The morning mist enveloped Maple Leaf Town like a veil, and Ivan squatted in front of the blacksmith shop to wipe the dagger in his hand. In the dim light of the morning sun, his short golden hair glowed with warmth, and his blue eyes stared intently at the reflection on the blade. The bakery owner's shouts could be heard in the distance, and everything was as quiet and peaceful as usual, until the bloody meteor that streaked across the sky appeared.
"What is that?" Ivan frowned and stood up, his hands unconsciously pressing on the leather armor around his waist. The bloody meteor fell on the edge of the forest outside the town, and then there was a dull vibration from the earth. What's even more frightening is that a rancid smell began to fill the air, as if something evil was awakening.
"Run! The monster is coming!" Panic shouts broke the tranquility of the town. Ivan looked up and saw a group of people in black cloaks pouring out of the forest. The weapons in their hands glowed with a green light. Wherever they passed, the flowers and grass withered instantly. Among the crowd, an old man wearing a gorgeous black robe walked slowly, with half of his rotten face exposed under his hood, and a cold red light flashed in his eyes.
"Hand over the 'Stone of Dawn' and I will spare your life." The old man's voice was like the friction of rusty gears, harsh and cold. Ivan was shocked. He had never heard of the Dawn Stone, but judging from the strong sense of oppression emanating from the old man, this crisis was no accident.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Ivan shouted, waving his hands to the surrounding residents to retreat. He held the dagger tightly and blocked it with firm eyes.
