Chapter 2: Ravens
As blood drizzled out of countless open wounds on his body, Adrian couldn't help but remember the first time he arrived in Nexaria, commonly known as the nexus realm amongst the outworlders.
The place was a lot of fun. He made many friends and even forgot about the past mishaps of his life. But for what? Three years later, he was being hunted down by the Ravens, a renowned group of assassins known for their notorious reputation.
"It... wasn't supposed to... end like this..." Adrian panted as he struggled to get away from his assailants.
The dark streets of Nexaria, which seemed welcoming mere moments ago, now gazed at him mockingly. His life has always been a failure, but Adrian thought his life in Nexaria wouldn't be the same.
"Come... just a... few more... steps..."
But taking those few steps seemed a herculean task. The adrenaline that helped him escape from the assassin's clutches was now working against him as it contributed to increased blood loss. Sooner or later, his legs would give away, and he would be at the mercy of his assailants.
"Those... damned... bastards!"
Adrian's mind wandered to when Seraphina gave him an important task. He was supposed to negotiate with the Ravens for their help in the upcoming subjugation quest.
However, as soon as he walked into their den, Adrian realised something was wrong. His 'Analysis' skill warned him, yet he foolishly thought everything would be fine.
The moment he turned his back towards the Ravens, they struck him with all sorts of poisoned weapons. From daggers to swords, arrows to spears... it was a miracle he managed to rush out of there.
But things were looking grim. He wasn't safe until he exited their domain. Until then, no matter how much it hurt, Adrian had to keep running. The echoing footsteps of his pursuers reverberated behind him, closing in on his location.