Aurora - Traveling to a New City

Leaving the City of Helios, Brak looks up at the sky as he begins his walk along the main pathway leading to Aurora. He gives a deep sigh and thinks to himself.

Honestly, I'm not sure if this was an oversight or if the devs don't care about consistency. City of Aurora sounds like it would be more suited for the east with Maximus, since his whole power is the Aurora Borealis. Well, no use in thinking about it. I'm not here to make a fuss. I'm here to survive.

Brak pulls a small badge out of his bag. It's a small crystal bearing the Helios family logo. He keeps his head low as some other people walk and carriages pass him. 

With this, I should have free access to almost any city in Southern Providence. The Helios family is the richest and strongest, so they basically have the most influence over the south.

As Brak thinks of the Helios clan, another family comes to his mind. He gets a sour look. He wants to speak out loud, but keeps it to himself.

I nearly forgot about the Vankia family. They're a rival to the Helios family... And their villainous daughter gave me so much hell in the game! The signature Enchained power of their blades is annoying to deal with. They're an antagonistic group because the daughter wasn't able to become a hero candidate despite having the qualifications for one. Honestly, she'd probably make a much better hero than Soren. Hmm... If the worst happens, maybe I can curry favor with them!

Snapping back to reality, Brak gives another deep sigh.

"Wishful thinking... Well, I should expect the worst once I get the shield."

In the game, they're called Fallen Angelic Blades for a reason. They aren't the same as awakening an actual blade. They're weaker, as they cannot grow or adapt with their user. It's a fixed power that just exists to be on top of the main power. In the lore, commoners who find them are frowned upon, as it's seen as a cheap way to mimic the nobility. Either way. I'm just doing this for survival... Not to gain actual power or influence.

Brak then speaks out loud with a slight hint of worry.

"Actually, I hope it doesn't ruin my friendship with Soren. Despite his... antics, I grew to see him as a friend, and not just some character. I got to know him way better than I did playing the game. Well, if it does, I'll just retreat elsewhere..."

* * *

Brak walks along the city's main pathway, trying to find his way to the guild to update his information. As he walks, Brak takes extra notice of the landmarks, the buildings, and how people portray themselves. 

I need to blend in and not draw too much attention. Though...

Brak takes a good look at the street he's on.

Aurora makes Axai look like a poor village. I remember that in the game, the more populated cities are more technologically advanced. The main city where the game first takes place has barriers, floating holographic screens, and is nearly identical to a modern city. I'd love to live there!

Brak runs into a nearby alley and digs into his bag. He pulls out his guild card and sets his axe aside.

I need to really get my axe repaired. It's seen some wear and tear. Luckily, I saved up some money during my trips with Soren and doing some work around Helios City. I remember that Aurora has one of the best blacksmiths in the game! Ah, Mom and Dad, am I doing well in your eyes? I hope I am... I'll cherish the axe for as long as I live... which is hopefully a few decades at least.

Brak then holds his guild card up. He sighs, as the pain of updating one is worse than getting a new one. 

"Right. I need to update it. Normally, they update on their own, but since I've been away from guild activities, it hasn't been updated in about 8 months. Man, what do I tell them? At least Liz would be more understanding of my situation..."

While Brak is wallowing in self-pity, there's a sudden thud. The next thing he knows, there are several armed men, all holding shabby equipment, surrounding Brak. 

Crap. Did I stay here for too long and attract some thugs? Wait, Aurora is strict on crime, so it's not bandits... Are they...

Brak looks to his side and sees a terrified woman hiding behind him. He then looks back at the men, all of whom look pretty rough and tough. 

"Uh... Did I interrupt something?"

One of the thugs, a heavy-set man with a ponytail and a bald head, speaks. 

"Hand over the girl, and we'll pretend this never happened. Sound like a deal?"

Brak then sighs.

I want to help her, but I'm outmatched here. I'm not sure what to do, and I don't want to die. Playing hero isnt realistic. These thugs don't look well-trained, so I can probably fight a few of them, but not a whole armed gang! What do I do?! Wait... I have an idea-

Right as Brak was about to respond, the woman cries out.

"Don’t touch me! He’s... he’s my bodyguard! My fiancé! If you hurt him, you’ll regret it!"

Fiancé?! What is she trying to drag me into?! I need to find a way to get out of this situation...

Brak breathes in and out as he thinks of what to say.

"She is NOT my fiancé! I have zero clue who this woman is, and I do not know what is going on here! I'm just a lowly poor commoner who is trying to make a living! In fact, if you'd all be so kind, can I have some money?"

Another thug then speaks.

"Cut the crap! You're clearly lying. Let's get him!"

Two of the thugs then charge at Brak. One is unarmed, while the other is carrying a knife.

No choice...

Brak pushes the unnamed woman aside and grabs his obsidian axe. His training with Sullivan and Soren has made him much stronger compared to his first actual battle with the Sludge King. 

I've grown stronger. I can feel it! But it won't be enough. I just hope someone sees the commotion and calls the guard. I'll hold out for as long as I can.

