Maria’s Resolve

Maria woke up abruptly, her senses immediately alert as she scanned her surroundings. The sun’s rays blinded her momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure, her heart racing with the anticipation of the battles to come. Aiger lay unconscious beside her, a reminder of the dangers they faced together. Determination hardened her resolve as she focused on the path ahead, knowing that each encounter would only make her stronger.

Efficiently, Maria set up a camp, her movements swift and precise. While Saru and Diablo slept soundly, she ensured their safety, a silent guardian in the night. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of the trials ahead, but she pushed them aside, channeling her energy into the tasks at hand. With the camp secured, she turned her attention to Aiger, his peaceful expression masking the turmoil within her own heart.

Once assured of Aiger’s comfort, Maria retrieved her rapier and ventured away from the camp, the weight of her mission heavy on her shoulders. Marking her path with careful strokes, she delved deeper into the wilderness, her senses alert for any sign of danger. With a practiced spell, she created a barrier around her, shielding herself from the unknown perils that awaited.

Maria’s footsteps echoed in the cavernous expanse as she ventured further into the darkness, her grip tightening on her rapier. The air grew thick with anticipation, the scent of earth and decay mingling in the oppressive atmosphere. Shadows danced on the walls, whispering secrets of the trials to come, but Maria remained resolute, her determination unwavering.

As she navigated the treacherous terrain, Maria encountered a series of formidable foes, each more menacing than the last. From hulking beasts to agile predators, she faced them all with courage and skill, her rapier flashing in the dim light of the cavern. With every clash of steel, she grew stronger, her resolve tempered by the heat of battle.

Maria was determined to achieve her goal, despite facing adversity. She pushed forward with every step, her spirit burning bright against the darkness that threatened to consume her. Although the path ahead was dangerous, she knew that her strength and courage would shine as brightly as the golden aura that surrounded her. Maria decided to take a break before proceeding further into the cave. She deactivated her magic and headed back to camp with her rapier, walking straight towards her and Aiger’s camp. Maria noticed that Saru and Diablo were busy cooking food and supplying water. She stared at them for a moment, and Saru noticed her and started waving. Diablo saw Saru waving and looked at Maria. After waving back, she walked towards the shelter where she and Aiger were staying. As she entered the shelter, she found that Aiger was still unconscious. After putting down her Rapier, she sat beside him and noticed his Bow and sword lying nearby. She started cleaning and polishing them for him. Then, she took another look at the demon mask and wondered if it could be removed. She tried to pull it off, but it didn’t move a muscle, as if it was stuck to his face. It only moved when he lost control of his anger.

Maria sighed softly as she examined the demon mask, its eerie visage seeming to taunt her with its impenetrable grip on Aiger’s face. She traced the intricate patterns carved into the mask’s surface, her fingers lingering on the smooth curves and sharp angles. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach whenever she looked at it.

Lost in thought, Maria recalled the events that led to Aiger donning the cursed mask. It was back in the Enchanted Forest when everyone almost their lives but thanks to Aiger we survived the mask back then was barely a mask but it had a horn on it but disappeared and the recent one from the trials the result both ended catastrophic, as the dark magic seeped into his very being, corrupting him and binding the demon mask to his face.

With a heavy heart, Maria knew that removing the mask would not be an easy task. Countless attempts had been made in the past, each ending in failure or worsening Aiger’s condition. She couldn’t bear the thought of causing him further harm, but the weight of her responsibility as his companion weighed heavily on her shoulders.

As she continued to ponder their predicament, a voice interrupted her thoughts. “Maria, is everything alright?” Saru’s concerned tone broke through the silence, drawing her attention away from the mask.

Maria turned to face Saru, offering her a small smile. “Yes, Saru, everything’s fine,” she replied, her voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within her. “Just thinking about our next move.”

Saru nodded understandingly, though Maria could see the worry etched in his features. “If you need anything, just let me know,” he said before returning to his tasks, leaving Maria alone once more with her thoughts.

With a sigh, Maria returned her focus to Aiger, her gaze lingering on his peaceful expression. Despite the dangers they faced and the uncertainties of their journey, she vowed to stand by his side, no matter the cost. With determination burning in her heart, Maria resolved to find a way to break the curse that bound Aiger to the demon mask, even if it meant venturing into the darkest depths of the unknown.

But for now, she would remain vigilant, watching over Aiger as he slept, and steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. With a silent prayer for strength and guidance, Maria settled in beside Aiger, ready to face whatever trials awaited them on the morrow.