Adapt and learn

Getting knocked back, they try to collect themselves. Losing sight of a figure, only smoke is there as it appears right behind them… Placing a hand on their shoulder.

"Try to focus, you wouldn't want to... Lose this far in, Do you?"

In a mocking manner. As many rocks surround them, a red aura present on each one. As it closes in on them at blinding speed, before it connects though everything is pitch black. As Kaze wakes up, a slight shiver is felt across his spine... Looking at his hands, trembling every so slightly... trying to find a conclusion.

"It's... that dream, no. Memory again..."

Thinking to himself, why that one specifically. Extending each time he sleeps, putting it aside. As they have a purpose to attend to, for now he stands up preparing gear and brandishing his new scimitar. Another day, another reason to explore. Heading down the stairs of the place he was staying at.

"Wait, wait! You there."

Getting called out by a person behind the counter, confused at this. Simply blinking twice and turning to the person.

"I, couldn't help but notice something... You're an explorer, or maybe an adventurer yeah? Well, that much is obvious."

"You should head over to the main center of Balarock. My brothers and sisters run almost all the stalls there, only travelling merchants are the exception... Run along lad, may luck be guiding you."

Waving their hand dismissively, Kaze nods and exits the building. Pinpointing the center through catching a glimpse of many people flocking to a specific place.

As he is pacing through, Kaze is admiring the scenery. The cheers from people, the smell of celebration, looking around more and more, some structures pristine, others collected dust... Enamored by this not noticing he had arrived.

Realizing this he looks around to see if nobody saw that, before he composes himself. Looking for specific stalls, finding it easy too. Heading towards a pawn shop, run by a man.

"Hm? Oh, yes! Welcome to one of the many stalls present at Balarock center. What are you trying to sell Stranger?"

Kaze pulls out a sack, filled with the core of the many living rocks. Making it an easy harvest, the man slightly puzzled by this coughs twice before inspecting it with an enhanced magnifying glass.

"Hm... Well these cores might serve something, but due to the quantity I'll give you... 300 gold."

Kaze nods, extending his hand for the money. The man pulls out a box and opening it, sliding 3 platinum coins.

"Thank you for the transaction, May luck be following you."

Nodding, taking the coins and putting them in a pocket. Walking to a blacksmith close by, greeting the owner with a wave.

Kaze drew his scimitar and tossed it slowly to the blacksmith, who caught it, inspecting it before looking up at Kaze.

"Well this blade of yours seems to be well, worn out. You shouldn't try to surpass limits with a fine blade like this."

Kaze flicks a platinum coin at the blacksmith, asking for repairing. At a better state than unused, going to work at a smooth but quick pace. Taking out the necessary tools for a clean repair.

And a clean repair it is, swinging the scimitar in the air for a test. Every swing delivers a strong sound, giving the blade back to Kaze. As he wanders off, he heard cheers from someone. Curious he wanted to see why people are flocking to the place specifically.

Blending in with the crowd he sees one figure standing in a podium. Hair gleaming crimson, a red mask with a crude drawing of a smiley face. Waving their hands out, acting more of a celebrity than whatever occupation they are.

But something is wrong, Kaze looks further into the figure. As if he already met with them... When the person speaks something clicks, but he needs more proof as to why...

"We seem to have a bigger crowd, I wonder why? But... The show is over, try to focus now. You wouldn't want to. Lose track of me this time?"

A simple snap of his fingers and he disappears. Only a trail smoke is left, where he stood.

As the crowd slowly disbands, Kaze stands there. Kaze is shaken, "Is it him." Thinking that over and over. "Those. Words, IS IT HIM?!?" The shock is taken out, searing rage replaced it like a switch. If it was truly him... Why was it too easy to find the person who is in that... Memory?

Nevertheless, He walks off. The thought is still present. The scenery he was enamored by before is sidelined, the person he saw... Why are they here? How are they here?

Trying to refresh his mind, he walks through Balarock. But every time Kaze tries to sideline it, it doesn't work... He wants to know, he NEEDS to know.

He leaves Balarock, returning to the familiar pathway... The scenery, once possessing a strange, undefinable charm despite its dullness, now felt ominous. The forest, formerly creepy and eerie, now seemed devoid of any life.

Entering it again, walking the exact path he did before. Locking eyes with the crude sign, "Marauder's Den" And nobody seems to be guarding it.

It's a simple walk in, drawing his scimitar. The cave was lit only by torches. Kaze grabbed one, using another to ignite it further.

Traveling the caves structure, sneaking past Marauder's along the way. Only searching for the boss.

The landscape becomes more and more polished the further he walks, the torches brighter and brighter. And then Kaze sees it, a person standing in a large room. Standing in the middle.

Having a black bandana and shades, his head down. But when noticing you he quickly pulls out a six-shooter, pulling the trigger with a giant BANG following the bullets trail.

But it misses, hitting a torch instead. Reloading his gun and begins to walk to you... Kaze is on the defensive, his scimitar already drawn.

"Look here, a vermin stepping into our territory... And it looks like you stole from us, no wonder why one of my men didn't have his weapon."

Stopping in his tracks, slowly pointing the six-shooter at Kaze and his hands on the trigger. Only standing there, both participants guard on full effect. And only saying one word...

"Draw..."

Shooting the six-shooter. Now, what will happen...?

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