From the dark depths of ancient civilizations come tales of terror and horror that will chill you to the bone. Bella Darkwood's Cosmic Horrors of Antiquity is a collection of spine-tingling stories set in Greece, Rome, China, Mongolia, and America...
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Nestled amidst lush green fields and the calm serenity of the mountains, there was a Shinto village which was a haven of tranquillity. It's villagers lived peaceful lives and amongst them were priests that wielded the most powerful magics. These Shinto priests were the protectors of all that was good against the evils of the demon world.
Hachirou's house, a traditional Japanese dwelling, sat at the edge of the village, just beside a small Shinto shrine. The villagers, devoted followers of the Shinto faith, often sought Hachirou's guidance as he was not only a guardian but also a learned priest.
It was in this peaceful setting that Kyrusimigi found Hachirou. The brother of Lord Thoda was a nobleman, a figure of wealth and power. Yet, the man who stood before Hachirou was different - a haunted man burdened with an urgent need for answers.
Hachirou looked up from his prayers as Kyrusimigi approached the shrine. He recognized the man instantly, his brother's face etched deep into Hachirou's memory.
"Kyrusimigi-san," Hachirou acknowledged, standing up to bow to the nobleman. "This is unexpected."
"I wish this were a pleasant visit, Hachirou-san," Kyrusimigi replied, his face etched with worry. "But I am in need of your counsel."
A heavy silence fell upon them. Hachirou looked at the man, his eyes revealing nothing of his own torment.
"I need to know what happened at my brother's estate, Hachirou-san," Kyrusimigi implored. "What... what did Thoda become?"
Hachirou turned his gaze away, a chill running down his spine. The memories were vivid, the horrors fresh. But he owed it to Kyrusimigi, the brother of the man who had fallen so far.
Reluctantly, he began his tale, his voice a whisper in the wind. "Thoda-sama... he reached into the abyss. He sought powers beyond our realm, beyond our understanding..."
As the details unfolded, Kyrusimigi listened in growing horror. The serene setting of the village, the calm tranquility of the shrine, contrasted sharply with the unspeakable terror that Hachirou was narrating. By the time he finished, Kyrusimigi was visibly shaken, his face pale.
And in the silence that followed, the seeds of their future expedition were sown, an expedition that would confront the cosmic horror that once was Lord Thoda.
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