The town of Varell, once a quiet, snow-covered settlement nestled near the forest edge, now groaned beneath the weight of corruption.
What began as a few missing cattle, some rotting crops, and strange whispers in the night had turned into something far worse.
Now, the skies above Varell hung dark and low—clouds tinted purple, like bruises on the heavens. A foul mist slithered through the streets, curling into corners and alleyways, impossible to sweep or cleanse. At night, screams pierced the quiet, echoing from the black woods beyond the town's gates. Children no longer played. Men no longer laughed. Every breath felt heavier.
Inside the largest building in town, once the temple square, now repurposed as a makeshift sanctuary and infirmary, the air was filled with groans, whispered prayers, and the clatter of boots.
Cots were lined up across the hall, over fifty people on the brink of death—eyes darkened, veins turning black from within, as the corruption ate through their bodies like a silent poison. Mothers cried softly beside their sons. Wives begged saints to spare their husbands.
And at the center of it all, stood Olivia Lanze.
Her white robes fluttered as she moved between beds, hands glowing with divine light, purifying where she could, easing pain, and slowing the spread. Her platinum blonde hair was tangled and soaked in sweat, but her expression never faltered.
Every time she placed her hands on someone afflicted, her light magic burned the shadow away—but it took a piece of her with every use. Her mana was strained, her legs trembling after every ritual, but she didn't stop.
"Please hold on," she whispered to a child whose fever hadn't broken in hours. "Just a little longer…"
Around her, priests and church aides moved frantically, helping where they could, but their faces revealed the truth—they were losing.
This wasn't just a cursed village or a demonic blight.
This was a wave.
"Saintess Olivia!" a priest burst into the room, panic in his voice. "A group of shadow beasts was sighted near the eastern edge. Six! They're circling the town."
Olivia turned sharply. "Deploy the barrier teams. Strengthen the light warding stones."
"But if more appear—!"
"We hold this place," she said, eyes blazing like emerald fire. "We can't let this town become another Eldridge."
That name hung in the air like a specter.
Eldridge. A village not far from here—now nothing but ash and ruin, devoured by shadows before help could ever arrive.
The priests murmured uneasily.
"When we came here," one whispered, "they told us it was a minor case of spiritual imbalance."
Olivia wiped the blood from her fingers and rose. "We were wrong."
This was organized. Strategic. The corruption was intentional.
The Shadow Prince's influence could be felt—though he hadn't appeared in person, his presence loomed over the land.
And worst of all… the church headquarters had been slow to respond. The missive she had sent this morning wouldn't reach them for at least a day—and approval for reinforcements could take longer.
She couldn't afford to wait.
Even with her divine power, she couldn't stand alone. Not for long.
Her hands trembled as she walked outside to the balcony. The sun had fallen behind the clouds, casting the town in cold twilight.
A gust of icy wind blew past her, sending flakes of snow swirling through the air.
That's when a memory surfaced—a young man with snow-white hair, crimson eyes… and a sword that shimmered like starlight.
Noah.
And the girls who stood beside him. Strong. Capable. Loyal.
"Light…" she whispered, hope sparking in her tired heart. "He can use light magic. And he's nearby…"
She didn't hesitate.
Within minutes, she was seated at the chapel table, quill in hand, writing the letter with shaking fingers.
To Noah,
I am currently in the town of Varell. I came here believing it to be a small case of corruption, but I was wrong. The shadow influence is strong. Organized. I fear a wave is approaching.
There are too many injured, and I am the only one capable of advanced purification. My companions are doing their best, but they are not trained to handle this kind of darkness. If we wait for reinforcements, it may be too late.
You are the only one I can turn to. You, and the powerful allies you have at your side. I know we haven't spoken much since that day… but I trust you.
Please, come. If we can hold off the wave until help arrives, we might be able to save this town.
Come soon, Noah.
—Olivia Lanze
As she sealed the letter and handed it to a fast-footed courier, Olivia looked out once more at the town she had sworn to protect.
Lights flickered in the homes, dim and trembling.
A howl echoed from the forest.
And far in the mist, eyes watched.
The darkness was coming.
And all she could do was hope that Noah would arrive before the shadows swallowed Varell whole.
-To be continued..