A Champion is Born

Soran had heard the tales of secrets and treasures hidden within the Cinnabar Hills. The stories always cautioned against pursuing them, but Soran wasn't worried about that. He journeyed to the Hills alone, only accompanied by his spiked helm and trusty gladius sword.

On reaching the Cinnabar Hills, he was surprised to find they weren't as barren as he'd been led to believe. In fact, there were ruins here and there, and strange markings on the walls that looked like writing.

"What a strange symbol," he muttered as he ran his fingers over the circle and cross shapes that were etched beside an ancient stone arch, which opened into a passage leading down into one of the hills. The soil here was a deep amber color. A thick red mist drifted up from it. It smelled faintly of sulfur. "Is this what I seek?" As he walked further along the path, Soran noticed the ground was soft beneath him now, and he sank quickly with each step, puffs of ochre dust rising behind him.

He walked by a few side passages. From one, he thought he heard a faint giggling sound. The laughter had a sinister tinge to it. "Is anyone there?" he said loudly. The tittering faded away, until Soran wasn't sure if he had imagined it. He proceeded down the central passage.

The passage was long, and at its end, the tunnel opened out onto a large, cavernous room. There were pedestals scattered around the chamber. Most were empty, but some had statues of imps and animals on them. To Soran, it looked as if their eyes glowed dimly with some inner fire.

Suddenly, one of the statues started to move! Or perhaps, it hadn't been a statue in the first place - Soran wasn't sure. Facing him was what appeared to be a common black cat. But then, the cat started to speak.

"You have come." The cat spoke clearly and distinctly. Soran was stunned. How could a simple animal have spoken?

The cat continued, "I am the Oracle of Cinnabar, and you are not welcome here." Suddenly, two of the other statues, these of small imp-like creatures, began moving as well! They were the same reddish color as the dust of this place, and they leered at Soran, laughing malevolently.

"Leave now or face the consequences!" the cat demanded.

"Who are you?" Soran asked.

"My name is Cinder," the cat replied. Its voice sounded cool and refined, like an aristocrat.

"Cinder," Soran said, "I came here, where others dared not tread, in search of wealth and power. I ask a boon of you, Oracle."

"And what would that be?" the cat questioned. "If you refuse my offer, your fate is sealed."

"I want a wish granted," Soran answered, "a single thing that I can do anything with. Give me the authority to command others, so I may assemble an unstoppable force."

"It shall be done," the cat responded, "but beware: it will cost you dearly."

"How much does it cost?" Soran asked.

"Your soul." Cinder told him. The dust in the cavern began to stir from unseen winds. "I will grant what you seek, human. You will become a Champion of Imps, and all of the denizens of Cinnabar will follow your commands. But," Cinnabar added with a feline grin, "you in turn will follow MY commands, for I cannot let one who has entered this place to leave freely!"

The cat's fur suddenly became emblazoned with blindingly bright red stripes. At the same time, the stirring dust swirled and consolidated into a tiny tornado. Soran instinctively tried to back away, but the winds held him. Soran shouted in terror as the cinnabar dust infiltrated his body through every available orifice. His body spasmed, then lay still on the ground as the winds died down.

"Arise, Champion," Cinder said. Soran silently got back to his feet. "For you are not only a Champion of Imps," the cat said with a toothy grin as his fur faded back to black, "but a Champion of Cinnabar as well."

Soran's eyes, which had been burning red under his spiked helmet moments before, also faded to a dully glowing purple hue. He was ready for further orders.

Entered by: 0x9Baf…9a49 and preserved on chain (see transaction)