Drifting Embers

[MGM]: 48 - Fearless Death

The air around the End Forest had always carried a stale quality—moldy, if I had to describe it. I thought it was the result of the ashen trees and the corrupt vegetation, and while that was partially correct, the prime reason could be attributed to the monsters that lived within. Tonight had proven my conjecture correct.

Due to the tent being situated in the middle of the camp, I could make out the fireworks that lit up the otherwise ...

[MGM]: 47 - Moving Out

I heard the discordant buzz of noises, the crashes, and the screams. I felt the ground heave and buckle, as if a lightweight blanket buffeted by the intense winds. And I saw Ed, his face grimy and sweaty—enough that I could make out the pockmarks of dust and dirt.

By situating my body in a manner that blocked his sight of the interior, I managed to hide the swaying bodies of my former teammates. And background noise worked to conceal t...

[MGM]: 46 - Contemptible Past

I never forgot that moment of helplessness when death had been rushing to meet me. Its cold and harsh grasps caressing my cheeks and ruffling my hair. I had never found anything more calming or accepting than death—even cold and emotionless, it beckoned me with a warmth I could only vaguely recall from my mother.

Despite its welcoming embrace, the seeds of resentment had rooted themselves in my heart. I couldn't leave this world withou...

[MGM]: 45 - Fateful Meeting

I looked up at the moon, the sparse canopy barely hindering my view of the glowing celestial body. I blinked.

The night air was colder than yesterday—a sign that winter drew closer still. Sounds of the insects chirping in the underbrush echoed across the solitary stillness of the forest. The only source of warmth remained the hand entwined with mine.

Athea paused near a particularly thick tree, hands tracing along the bark. I wat...

[MGM]: 44 - Underlying

Athea poured the scalding hot tea into a clay cup, the steam wafting off to hit her in the nose. She took a deep breath to savor the earthen flavor, the floral bitterness leaving her refreshed. It was a luxury to taste a brew of this quality, especially when existing in the middle of a battlefield.

She settled the pot back upon the table, picked up the cups, and proffered them to her guests.

"Thank you," the man accepted with a smi...

[MGM]: 43 - Tender; Probe

The air felt heavy, the mana chaotic. The ground quaked as the monsters led a thunderous charge against the line of soldiers. The men looked weary, and though they retaliated with a frenetic assault, their movements were sloppy. Crude.

Against the heavy tide of monsters, these men, though overcome by fatigue, still held their ground. For they protected more than their pride and honor; they defended their homes.

Weak though as I was...

[MGM]: 42 - March

Elves were regarded as a menace by the higher society of the Kingdom. Naturally, the effects of prejudice extended to the lower class as well. Although their objective remained undisclosed to the masses, it did nothing to abate the growing hostility between the two species.

Despite that, no wide movement had been launched against the pointy-eared creatures. After all, they too sought the destruction of monster kind above all else.

...

[MGM]: 41 - Sealed Heart

I woke up, feeling weaker than I had in a long time. My head pounded with an intense headache, and every muscle in my body cried in pain.

I groaned and pushed myself into sitting posture. My surroundings were dim, but even under the haze, I could make out the texture of the fabric. I gulped, the wetness offsetting the dryness in my throat.

"A tent..."

It was a squat piece of fabric slung over rough tree branches. A makeshift ...

[MGM]: 40 - Spirit Call

The territory division between the lands of the Kingdom wasn't marked by physical borders; they sort of bled into each other. Erdwatch ended near the Prune Town, and from there the Barony held rein.

Since the Guild existed right in the middle, even running at a brisk pace, it took us over an hour to glimpse the beginnings of the forest. And unlike the End Forest, the trees here were lush green, with rough barks and brimming with vitality...

[MGM]: 39 - Introspection

Flames of annihilation surged high into the sky, promising death and destruction. Chaos reigned everywhere, the very mana in the air thrumming every time a blast rang out. And blood. Lots of blood.

Even so far away, Amara could smell blood. She could taste the terror and the resentment of those who died, expressing great injustice and seeking vengeance. Despite the calm exterior of her companions, she could infer the happening had shake...

[MGM]: 38 - Looming Calamity

Hunting as a profession is heavily sought after, especially in a world where strength brings wealth and prestige. Many would be more than willing to trade an arm and a leg for a shot at rare Origin. But how many would awaken as hunters?

I used to lie awake at night after an intense day of work in the mines. I would dream of the life that being a hunter promised, sometimes anxious and other times afraid. Despite that I wasn't delusio...

Notice

Hello~

Drifting Embers here,

I had a few things to say to my dear supporters—well, three things actually.

One) I am currently working on a discord server, though it's likely to take some time before it becomes serviceable. That said, if you have any suggestion for roles or specialized channels please voice them here.

Two) A third s...