After two days of walking across the devastated plains, leaning on a makeshift cane, Wen staggered, his body battered, open wounds still oozing black blood. Every step was agony, but he pressed on, driven by a single thought: survival.
At last, he reached a fortified city, nestled at the edge of a valley. The architecture was reminiscent of ancient China, with curved rooftops, floating lanterns, and stone-paved alleys. At the entrance, tall watchtowers stood guard, their armored occupants scrutinizing the new arrivals.
As soon as Wen set foot on the steps, all eyes turned to him. Murmurs rose from the balconies and alleyways.
— Is he a spy?
— Look at his clothes… he's not from here.
A guard in traditional armor stepped forward, pointing his spear at Wen's throat.
— Hey, you! What are you carrying?!
More soldiers rushed in, surrounding Wen.
In the crowd, an old man preparing dried noodles narrowed his eyes.
— A foreigner…?
A child tugged on his mother's sleeve.
— Mom, why is he all beaten up?
Wen, his breath ragged, slowly lifted his gaze to his interrogator.
— I came to trade. I killed the monster at the border.
Silence fell. The guards exchanged stunned glances. Then, the crowd erupted into whispers and exclamations.
— The monster? You mean… the one that was destroying our convoys?
— Impossible!
A wealthy merchant then made his appearance. Short and stout, dressed in a purple robe adorned with golden embroidery, he stepped forward with an intrigued smile.
— Hmm… I recognize this corpse. He's a Taoist warrior of the Emperor.
Wen observed him warily. Who was this old man who seemed so certain of himself?
Then, an idea formed in his mind. Why not sell the corpse?
— Hey, old man… Interested?
The merchant raised an eyebrow.
— 500 silver coins.
The bystanders immediately protested.
— Are you mocking him, you old crook?!
— Kid, don't let yourself get swindled!
The guards, however, lost interest in the transaction and walked off toward the local militia. One of them cast a disdainful glance at Wen before disappearing.
Ignoring the protests, Wen locked eyes with the merchant.
— 900 silver coins. And 50 gold.
The old man chuckled, revealing yellowed teeth.
— You bargain well, kid. Follow me.
He led Wen under a red silk tent, guarded by men in black armed with spears. The air was suffocating, a mix of sweat, dried blood, and cheap incense.
Rows of cages stretched endlessly before him.
Exotic animals, humanoid creatures, beast-men… and humans.
A shiver of disgust ran down Wen's spine.
— What is this place, old man?
— My most profitable market… the slave trade.
The merchant snapped his fingers.
— Do you want anything else? A slave, perhaps?
Wen didn't answer immediately. His eyes scanned the cages.
Then, he saw her.
A young woman in her early twenties, her pale skin half-burned, her bones protruding, and a fresh iron brand still smoldering on her shoulder. Her gaze was empty, her frail body trembling, curled up at the back of her cage.
Dried blood still stained the inside of her thighs.
Wen clenched his fists.
— What's your name? he asked in a hoarse voice.
Silence.
Then, a whisper.
— I… I don't have one.
— Speak louder. I can't hear you.
The merchant burst into laughter.
— You really want that one? He stepped closer and kicked her in the ribs. The young woman whimpered weakly but didn't resist.
— She's useless. Her previous owner "broke" her too much. She's lost her mind.
Wen cut him off immediately.
— How much?
The merchant shrugged.
— 20 copper coins.
Wen felt his blood boil.
Without a word, he tossed the coins to the ground and crouched before the cage. With a swift kick, he broke the lock.
He grabbed the young woman's chain and pulled her out of her prison.
— From now on, your name is Yue Lan.
She slowly lifted her head toward him, her lips trembling. Then, she gave a faint nod.
But just as Wen was about to leave, the merchant stepped forward, holding a brush dipped in black ink.
In a panic, Yue Lan shrank behind Wen.
— Hey, what the hell are you doing, old man?!
— It's a Qi seal. An enslavement mark. He raised the brush. "She won't be able to lie to you or disobey."
Wen felt Yue Lan trembling against him.
He hesitated for a moment. Then, he stepped aside slightly, allowing the merchant to apply the seal.
As soon as the ink touched her abdomen, Yue Lan screamed.
— AAAAAAAAARGH!!
Her cries echoed throughout the tent. Wen gritted his teeth, feeling his rage surge.
But suddenly, a violent fit of coughing stopped him in his tracks.
He spat black blood.
His vision blurred.
The merchant observed him, intrigued.
— Are you the Fifth Hero of the Nation of Fantasia?
Wen straightened, a shiver running down his spine.
— And what if I am?
The old man tapped his chin.
— That curse… it's the same as the Fifth Hero's. From 3,000 years ago.
Wen grabbed the merchant by the collar.
— How do I get rid of it?!
The old man chuckled softly.
— Seek the help of a Taoist master. He narrowed his eyes. "You are destined for a very dark path, hero…"
Wen shoved him violently to the ground.
Then, he took Yue Lan's hand and left the tent without another word.