Chapter 49: Crimson Creep
The next two days of Riku’s solo investigation into the woods yielded little more than mounting frustration and a growing collection of crimson-stained animal corpses. He pushed deeper than before, using his heightened senses and tracking skills, but the source of the "Apparent Curse" remained elusive.
There were no cursed artifacts, no unusually tainted water sources he could find, no specific area where the affliction seemed more concentrated. It was as though nothing felt off on the surface, yet there was a deadly crimson signature manifestation on the wildlife.
The forest itself felt subtly wrong, unnaturally quiet in patches, the usual chorus of insects and birds muted.
He returned to Elowen late on the second evening, weary and disheartened. Though he had tried every way possible, he was unable to find anything that could explain the source of this strange affliction.
The system, now fully back online after its upgrade, offered no further clues beyond the initial quest prompt, its analysis tools seemingly unable to pinpoint the blight’s origin from afar. Though it had unlocked new functions, Riku had no interest in exploring at this point.
But this time, as he neared the village, his senses picked up something new – the distinct sound of horses, the creak of wagon wheels, and the murmur of unfamiliar voices carried on the evening breeze.
Rennan? No, I hear multiple horses. Is he coming back with investors?
This procession was larger, more organized, and carried an air of officialdom.
Riku immediately veered off the main path, melting into the deepening shadows of the trees that lined the road leading to Elowen. He moved in silence, his greyish robes blending seamlessly with the twilight. From a vantage point atop a small, wooded knoll overlooking the road, he observed the procession.