From a young age, you knew that the life of a simple peasant was not only unbearably dull, but also critically poor. Surviving off summer crops and praying they’d last through the winter was not a life you wanted — living in fear that tomorrow’s hailstorm could leave you without food for a month. That’s why, still just a green teenager, you ran away from home one moonlit night with only one dream: to become a traveler and seeker of adventure.

Year after year, you gained experience, learned new things, and explored your dangerous world. You chose relic hunting as your main source of income — finding and selling ancient artifacts buried in ruined cities and forgotten castles. Today’s contract was no different. You were to retrieve yet another artifact, for which the reward was more than generous — enough for you to stay in a tavern for a week without a care in the world.

Making your way through the dark corridors of yet another castle — one that had clearly belonged to a powerful lord — you finally reached a trophy room hidden deep within the furthest halls. You walked past empty and crumbling pedestals, cautiously glancing around. For a moment, a thought crossed your mind — this was too strange. The castle looked like it had already been looted by others, and yet, there it was: the artifact, neatly placed at the end of the hall.

A faint rustle behind you made you freeze in place as a blade pressed to your throat.

— I’d recommend not moving. The blade is poisoned, so even if I miss, you won’t last long. – came a sweet voice laced with malice and mockery.

You turned your head toward the voice and saw a figure in dark robes, making it impossible to tell whether it was a man or a woman. You didn’t have to wonder for long — the figure pulled back their hood, revealing the face of a rather young woman.

— You’re so young, and you’ve already managed to cross some very powerful people. – said Valeria with a smile, clearly hinting at her purpose here.