Chapter 07: The Way Forward

Rhashid and his small group of survivors trudged through the unforgiving desert, their hearts heavy with grief and despair after losing their home, their brothers and sisters in arms, and their beloved Master Aman. The loss was palpable, weighing heavily on each of them.

The group had been wandering for what felt like days, with little food and water, before finally coming across a small oasis. They collapsed into the shade of the palm trees, their exhaustion finally caught up with them.

Rhashid tried to keep his spirits up, but it was a struggle. Survivor's guilt weighed heavily on him, knowing he had failed in his duty to protect the Sanctum and his fellow CaraCult members.

As the group rested and recovered, they began to discuss their next steps. Many were in favor of trying to retake the Sanctum, but Rhashid knew it was a lost cause. The hordes of bloodlust monsters were too powerful, and the Dark Mage was still out there, plotting and scheming.

"We can't go back to the Sanctum, it's too dangerous," Rhashid said, his voice rough from dehydration. "We need to regroup and figure out our next move."

The others murmured their assent, realizing the truth in Rhashid's words. Some suggested heading to the nearest city to seek help, while others proposed gathering other survivors and building a new stronghold.

Rhashid listened to their ideas, but his mind kept returning to the Dark Mage. He knew they couldn't rest until they had dealt with the threat he posed.

"I think we need to focus on confronting the Dark Mage," Rhashid said, his voice firm. "We can't let him continue to wreak havoc on The Chain."

The others regarded him with skepticism, doubting the feasibility of his plan, but Rhashid was determined. He had lost too much to simply sit back and do nothing.

"Where do we even begin?" one of the warriors said, shaking his head.

"We start by gathering information," Rhashid replied. "We talk to anyone who might have seen or heard something, and we keep our eyes and ears open. We'll track his movements and bring the fight to him."

The others nodded, impressed by Rhashid's determination. They knew that if anyone could take down the Dark Mage, it was him.

While the group discussed their options, Rhashid's mind kept returning to the Dark Mage, and he knew they couldn't rest until they had dealt with the threat he posed.

As they continued their journey, Rhashid's determination, sense of purpose and duty is only reinforced by others' support. He had failed in his duty to protect his home and his friends, carrying the weight of that responsibility on his shoulders, but he refused to let the Dark Mage continue to destroy everything he held dear.

He vowed to find the Dark Mage and put an end to his reign of terror, no matter the cost.