Title's

Chapter 5: Beneath the Veil of Shadows

In the outskirts of Elysium lay the village of Greythorn, once vibrant fields now choked by an unsettling darkness that seemed to strangle the very life out of the land. Coward found himself on the outskirts of the village, a newfound sense of purpose weighing on him. This mission wasn't like the usual quests of adventurers – it was a promise he had made to himself, a promise to protect and make amends for his past mistakes.

He noticed that the nature of this quest was different from the usual adventures. While adventurers sought treasures, mythical beasts, or hidden ruins, a mercenary's duty was distinct. It was a call to aid the vulnerable, to shield those who couldn't fend off the encroaching darkness on their own.

Stepping into Greythorn, Coward felt the villagers' gaze on him – a mix of hope and uncertainty. He understood the responsibility in their eyes, a duty that he didn't shy away from. The guild master's words resonated – titles were more than just power; they represented a duty to protect and uplift those around you.

The village chief stood in his chamber, a mix of emotions churning within him. For the first time, their desperate plea for assistance had garnered a response from one of the mercenary guilds. The village of Greythorn had been plagued by an insidious curse, its fields rendered barren, and its people haunted by shadowy apparitions. Hope mingled with trepidation as he scanned the missive that bore both good news and unease.

Coward the Horrible. The name and title were etched on the parchment, a moniker that held an unsettling aura. It was a name that brought both a sense of grim anticipation and skepticism. The village chief had heard tales of this newcomer, a mercenary whose unusual title raised eyebrows and prompted cautious whispers.

Coward's title, "the Horrible," was a label that cast a shadow over his reputation before he even arrived. In a realm where titles were revered and held great significance, being known as "Horrible" wasn't exactly a welcome introduction. The villagers of Greythorn had experienced the consequences of titles firsthand, and the wounds of past disappointments ran deep.

Galick the Great, an adventurer sent by the prestigious adventurer's guild, had once been heralded as their savior. The village had placed their trust in his grandiose title and charismatic promises. However, the heroics they had envisioned quickly turned sour. Galick had proven more interested in the village's coffers than its salvation. He demanded exorbitant fees, drained their resources, and vanished into the night, leaving behind shattered hopes and disillusioned hearts.

The memory of Galick's betrayal still lingered like a bitter aftertaste, casting a long shadow of doubt over any outsider offering their assistance. Coward's title seemed to echo the doubts that festered in the village's collective consciousness. How could someone known as "Horrible" possibly bring them the relief they desperately sought?

The chief's hand traced over the inked letters that spelled out Coward's name. It was a name unfamiliar to their land, a name accompanied by a moniker that seemed to portend doom rather than salvation. Despite the village's need for aid, the chief found himself torn between gratitude for the guild's response and the wariness that had taken root from past experience.

As the village chief paced the chamber, his thoughts mirrored the conflicted sentiments of his people. Coward's impending arrival cast a cloud of uncertainty over Grayhorn. Could this enigmatic mercenary defy his title and prove himself a true ally? Or would he echo the legacy of false promises and shattered trust that had haunted the village before?

He had come to Greyhorn in response to a mission request, to aid them in dispelling the darkness that had enshrouded their once-thriving village. Yet, his very title seemed to cast a pall over his intentions. The villagers had seen their share of those who claimed to be heroes, only to be disappointed by their true intentions.