Jack

AN: renamed some chapters into "corruption" and "pure" paths (which will play a big part in the future, think alignment), they will follow the same story up until a certain point (where a clean split will happen between the two) and every following chapter of a given path will only make sense together. You can switch it up of course, but some things in a corruption chapter might not have happened if you followed the pure one. Everything before the capital/split between paths can be read and is meant as a prologue.

Your name is Jack, no last name, you aren't a noble after all. Your parents were simple peasants, with your father a simple hunter and your mother helping in the fields when needed. But that is in the past, both of them falling prey to a group of beasts attacking your village. You tried your best – fighting with every able man and the guards, but when you returned home your mother was no more. Your father was out hunting at the time, but he never returned, only his corpse was found not that far away from the gates, already half-eaten.

You cried yourself to sleep that night. Now, however, a week after, you just feel numb. You don't want to think too much about it, currently numbing the pain with cheap ale in the house you now own, half heartily listening to your neighbor's daughter Mila. Sweet girl, if slightly plain, about a head smaller than you, rather thin with blonde hair.

"Jack, I know you loved your parents, but you have to think about the future. You can't keep yourself locked away in this house, go out and find yourself a job - and a wife to settle down with if you are at it!"

Her tone was annoyed, but that is to be expected. She tried to get you out of the house for the whole week by now, but you just couldn't find the drive to do anything before you ultimately leave. Of course, you already got a plan, even sold the house to the mayor - who lets you stay until the end of this week.

"I know, I know, don't worry about me. And finding a wife? Sure I'm 19 this year, but it's too early to think about that, or are you offering?"

You tease the girl a bit, knowing this was impossible. She is in a relationship with the mayor's son Dave after all, who is a knight-in-training in the next big town under the local lord. They are bound to marry in the future, living a comfortable life away from this small farming village. Mila for her part blushes a bit but doesn't deem you with an answer, this isn't the first time you made fun of her like this, after all.

"I'm leaving, think about your future more! Your parents didn't leave you with a lot of money, you have to think about your livelihood."

Mila stands with those parting words, making her way to the door. You hide your anger, why does she care about your living expenses? She doesn't need to fear hunger, the mayor taking care of everything because of his son liking her, she won't need to work a day in her life. Dark thoughts begin to form in your mind, maybe you should put her in her place before you leave? You could pack rather quickly, after all, your gear is in your room and the money for the house safely tugged away in your purse.