I stare and stare and stare the ‘flame’ remains dim yet to me it sheds much light,

What could this mean?

I reach out to it, immediately it retracts into a device it emits from,

A projection?

A small cord runs from the device to what looks like a motor, it spins slowly letting out a near silent hum

What is this place?

Looking around the barren enclosure is a small bench which a few dusty cloaks which I immediately drape around my naked body, and a rectangular box

“Achoooo!” I let out a sneeze wiping away the dust from it

‘U.C MILITARY PROTOTYPE,’ It reads

A feeling of intrigue flows through me as I open it to reveal a sleek black bow, and a few arrows, tucked in the corner of box is pouch of coins, gold and silver, a compass and a single flashlight.

Taking everything, I immediately prepare to leave, the effects of whatever that beast-man did to me is beginning to wear off as a feel a slight hunger, although I would like to investigate more,

I have to survive

Omari spoke of a kingdom past this desert, that’s my goal.

As I leave, I shine the torch on the room giving it one last look.

At head of the rooms hangs a skeleton with a sign strapped to its chest,

Here ‘rests’ the Court Jester.

***

The sun burns my already burnt face as I drag myself through the scorching sands, bow and arrow strapped to my back,

My will to survive strapped to my heart,

It’s been two days since I started walking, my fatigue setting in, my morale in gradual decline

What if I’m Going the wrong the direction?

Looking frantically at the compass, I’m still heading west

Good.

More signs of life begin to show as I continue further west, cacti are now a common sight I even passed an oasis a while back

“Uhhhh!” I let a sigh of relief as I spot a massive tower in distance, it looks days away, but I have something to walk towards…...

~Another day passes my journey feels like an eternity, lights and trees come into view the more I walk,

If this turns out to be hallucination, I’ll...

I don’t know what I’d do anymore,

Brushing off the dark thoughts I continue trudging on

*Two days Later*

‘Schewppppp!’ Uh water! finally I’m out of the desert.

I soak in a river that flows through a shallow forest,

A road leads through the forest,

At least I can be sure there’s life here.

Using my arrows to ‘spear’ fish, I replenish myself and carry on.

***

A Gold tower stands shining brilliantly in the distance, smaller towers surround it creating a glamourous view, it gives the appearance of both a castle and cathedral.

“Is that a zombie?” someone whispers seeing me walk past

I’ve encountered a few people following the road out the forest,

At first, I was relieved to see humas again, but I’ve been met with many fear and scornful glances.

The Kingdom of Soterra a sign reads.

This is where Omari was from?

The main city entirely surrounded by walls,

Men dressed in templar armor guard the gate.

“State your purpose for entry” a guard demands as I approach them

“I need to see a healer.”

He looks at me from top to bottom

“Ahh well you’ve come to right place~” he smiles,

“This is the holy city known as Soterra

And just like God here we welcome everyone

Right this way.”