The villagers revered Lanta as a goddess, offering peculiar sacrifices for their well-being and prosperity. Lanta fulfilled their desires as long as they did not surpass human greed and avarice.

She also shielded them from natural calamities and prophesied the rebirth of Karyan, 'sneaky bitch…no wonder they found my body here…'

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Karyan sat down with Elder Rhea, the village's most knowledgeable elder, to discuss the more pressing matters at hand.

"Granny," Karyan began, his voice firm, "I need to know about the sorceresses and demons in this area. What can you tell me?"

Elder Rhea sighed, her eyes narrowing. "Many sorceresses have come through these lands, each with powers that could chill your very soul. They bind demons to their will, making pacts that demand sacrifices every few years."

"And the demons?" Karyan pressed.

"They are not creatures you want to cross paths with, Karyan. Once summoned, they are bound to the sorceress until she is consumed, but their hunger is never sated. After the sorceress is devoured, the demon seeks a new host, a new pact."

Karyan leaned in closer, "And can a demon enter a pact with another human while still bound to its current master?"

Elder Rhea's face was grave. "It's a rare occurrence, but yes. If a human summons a demon and offers something more enticing than its current arrangement, the demon may choose to switch allegiances."

The air between them grew tense as Karyan processed the information.

His voice was steady, but there was a fiery undercurrent as he spoke. "Tell me, how many years do they sacrifice, and what exactly happens when the demon consumes them?"

Elder Rhea hesitated, but Karyan's intense gaze compelled her to speak. "The pact lasts for twenty five years. When the time comes, the sorceress is devoured, her power absorbed by the demon, strengthening it for its next conquest."

Karyan's fist clenched. "Twenty five years... and then they're just fodder."

"Yes," Elder Rhea confirmed, "And that is why we fear them."

Karyan stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "Fear them or not, I need to know more. Their abilities, their weaknesses. Anything you can tell me."

Elder Rhea nodded, recognizing the need in his eyes. "Very well. I will share with you what I know."

Karyan, with Sera's weight comfortably settled around his neck, turned to Soren who had just joined them by the fireside.

"Where would I find one of these sorceresses?" Karyan asked, urgently.

Elder Rhea looked at him with cautious eyes. "Why would you need to find a sorceress, Karyan? It's dangerous to seek them out."

Karyan met her gaze, "I need to understand more about the elements, particularly mind and blood wielding elements."

In his past life, he never bothered with other elements, as he was the only one to exist so far…at least it was what he thought before.

Soren, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "There's a dancer, no ordinary performer, about seven days' travel from here. She's said to possess unique abilities and can see glimpses of the future. Maybe she can help you find what you're looking for."

Karyan's eyes sparked with interest. "A dancer, you say? And she can tell the future?"

"Yes," Soren continued, "they say her dances reveal fates and answer questions no one else can. Her talents are unlike any other's, and people travel far and wide for her visions."

Elder Rhea nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. "It's true. She's not a sorceress, but her powers are special. She could have the insights you need."

"Do you know where I can find her?" Karyan asked, his tone direct.

Soren gestured with his hand, drawing an imaginary map in the air. "Travel through the Forest of Whispers, cross the Silver River, and head towards the mountains. There, nestled in the Valley of Echoes, is the town of Mirrormere. She performs at the Twilight Pavilion, at the heart of the town."

Karyan listened, taking mental notes of the directions. "Thank you, Soren. I'll leave at first light."

Elder Rhea reached out, placing a withered hand on Karyan's arm. "Be cautious, Karyan. The path is fraught with peril, and the dancer's visions can be as dangerous as they are enlightening."

Karyan gave her a reassuring nod, "I will. And I'll be careful."

He then looked down at Sera, her scales shimmering in the firelight. "We'll need to be ready for anything, won't we, girl?"

Sera flicked her tongue in response, a silent pact between them that she was prepared for the journey ahead.

Soren watched the exchange with admiration and concern. "I wish I could come with you, but my place is here, protecting the village."

"I know, and you do it well," he tapped on Soren's shoulder.

They were not about the same age, but even if Soren was older than Karyan, Karyan was more taller, muscular and manly looking.

Taking Soren with him would be like him just giving the boy to the demons as an easy sacrifice, "also…back then…many years ago, thank you for saving me from death. I will never forget this."

"I did what I had to," Soren replied, "everyone else would've done it the same, Lord Karyan."

"L-Lord?" Karyan's eyebrows furrowed together.

"You're the master of serpents, I think it's right if we would call you 'Lord.'"

Karyan chuckled, then smiled, "Karyan is just fine."

At daybreak, Karyan gathered the items bestowed upon him by the villagers – small knives, daggers, food, and coins – and departed from the village.

"We rested for too long, Sera…naite," he paused and looked at her, "but it's time to get everything right."

クリエイターの想い
Jeri_

And here's where the first volume ends. I'm sorry if it was too dragging or confusing. I will work harder on the next chapters to make everything easier for you to understand. Thank you for your comments and support; I appreciate every single one of them.

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