Git Gud Or Die Trying #27

As the transformative process ended, the Sacred Blade gem shattered into countless fragments, leaving behind only the newly forged Lordsworn greatsword and the whetstone knife resting on the anvil. The shards of the jewel glittered like stardust, their faint glow dissipating into the air.

Adrian's gaze shifted from the remnants of the gem to the magnificent weapon that now lay before him. The Lordsworn greatsword exuded an aura of strength and power, its craftsmanship surpassing anything he had wielded. The blade gleamed with a polished sheen, and the edges glinted with a mesmerizing golden hue.

A smile of satisfaction curved Adrian's lips as he reached out to grasp the greatsword's hilt. Its weight felt balanced and familiar in his hands, reassuring him of its quality. He could sense the latent energy infused within the weapon, waiting to be unleashed at his command.

Adrian's fingers traced the intricate designs etched into the hilt, and his decision became clear. He had relied on his broadsword and shield throughout his journey, finding comfort and protection in their presence. 

However, with his newfound strength and the skills he learned from Knight Bernahl, he no longer felt the need for the shield's cumbersome defense.

Adrian knew that discarding the shield would grant him the freedom to channel his magic unencumbered. The absence of the shield would allow him to wield finger seal, casting incantations with greater dexterity and precision.

With a confident nod, Adrian made his choice. He unfastened the straps securing the shield to his arm and set it aside, resting it against the anvil, a symbolic act of shedding the past and embracing the path ahead.

Now fully committed to the Lordsworn greatsword as his primary weapon, Adrian tightened his grip on the hilt, feeling a surge of power course through his veins. He swung the sword sideways in a smooth arc, channeling his energy into the blade.

As the sword sliced through the air, a trail of golden energy followed its path, manifesting as a crescent-shaped flying slash. The slash soared forward with startling speed, cutting through the empty space and colliding with a lonely church wall ahead.

The impact reverberated through the chamber, the sound of crumbling stone echoing in the air. Adrian's eyes widened with awe and satisfaction as he observed the results of his strike. The wall crumbled, revealing the clean cut upon its stones like a stick of butter cut by a hot knife. 

As Adrian inspected the crumbled wall, he marveled at the destructive power of the crescent golden flying slash he had unleashed with the Lordsworn greatsword. It bore the mark of the sword's strike, the stone cleanly cleaved in two, leaving a jagged fissure in its wake.

In the midst of his satisfaction, a soft feminine voice broke the silence, causing Adrian to turn his head. "Most impressive," the voice whispered, floating through the air with an ethereal quality. Adrian's eyes scanned the surroundings, trying to locate the source of the voice, but he saw no one.

The voice spoke again, this time closer, seemingly coming from behind him. "This way, Tarnished. May I have a word?" The words echoed in Adrian's ears, capturing his attention.

Curiosity tingling within him, Adrian turned around to face the direction of the voice. As he did, his eyes widened in astonishment. Fog began to coalesce around one of the tattered walls of the church, swirling and spiraling into a mesmerizing dance. Atop the wall, blue particles shimmered and swirled, gradually materializing into the form of a woman.

The woman possessed an otherworldly beauty, her icy blue skin and hair creating an ethereal presence. She was draped in a luxurious white fur dress, exuding an air of regality. Perched atop her head was a large witch hat of the same hue and material, adding to her mystical allure.

Adrian's gaze locked onto the woman's captivating eyes. One eye remained closed, concealed by a strange marking glowing in a soft blue color. 

The other eye shimmered with an icy blue hue, emanating an enchanting glow. Just below the radiant one, a peculiar scar adorned her cheek, adding a touch of mystery to her countenance.

As Adrian absorbed the sight before him, he couldn't help but notice a spectral figure that seemed to be connected to the woman's left side. It bore a striking resemblance to the woman, sharing her closed eye. The figure appeared as a ghostly apparition, its features intertwined with the woman's own.

Intrigued and compelled by the enigmatic presence, Adrian took a step closer, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of caution as he noticed the four lith arms crossed before her chest. 

As Adrian stepped closer, his gaze fixed upon the mysterious woman, he listened attentively to her words. Her introduction filled the air with a sense of intrigue and mystique. "A pleasure to meet thee, Tarnished. I am the witch Renna," she spoke, her voice melodic.

Adrian nodded politely, acknowledging the introduction but maintaining a hint of caution in his demeanor. Returning the courtesy, Adrian introduced himself, his voice measured and guarded. "I am Adrian. What brings you here, Renna?"

The witch's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she answered, her voice carrying a subtle knowing intention. "I'd heard tell of a Tarnished hurtling about atop a spectral steed," she began, her words spoken with a thoughtful cadence. "And upon looking into the matter, the talk, I surmise, is of thee."

Adrian nodded at the mention of Torrent. He remembered Renna's encounter in the game. Back then, she seemed like any regular NPC who would deliver a tool before disappearing. However, encountering her now and thinking about it deeper, Adrian realized there might be more to her. 

Before Adrian could gather his thoughts, Renna spoke again. "Thou'rt possessed of the power, no...?" She asked, trailing off before continuing her sentence. "To call forth the spectral steed named Torrent..."

Carefully choosing his words, Adrian inquired, "You're not wrong. Torrent is my travel buddy. But how did you come to know of this?"

Renna's enigmatic smile danced upon her lips as she responded, her voice carrying an air of intrigue. "Word travels fast in the Lands Between... the wind tends to carry them to waiting ears..." 

Adrian's curiosity deepened at Renna's cryptic words. With a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes, he spoke, "What is it that you seek from me, then? Why have you revealed yourself now?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.

Renna's voice resonated with purpose as she replied, "I was entrusted this for thee. By Torrent's former master." Her eyes held a glimmer of respect as she retrieved a worn out bell from her cloak and offered it to Adrian.

Adrian's eyes widened as Renna revealed the worn-out metallic handheld bell, its surface adorned with engraved words and empty spherical slots. He recognized it immediately as the Spirit Calling Bell, an item used to summon Spirit Ashes.

Silently, Adrian extended his hand, accepting the bell from Renna's outstretched palm. Its weight felt reassuring in his grasp, and he marveled at the intricate engravings that adorned its surface.

Renna's voice broke the silence, her words carrying a sense of purpose. "'Tis a bell for calling forth spirits," she explained. "Summon them with it, from ash unreturned to the Erdtree." 

She paused before adding. "The spirits will obey thine command but briefly, as they recall battles past...."

Adrian nodded, his mind processing Renna's words. He knew of the bell's power and use. It was now in his possession, a tool that could potentially turn the tides of the impending conflicts he would face.

Renna paused, her gaze fixed upon him, before concluding. "Now it is thine. To do with as thou wishest."

Adrian acknowledged her words with a solemn nod, his thoughts already racing with the possibilities that the Spirit Calling Bell held. He knew he would need to utilize its power wisely and effectively.

"I'll take good care of it. But who is Torrent's former master, and why does he wish for me to have the Spirit Calling Bell?" he inquired, eager to unravel the mysteries surrounding the spectral steed and the intentions of its previous owner.

Renna's eyes shimmered as she responded, her voice carrying the weight of ancient tales. "Torrent hath had two masters ere thou-- both kindred souls seeking liberation..." She gave Adrian a knowing look before continuing. "It is the second who wanted thee to have the bell..." 

"As for why he desired this gift bestowed upon thee... they were a creature of mystery, their intentions shrouded in enigma even to one such as myself....."