Blade of Ruin

The wolf grinned and looked towards Arthur.

"In the flesh. Kid. I saw your little…escapade back at your home."

Arthur looked back at the wolf, his expression growing grim.

"I'd rather not bring that up. How are you here anyways? Isn't your soul bound to the abyss?"

"I left a little piece of myself with you back when I saved you from certain death. But I couldn't show myself in front of that blasted war saint. But who knew, you took the form of two victims of that blasted cycle."

Arthur sighed and sat down. But he looked once again at Thanatos, confused.

"Two?"

"Ah. I've already said a bit too much. But I might as well explain it to you. No harm in that. You didn't think I just saved you and the war saint took you in for no reason, right?"

"I…I mean, it seemed like a possibility…"

"Well, you're wrong. It was never a possibility. I wasn't even aware you bore the mark of calamity. It only makes you more interesting. You are a herald as well."

"A…herald. I think I've heard something like that before…"

"Yes. You probably have heard of an old friend of mine. He was called the herald of the stars. In fact, you remind me a lot of him. But I wouldn't say that's good."

Arthur sighed. "And why is that?"

"He was a fool. In fact, all of your future suffering will be because of him."

Arthur's expression changed a bit. Going back to that grim expression he had earlier.

"And why exactly?"

"He paid a price for the power you inherited. And he left behind a whole lot of debt to fate. The fool died while trying to sever himself from fate. And he failed. So now fate is going to punish you. As a herald, and as a calamity. You'll pay the ultimate price, for the sins of the one who came before you."

The room grew silent, Arthur had no words to speak. Only weeks ago he thought all of the powers he received were blessings. But now he was disowned, and couldn't use a single one of those gifts. Perhaps he was cursed instead. Instead he smiled.

"If that's the case, won't I just have to do what he didn't?"

The room once again fell silent. Before the silence was ruptured by Thanatos's rumbling laughter.

"A fool! A fool is what you are! Such an amusing goal…very well then. I will help you seek out such foolish ambition, child! But…what exactly do you plan to do with a crippling body such as yours?"

Arthur just sighed.

"Train. I guess."