In the midst of a wild forest, Ederhard advanced with difficulty through the morning mist that still lingered, weakening his vision and hindering his breathing. A pungent smell hung in the air, reminding him of rotting flesh. With each step he took, he felt the tension of confronting this monster.
From somewhere behind, Kadper Scourge attacked relentlessly, and Ederhard's men fell one by one.
First came moments of silence, and then the monster unleashed its final assault.
Kadper Scourge was an aggressive and powerful creature—a cross between dragon and spider, with a long body covered in scales.
Ederhard tried to draw his sword, but discovered with horror that his weapon had been torn from his hands. He looked at his armor, now shattered and torn, and began to realize the critical situation he was in. A thick, slimy web wrapped around him, immobilizing him completely. For a moment, Ederhard thought of his tribe, which would surely perish if he failed to defeat Kadper Scourge. If he could not stand against this monster, then none would be able to resist it. He was prepared and waited for the final blow, when a voice resonated in his mind.
"Do not fear, for you will not die today. You are not alone in this world."
Three arrows embedded themselves in the monster's throat, and it stumbled, began to shake its head in confusion, visibly disoriented. The arrows were soaked in one of the most powerful poisons. Salvianna's craft demonstrated its power.
Three wolves like lightning bolts attacked the monster's legs, and it collapsed onto its belly. Kaer picked up Ederhard's sword from the ground and threw it to him. Then he launched another set of arrows at the monster.
Ederhard gathered his strength and attacked in turn.
Kadper Scourge was defeated.
"You saved my life. Who are you and where do you come from?" Ederhard asked.
"My name is Kaer, and I come from very far away. Too far. The victory is entirely yours," Kaer replied.
"I invite you to my home in the Frostwood Tribe."
Ederhard was welcomed back as a true hero.
The Frostwood Tribe is established in the northern mountainous region, a realm where coniferous forests dominate the steep slopes and rivers cascade majestically into deep valleys. Scattered throughout this distinctive landscape, wooden structures occupy strategic positions near water sources or cling to high crests.
Led by Ederhard, a legendary warrior renowned for his courage and battle skills, the Frostwood Tribe is the most respected among all the other tribes in the region.
The elders form a council that was born as a spiritual bond between nature and tribe. This council is consulted by Ederhard for advice regarding the life of the tribe.
In recent times, discussions have focused on the importance of uniting all tribes into a form of power that could resist attacks from other predatory peoples.
Ederhard was the most suited to carry out this unification. Now, after defeating the monster that had terrorized the surrounding areas, this task had become easier.
As a sign of respect, Ederhard presented his new friend and ally, Kaer, with the collection of rare objects from his tribe. Kaer was invited to choose an object as a token of their friendship.
Kaer presented the Eclectic Dagger—the object so desperately desired by the blacksmith. Huzdurwan's hands trembled with emotion as he carefully took the artifact and admired this unique object with the eye of a master craftsman.
"A jewel unlike any I have ever seen. Behold, I give you the essence as you requested. Beyond this, you have my gratitude and my promise that I will be at your service whenever you have need."
Kaer smiled and took the small metal vessel shaped like a vial.
"The essence will be used by Salvianna to create the desired potion," Kaer answered in a calm voice. "And for your generosity, Huzdurwan, I thank you. I will request your services when the need arises."
Within a few days, Salvianna prepared a potion that emanated a shimmering light.
"Kaer, this is the first potion of its kind that I have prepared with the aid of this essence," Salvianna explained. "The formula I found was extremely vague. It is called 'The Infinite,' and its effects are not mentioned in any treatise. I hope you will be able to use this potion with wisdom and that it will serve you well in your travels."
Kaer gazed at the unique liquid, prepared to explore new and unknown worlds.
The potion rested in his hands like a promise—something ancient and powerful, waiting to unfold its mysteries. In the light of Salvianna's workshop, surrounded by alchemical instruments and dried herbs, the potion seemed to pulse with potential.
"What does it do?" Kaer asked quietly.
"That," Salvianna said with a mysterious smile, "is something only you will discover. The Infinite is called such because its true nature reveals itself differently to each who uses it. It may grant visions. It may grant power. It may grant understanding."
She paused, then added softly, "Or it may reveal what you most need to find."
Kaer understood—the potion was connected to his quest for Aspera. Whether that was Salvianna's intention or mere coincidence, he could not say. But he held the vial carefully, knowing that this small container held more than just alchemical mystery.
It held possibility.