After taking Roderika out of the hut. Nathaniel sat beside her.

"I know you wanna cry," Nathaniel said suddenly.

Roderika's eyes widened, looking like a sad puppy. "But you don't because I'm here," he continued.

She didn't respond.

"I ain't asking you to tell me your life story," he added, trying to gauge his next words. "But you don't have to bottle it up."

Saying that reminded of his sister, Iris. She said that he shouldn't try to numb himself every time. His older sister was always there for him. Now time for him to be there for someone else.

"I-" Roderika's voice quivered. Her eyes watered. "How could I ever be redeemed? I led my men towards my dream, but when danger came, I wasn't the one who fought. I was the one who fled while my friends hopelessly died. I abandoned them like the deserter that I am. They were my friends. They weren't just infantry I commanded. I knew all of their names. We went through trials together, all for it to end here in the Lands Between."

Nathaniel didn't speak. Any words from him would taint the situation. He wanted to let her talk, to reveal the secrets of her heart not to him but to herself. Roderika desperately needed clarity. The confusion was probably killing her, making her feel worthless. They really were two peas in a pod.

"And I did nothing for them," she continued. "They gave me everything. They gave me their most precious lives. Yet, I repaid them with cowardice. Now, their legacy is stuck to the very person who killed them."

"Then avenge them," Nathaniel told her. She stared at him with disbelief and bewilderment. Perhaps that was the wrong thing to say, or maybe it wasn't.

"But… how?" she asked.

"Kill that bastard, Godrick," he said. "Don't do it for revenge, do it to stop him from doing this to more people. I can't stand the idea of someone killing for pleasure."

"I can't," she said. "I'm too afraid. What hope is there for me?"

Roderika placed both hands over her heart. They sat in silence for a while. There was nothing more to say at that moment. Roderika didn't need him to tell her anything. She needed to make peace and resolve the underlying problem: Godrick.

"Look, my dad died recently. He taught me it's not about not being scared. It's about doing it in spite of fear."

"Your father said that?"

Nathaniel nodded. "I know how you feel, Roderika. When I lost my dad, I was depressed and didn't know what to do with my life. I still struggle to come to terms with it. But I'm starting to feel better. An old man in the park told me that life doesn't need a grand purpose to be enjoyable. It's the little things."

Melina stared at Nathaniel. She seemed to have a faint reaction of those words.

"Melina is all I got right now," he said.

"I'm sorry for your loss," she said.

"You're right, Nathaniel. It is a disservice and a mockery to my men that I stay here trembling in fear of that horrid monster. But I don't feel any less fearful after you've said that. I'm sorry I am so pathetic."

"Yeah. Despite that, we need to something about that motherfucker, Godrick. That asshole can't keep doing this shit to people."

"How can we do that?" Roderika asked. "I am just one person. I am not a hero."

"Neither am I," Nathaniel said, "But together, I think we can make a difference. And there are others out there like us who want to see Godrick taken down."

Roderika seemed to consider his words for a moment before nodding. "Okay," she said. "I'll join you. But we have to be careful. Godrick is not someone to be underestimated."

"I know," Nathaniel said. "But we'll come up with a plan. We'll make sure we're ready for whatever he throws at us."

Roderika smiled, the first genuine smile Nathaniel had seen from her since they met. "Thank you, Nathaniel," she said. "I am grateful for your friendship and your willingness to help me."

"You don't have to thank me," Nathaniel replied. "We're in this together. And I promise you, we'll make Godrick pay for what he's done."

The morning sun cast long shadows across the training ground as Melina and Nathaniel sparred. The rhythmic clashing of their wooden swords echoed in the crisp air, punctuated by Nathaniel's determined grunts and Melina's graceful movements. Nathaniel had improved significantly, his form more refined, his strikes more precise. Sweat trickled down his forehead, but his focus remained unbroken.

Melina moved with an almost supernatural grace, each step a fluid motion, each swing of her sword like a dance. Nathaniel, though still rough around the edges, matched her pace, his determination shining through his every move.

As they sparred, Roderika approached, curiosity evident in her eyes. "What are you two doing?" she asked, her voice breaking the concentrated silence.

Nathaniel glanced at Roderika, briefly lowering his sword. "Training," he replied, catching his breath. "Melina's been helping me get better with my sword skills."

Melina nodded, lowering her own weapon and stepping back. "Indeed. Nathaniel hath shown great improvement. His resolve is commendable."

Roderika tilted her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "I can see that. You're getting pretty good, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Thanks. It's all thanks to Melina's training. She's tough, but I'm learning a lot."

Melina's gaze softened slightly, a hint of pride in her eyes. "Thou art a quick learner, Nathaniel. Thy progress is most promising."

Roderika crossed her arms, watching them both with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. "So, what's the next step? More training?"

Melina sheathed her wooden sword, nodding thoughtfully. "Aye, more training is needed. But also, we must continue to prepare for the trials ahead. The path to becoming Elden Lord is fraught with peril."

Nathaniel took a deep breath. "I'm ready for whatever comes next. I'm ready to kick some ass."

"What about being ready to kill thy next opponent?"

"Oh. Well... That can wait."

Melina shook her head and sighed.

"Now, let us continue our training. There is still much to learn." Melina said.

With a nod, Nathaniel readied his sword, determination burning in his eyes. The road ahead was long and treacherous, but with Melina's guidance and the support of his friends, he felt more prepared than ever.

Nathaniel readied his stance, a grin spreading across his face as he looked at Roderika. "So, Roderika. Do you wanna try?" he asked, his tone encouraging.

Roderika hesitated for a moment, then nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "Okay. I don't think I'm that good, but I'll give it a shot."

