Jaune Arc was never the strongest, but he had the will and determination to pursue his goal no matter what he faced. Though that all changed when after saving the bully who made his life miserable, he decided to reveal that Jaune faked his way into...
After gazing at the towering tree for a solid minute, Jaune finally tore his eyes away and began scanning his surroundings for any notable landmarks. He could ponder his feelings about the tree later; for now, his priority was finding shelter for the night and gathering as much information as possible about this strange world before making his next move. Nearby, atop some ancient ruins, a woman sat astride a horned spectral horse, silently observing Jaune as he searched for a safe place to rest.
"Don't worry Torrent, fortune is on his side. This tarnished is different than the others. One of his kind is sure to seek the Elden Ring. Even if it does violate the Golden Order." she whispered, gently petting the spectral steed's mane. Having encountered many Tarnished since The Shattering, she saw many who lacked the potential to become a lord, while others who showed promise ultimately failed like all the others. Yet, upon seeing Jaune, she sensed he was different—perhaps the one destined to lead her to the Erdtree and help her uncover her true purpose.
(Time Skip)
The next day
The sun shone brightly as Jaune resumed his journey through the land after a restful night, his shadow soldiers already scattering across the terrain in search of formidable foes or intriguing anomalies. He was meticulous in selecting his targets; weak soldiers would merely drain his MP through constant regeneration, and although he could replenish it with ease, he preferred not to squander the stored magic in Elsdocia on such trivial tasks. Walking alongside ancient ruins, Jaune studied their architecture and the way they seemed to have fallen from the sky, littering the landscape. As he ran his hand along the weathered wall of one relic, an overwhelming scent of blood suddenly hit him. Moving forward cautiously, he soon confronted a man cloaked in a white mask, blood splatters marring his clothing, yet the scent of blood emanated not from his attire but from his very presence.
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"Oh, yes... Tarnished, are we? Come to the Lands Between for the Elden Ring, hmm? Of course you have. No shame in it. Unfortunately for you, however, you are maidenless. Without guidance, without the strength of runes, and without an invitation to the Roundtable Hold... you are fated, it seems, to die in obscurity." The white-masked man said to Jaune as soon as he noticed his presence.
"What the fuck are you talking about?" Jaune retorted with a sharp glare, irritated by the condescension in the masked man's tone, which felt like he was looking down on him and implying he was weak.
"Luckily for you, however, there is one shining ray of hope for even the maidenless. Me. Varré. Take care to listen. Are you familiar with grace? The golden light that gives life to you Tarnished. You may also behold its golden rays pointing in a particular direction at times. That is the guidance of grace. The path that a Tarnished must travel. Mm, indeed. Grace's guidance holds the answers. It will lead you Tarnished to the path you are meant to follow. Even if it leads you to your grave." Varré explained, pointing towards a gentle, hovering golden light above the ground, its shimmering wisps forming a beam that directed towards a nearby church, close to their current position.
