While Gimp searched for Asukem, Leo found himself at the blacksmith's forge, observing the skilled craftsman as he diligently worked on Leo's axe. Impressed by the quality of the weapon, the blacksmith couldn't help but inquire, "This is quite the formidable weapon; you must have undergone extensive training, young lion cub." Leo responded with a hint of mystery, "It's a long story." The blacksmith chuckled and inquired, "Does it seem like this old geezer lacks the time to listen to an enthralling tale?" He determinedly forged Leo's axe and added, "It's been quite some time since I've heard a captivating story." Leo raised an eyebrow and added, "If you insist, I'll share."
The blacksmith listened attentively as Leo recounted his adventures. He repeated specific details to Leo, showing he was fully engaged in the story. Meanwhile, Leo narrated his exciting journey with Asukem and their companions. The blacksmith skillfully completed Leo's axe as he continued to listen intently.
After finishing Leo's axe, the blacksmith returned it to him and inquired, "Do you view the individuals you journey with as your companions?" Leo accepted his axe and replied, "I do." The blacksmith wiped his forehead and advised, "In that case, I recommend helping them unconditionally, even if they may be bothersome." The blacksmith smiled, adding, "That irritating person might just come to your rescue one day."
Leo grunts defiantly before stating, "I'll do everything I can to assist them, even that pesky imp!" The blacksmith chuckles heartily, "I'm glad to hear that. Young one. You'll appreciate it one day. But first, let's discuss the payment for my services." Out of nowhere, a trio of men emerges, resembling bounty hunters. Leo shoots them a fierce look akin to a wild beast.
The men approached the blacksmith and his forge, completely disregarding Leo. The blacksmith heaved a weary sigh as if he had encountered this situation before. He slowly reached for his sledgehammer, preparing himself for future complications. However, Leo notices this and realizes the blacksmith might be in trouble. Leo stepped forward, positioning himself before the bounty hunters, obstructing their path. He gestured to them, implying, "Excuse me, gentlemen. Please let me conclude my business with him, and then I will move out of your way." One of the men attempted to shove Leo aside, but Leo stood his ground, refusing to budge an inch. The man retorted, "Make way, this is more important than your affairs, Beast!"
Leo grabs the man's hand, twists it forcefully, and growls, "Call me a beast again, and I'll show you what a true beast is!" The man screams in pain as Leo talks to him, leaving him unable to stand. Shouting for someone to help him, Leo's anger grows as he spins the man around, lets go of his hand, and kicks him hard in the back, sending him flying into the group of men.
Leo's attack on the man caused the other two men to focus on him. They rushed towards Leo, wielding blunt weapons. One of them attempted to strike Leo, but Leo deflected the blow with the handle of his axe. Leo then proceeded to kick the man in the stomach, elbow him in the face, grab him, and spin him into the other bounty hunter who was approaching. Leo's eyes, resembling those of a feline, narrowed as he uttered a lion-like roar, intimidating them, "Leave this man alone and get out of here before you awaken the beast within me!"
The men ran away screaming in terror, yelling, "Sorry! We're sorry!"
The blacksmith's jaw dropped in awe, his eyes widening in shock as he exclaimed, "You didn't even have to kill any of them, amazing. Thank you." Leo glared back at the blacksmith with the intensity of a wild animal stalking its prey, his voice filled with a mix of pride and anger, "Asukem said to be good." he growled, showing the struggle to control his primal instincts, "This is more challenging than I anticipated." Leo tightened his grip on his axe, prompting the blacksmith to marvel, "By the Great Divines, he was holding back?" Noticing Leo's demeanor, he suggested, "Perhaps you should stay with me for a while to calm your nerves, agreed?" Leo nodded, the simmering rage and pride still evident in his expression, "That sounds like a wise plan." he growled. And so Leo remained with the blacksmith, attempting to find peace within himself.
Asukem, an 18-year-old orphan from Rikros, is transformed into a sinkin by an evil demon who wields power to torment souls with her lust. Ah'keim, a powerful being with a mysterious ulterior motive, mentors him as he struggles to regain his humanity and undo the damage caused by the female demon. With the help of new friends who try to help him escape his fate as a sinkin, Asukem sets out to fight the void and gain control over his powers, all while seeking redemption for his past sins.
Comments (0)
See all