Tales of Wonder - Magic and Spirit Series

Short Story 1: The Lost Adventurer

Hello, my name is Jack. Jack Kilver, the famous explorer to be specific. I've always been proud of my legacy and fame. I worked hard and went to places that no other humans dared, in order to gain fame and glory. Through monster-ridden areas, I have braved the most dangerous places for any human. I did everything I could to reach the top of the world. But this was my downfall. Before I go on, I hope that you take the time to take in what I say and not to write me off. This letter or more small novel I guess is to show you, to show everyone what happened to me doesn't change who I am. I am me and I always will be. So, let's get started. It starts when I heard about this place where even the supernatural would not go. Not the werewolves or vampires, not even giants. The reason why however was not because of a deadly beast or wild magic but because of the heat. It was a desert which might be the hottest place in this world. Whenever I left the safety of the city, I would be constantly on alert. Monsters everywhere you go, deadly beasts that would rip you apart once given chance. But this place was just dealing with the heat. If I could get through, I would be able to say that I've gone where no creature, magic or otherwise has been before. The thrill that came from the thought overcame me. The feeling was like a life of its own. I was going to make the journey, no matter what. That day, I started my preparations. I got maps of the areas but since it was such a deserted area only the outskirts had been recorded. Using the outskirts though, I was able to calculate the distance from on end to the other in a straight line. I had to figure out the rations and supplies I would need. If I took too much, it would weigh me down thus requiring more work. Take too little and I would die.

Eventually, the day came, I had it all planned out. The supplies I would need, how long it would take and the path I would take if my calculations were correct. The journey would be done alone with no help from anyone. It would all be live-streamed using the implants in my eyes and a drone which would be following me. This way everyone could see my journey constantly and no one could say I cheated. I made my way to the edge of the city to be escorted to the starting point by the military. The military was on all sides of me, watching out for any beasts that may come on the attack before entering the desert. Once I departed, the military would move to the endpoint to pick me up. They couldn't stay there forever though, so they gave me a deadline for two weeks. The desert wasn't overly large like others I know so it did not seem like an impossible feat. I had it so that the drone was the only one recording for my speech. Being able to switch the recording view from the drone to the implants with just thought was like magic, it still amazes me how far we have come as species despite all the dangers of this world. I stood proud in front of the drone and made my speech which was broadcasted through every city which we have created. I prayed to the gods asking for their favour in the endeavour. The main focus of my pray was Veggeil, the goddess of travel. Then I moved into the desert leaving the protection of the army behind me.

The first three days were going well, I walked during the night and slept during the day to make sure I didn't lose too much water through sweat using a torch to see my surroundings. Make no mistake, it was still incredibly hot at night in this desert, but I just needed to minimize the water loss. After the fourth day, weariness was constant. I felt it hard to stay awake at any given time, but I pushed forward. When I finally neared the end of the journey it had been a week and 5 days, so close to the army which was waiting for me. Then there was a change in the air. It was colder, so much colder. It was night but even at night, it was hot. Because of this, the cold air was a relief at first, feeling the cool breeze flow over me but there was tension in the air. Something had entered the desert as well. I'm not fully sure how I knew it was there, but I could feel it. The anxiety hit me first, I found myself looking all around me for any sign that there was a creature near me. I could feel how frantically my neck moved as I surveyed my surroundings. When I started to calm down a little my eyes met the silhouette of a man. My implants short-circuited instantly. And I'm sure the last thing that my drone saw was the look of horror and shock on my face as he stepped into view.