Black Forest mist choked Jack's lungs as he stumbled over roots. His jacket hung in tatters, revealing the star-patterned burns. He kicked a moss-covered stone, revealing a crumbling obelisk. The moment his fingers brushed the runes, the chest fragments flared. Blood-red text appeared:
"When the Thief's Heir touches forbidden knowledge, seven chains shall bind him."
"Fuckin' cryptic bullshit..." He stumbled backward as villagers emerged, pitchforks gleaming. Old Garrick waved a rusted cleaver. "Abomination! Last week's fire-mage burned Mayor Hargrove's barn!"
Jack ran, tripping a snare. The iron cage snapped shut. "Back off, freak!" he shouted, but villagers pressed closer. Their crosses melted as violet arcs leaped from his fingertips.
"Back to hell with you!" Garrick screamed, skin bubbling with black veins. Jack recoiled as the corruption slithered into his veins through a careless touch.
A bloodcurdling wail cut through the fog. A black-wolf-drawn carriage careened past. The rider—a woman in crimson robes—stared at him. Her Holy Knight sigil bled. "Welcome to the real world, thief," she purred, her infant's eyes swirling with chromatic light.