Brak, being more agile and trained, easily dodges the first two coming at him. He uses the blunt end of his axe to knock out the thug carrying the knife.

Take out the ones holding weapons first. But I'll have to wait for the ones holding the weapons to attack me first. I can't go on the offensive. 

The remaining thugs stop their advance and begin to snicker amongst themselves. 

"Boss! You finally made it. This brat made some work of two of us. He's the bodyguard to that rich girl. Think you can handle him?"

Boss?

A man with a scar across his face and an eyepatch walks between the thugs. He carries a cutlass sword.

Brak pauses. 

The eyepatch, the scars, and how he's dressed... That man is the boss of the Fallen Pirates! They're a required quest to progress in the game. But why are they attacking now? Unless... The woman from earlier..."

Brak looks at the woman. 

Light blue hair that extends to her neck, sapphire blue eyes, on the shorter side, and has a small scar under her left eye. 

I know this! That girl is one of the recruitable characters! She is from a poorer noble family and doesnt have a strong weapon, but she attends the academy because her power is healing. I've read in her backstory that she almost gets kidnapped by a gang of thugs before getting saved by a traveling noble... I'm experiencing her backstory firsthand!

Brak then grips his axe and gets into a battle stance. 

I'm already saved. I have to do is wait until he arrives.

The pirate captain attacks Brak while he is mid-thought. He swings his cutlass towards Brak's neck, going straight for decapitation.

Brak's body moves instinctively, using his axe as a shield to block the captain's strike. Sparks fly across the alleyway as the captain's cutlass is shattered on the axe.

"What the hell-"

Brak, not wasting this opportunity, goes for the counterattack. He uses the blunt side of his axe to strike the captain square in his stomach. However, the attack was met by two other cutlass swords.

"A lucky break, kid. But this is where the real fight starts. Good luck in protecting your mistress while facing me!"

The captain then kicks Brak back and charges at him with both swords to his side. 

I got lucky that his sword hit the blade.  But now not so much. I'm not fast like him. This is a bad matchup. 

Another thug grabs Brak from behind, holding him in place. A second stabs Brak in the back with a knife.

Gah! Arg... this hurts like hell! I can't give up just yet!

Brak manages to knock them both away, but as he struggles, the Captain closes in, mere inches away from Brak.

I can't defend in time. If I protect one side, the other gets slashed. All I can do is brace-

A pressurized blast of air sends the Captain and the other bandits flying while Brak and the noble lady remain untouched. Standing at the entrance of the alley is an older man, similar to Sullivan, but holding a hammer.

"Yahaha! You kids alright in here? I heard some clashin' and bangin'! I had to come see what all the fuss was about!"

We're saved...

* * *

A few guards haul some of the thugs away in chains that rattle against the stony ground.

I knew it was right to bet on this happening. This girl... she is Aria Fiore Bluerose, a noble girl from an impoverished noble household. She's among the rare few whose Angelic Blade can actually heal someone. She's vital for the long run in the game.

Brak winces as the pain catches up to him. The sharp, burning feeling of being stabbed. 

"Grace this unworthy vessel with your divinity, O great sacred heart."

Aria's voice calls out as she summons her Angelic Blade, the Aqua Petal. He places it over Brak's wound as a soft, light blue light emanates from it. It heals Brak's wound.

It doesnt hurt anymore? These feelings... It's nice and warm, not like the burning sensation of being stabbed...

Aria then breaks down, dropping the seemingly proud demeanor she had earlier.

"Eep! Uh... I'm so sorry! I was... I was just soooooo scared! I blurted out w-whatever would get m-me out of trouble... I'm sorry for getting you dragged into this... It's just these men heard about my power, and someone hired them-"

Brak places a hand in front of her face.

"Firstly, calm down. Secondly, thank you for healing me. Thirdly, I could have died! I was thinking of just running away! I'm not about to play hero... but someone else saved us. But I also can't be mad at you... So, I'll forgive you just this once."

Aria's eyes light up like stars as she grabs both of Brak's hands with her own. 

"A-Ah, t-thank you! Th-thank you so much! I-I'm A-Aria, b-by the way..."

Aria then shifts nervously.

"I-if you... d-don't m-mind me asking... W-who are you?"

Brak stumbles slightly at the sudden shift from her timid demeanor to a much more joyful one.

"Well- Uh... My name is Brak, and I'm just a traveling commoner looking for the guild. I was hoping to renew my card-"

Brak then pauses as he realizes who saved him and Aria. 

Wait, the man who saved Aria in her backstory was an old man carrying a hammer... who is the guild master of Aurora!

The old man does his signature laugh.

"Yahahaha! You're looking to renew your card, ay? Well, you're in luck. I can do that for ya real quick. After all, I am the guild master! The name's Malius! The guild can always use a strong young lad such as yerself!"

Malius. He's the guild master. He's a former hero who fought in the north. If I recall, he was exiled because he had different ideals than what was traditionally followed. Honestly, it's quite convenient that the person who saved us is both the guild master and a former hero. Whoever hears my thoughts, thank you for placing me here in this perfect spot!