The battlefield was littered with the bodies of the fallen, their faces twisted in eternal agony. Lord Blackthorn stood at the center of the carnage. His hand gripped his dreaded staff - Sable Nullifier, its sinister glow casting an eerie light over the scene. His eyes, cold and devoid of mercy, scanned the remnants of his enemies.
He walked up to a man who was trying to crawl away from his destined death. Lord Blackthorn raised his dreaded weapon to smash the man’s skull open. But as he did, a sudden pain pierced his chest, sparing the man’s life. Lord Blackthorn staggered, dropping the staff, and darkness consumed him.
When he woke up, he felt different, much lighter. He was no longer Lord Blackthorn, who everyone feared. He was transformed into the young boy he once was—a weak boy who couldn't even save his mother. Everyone called him Adam back then, A name that had become foreign to him.
In front of him were the golden gates to Elskanhalla. Adam stood up and walked up to it.
A tall figure stood in front of the gate, waiting for Adam. “My name is Sigurd, the gatekeeper of Elskanhalla.” He informed.
"I am Adam."
Sigurd's eyes narrowed. "Adam, your soul is tainted. I sense a trouble within you. A trouble that even death couldnt wash off you. Elskanhalla is a sanctuary to rest in peace. I cant let you pass!"
Adam was shocked. He didn't choose to be Lord Blackthorn. He was about to protest, but as he opened his mouth, a shadowy figure of his mother, veiled by cloudy mist, appeared just beyond the gate.
Adam’s eyes teared up; his adopted father, Henry, Had promised him that he would one day meet his mother again. Today was that day.
“Please, let me see her,” Adam requested.
Sigurd shook his head. "Your mother has found peace here. Disturbing her with the echoes of your past would only bring her sorrow. You must seek redemption elsewhere."
Adam's frustration boiled over. He once again became the dreaded Lord Blackthorn. He lashed out, trying to force his way. He harnessed his inner strength and cast spells at the gate, trying to force it open. However, it did not budge.
"Force will not grant you entry," Sigurd said calmly. "Elskanhalla is a realm of peace, untouched by the darkness you wield. All your powers mean nothing here."
Lord Blackthorn’s rage piqued, “I am not a weakling.” He bellowed at Sigurd. He harnessed his magic again, directing it towards Sigurd.
Sigurd dodged his spell, and with a single, swift motion, he struck Lord Blackthorn down. Blood trickled from his mouth as he struggled to rise.
"Pathetic," Sigurd muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You failed your the last chance to redeem yourself." He snapped his fingers, and the faint view of his mother completely disappeared. “You will never see her again!”
Hearing that it was all a test, Lord Blackthorn’s arrogance faded, and he was transformed back into the little boy. “Please!” Adam begged, “I just want to see her.”.
But Sigurd had already judged Adam. He unleashed a torrent of pure energy. The blast struck Adam, searing his flesh and bones. As Adam was being burnt alive, The ground beneath him split open and fell into the depths of Draugrhalla, the hellish realm where the damned were tormented for eternity.
