Midday cast long shadows over Hollowrest, the village too quiet for comfort. Even the birds avoided the air above the chapel. Kael moved with purpose now—no longer a boy hiding in fear, but a predator testing his claws.
Objective: Distract or Remove Inquisitor Vale
Time Remaining on Stealth Protocol: 6 hours, 12 minutes
Tools Available:
– [Whisper of Doubt] (Passive)
– [Imprint of Shadows] (1 use)
Kael crept toward the old mill at the river's bend. It had been abandoned for years, sealed off after a grinding stone snapped and crushed a pair of workers. The perfect place to lay a scent trail.
He took the small silver locket from his pocket—one of his mother's keepsakes. He hated to use it… but sentimentality wouldn't save him now.
"Imprint it," he whispered.
Confirmed: [Imprint of Shadows] applied.
Object radiates minor infernal corruption for 4 hours.
Note: Exposure to holy senses will provoke investigation.
Kael placed the locket on the windowsill of the mill, deliberately visible through a cracked board. Then he stepped away and triggered [Whisper of Doubt].
It was subtle. A breeze of paranoia. A nudge toward suspicion. The System spread it through the local gossip vines like a sickness.
By sunset, the trap was already working.
"I heard something strange near the river," muttered a passing blacksmith to Vale.
"Old mill's been creaking again," said another, "like someone's inside."
Vale, ever righteous, nodded slowly. "Corruption never sleeps. If it has returned to this place, I will find it."
Kael watched from a nearby rooftop, heart pounding. He didn't dare speak or blink too long. When Vale finally turned and rode toward the river, Kael nearly collapsed from relief.
Inquisitor Displaced. Time Window: 3 hours.
Suggestion: Use opportunity to establish temporary Domain.
Target: Goblin Nest – 1.2 km East
Difficulty: Low (F-Rank)
Success grants: Demon Seed Core, Domain Slot Unlocked
Kael rose to his feet. "A nest of goblins. I can handle that."
He hesitated only a second more, then ran toward the forest. If he could take the nest, he'd finally begin building his own power. A place he could shape. Defend. Expand.
A Domain of his own.
Back in the forest's shadows, Vale dismounted outside the mill. His Sanctified Sight activated, and he frowned.
"Tainted... but faint," he muttered. "Like a ghost clinging to memory."
He reached for the door—and paused.
The locket glinted in the last light of day.
It bore no name, but Vale knew it.
He'd seen its twin.
Once, years ago. Around the neck of a woman who vanished after being accused of witchcraft.
A woman with a son.
Vale's eyes narrowed.
"This isn't just a stain," he murmured. "It's a signature."