Melina handed Roderika a wooden sword, her gaze steady and supportive. "Thou shalt learn through practice. Do not fret, Roderika."

Nathaniel faced off with Roderika, his movements now more fluid and precise from the training he had undergone. They began sparring, but it quickly became clear that Roderika struggled to keep up. Nathaniel, falling back into his training routine, moved with increasing speed and strength.

Roderika's swings became frantic, her breaths quick and shallow. Finally, she stepped back, raising her hand in surrender. "Stop. I yield. I yield!" she exclaimed, dropping her wooden sword to the ground.

Nathaniel immediately ceased his attack, concern flashing across his face. "I am so sorry, Roderika. I didn't mean to go that hard."

Roderika waved a hand, trying to catch her breath. "It's okay, Nathaniel. You're just... you're getting really good. I just couldn't keep up."

Melina stepped forward, her voice calm and reassuring. "Thou did well, Roderika. Improvement comes with time and perseverance. Do not be discouraged."

Nathaniel offered Roderika a hand, helping her back to her feet. "You did great, Roderika. Really. It's all about practice. We'll keep working together, and you'll get better, too."

Roderika nodded, her cheeks flushed but a small smile on her lips. "Thanks, Nathaniel. I'll keep at it."

Melina observed the exchange. "Courage and perseverance, these are the qualities that shall carry us through. Now, let us rest and then resume our training. The path ahead is long, and we must be ready."

Nathaniel nodded, feeling a renewed sense of camaraderie and determination. "Right. Let's take a break and then get back to it. We're all in this together."

Night came, Melina gently tuck a blanket around Nathaniel as he drifted off into a peaceful slumber. She noticed the twinge of guilt in Roderika's eyes for keeping him up so late. As Roderika replayed their conversation in her head, Melina saw the uncertainty flicker across her face, wondering if there was any truth to Nathaniel's words about redemption.

A soft blue light glowed around Melina as she dimmed it to avoid waking Nathaniel. She beckoned Roderika to stay quiet, and they sat together, watching over the enigmatic Tarnished.

"Art thou worried for him?" Melina whispered.

Roderika nodded, her eyes never leaving Nathaniel's peaceful face. "He lost someone he cared about too."

"Indeed," Melina said softly. "Nathaniel may be unorthodox, but he has determination."

"That won't save him from Godrick. He needs skill with a blade," Roderika replied, shaking her head.

"I can see how much he's trying," Melina continued. "But something is hindering him from fully embracing his training. It's as if it doesn't feel real to him yet."

"What do you mean?" Roderika asked.

"He's still caught between reality and illusion," Melina explained. "He hasn't fully matured into a warrior."

Melina pondered the risk ahead. If Nathaniel failed and got killed in battle, Roderika would learn of his immortality. It was a significant risk, but she believed it was necessary for his growth. She didn't fully trust Roderika, but the woman didn't seem capable of malice. It was a risk Melina was willing to take.

"I see," Roderika said, her voice tinged with doubt.

"I have a plan," Melina revealed. "I will allow myself to be captured by Godrick's men, and Nathaniel will come and rescue me. It will push him to fight, and I hope my faith in him will not waver."

"I don't know. This seems wrong," Roderika replied.

"Nathaniel has to learn," Melina insisted. "I want to see how willing he is to save others' lives in danger. How much he cares about the lives of others."

Roderika hesitated but finally nodded. "Okay."

"Get ready," Melina said, her resolve firm as she prepared for the dangerous path ahead.

Nathaniel lay deep in slumber, the world outside his dreams a distant murmur. The serene quiet was abruptly shattered by a familiar, urgent voice.

"Nathaniel, Nathaniel, wake up!"

Roderika's voice cut through the haze of his sleep, dragging him back to the waking world. Groggy and disoriented, he jolted upright. "What? What's going on?"

Roderika's eyes were wide with concern, her voice trembling slightly. "Melina has been kidnapped."

Nathaniel's heart skipped a beat. "What!? How!? Melina can vanish in the blink of an eye. How could anyone capture her?"

Roderika bit her lip, her gaze darting nervously. "I overheard soldiers talking about a maiden being taken to their stronghold. They seemed certain she was their captive."

Nathaniel's frustration was evident in his tone. "If you knew soldiers were involved, why didn't you try to stop them?"

"I couldn't," Roderika said, her voice shaking with regret. "There were too many of them. I'm sorry."

"Alright, fuck it. We need to move."

He whistled sharply, and Torrent, his spectral steed, materialized with a shimmering glow. Nathaniel quickly donned his chainmail, the metallic clinks echoing in the quiet of the night.

"Torrent, Melina's been kidnapped. We need to get her back," Nathaniel said as he mounted his steed.

Roderika stepped forward, determination etched in her features despite her visible fear. "Nathaniel, let me come with you."

Nathaniel studied her. "Fine. Get on."

Roderika climbed onto Torrent's back, securing herself behind Nathaniel. As the spectral steed's hooves began to move, its ethereal form cutting through the darkness, Nathaniel felt a surge of adrenaline.

With a swift, determined gallop, they surged toward the enemy stronghold. The cool night air whipped past them, and the distant glow of the stronghold grew steadily brighter as they approached. Nathaniel's thoughts whirled with worry for Melina and the plan he needed to devise to rescue her from her captors. The urgency of their mission was a constant force, pushing them ever forward into the encroaching night.

Nathaniel leaped from Torrent, landing with a thud beside a foot soldier who had been patrolling the area. With a swift, decisive move, Nathaniel tackled the man to the ground.

"Where's Melina!?" Nathaniel demanded.

The soldier blinked in confusion. "Who?"

"A maiden," Nathaniel growled. "She's wearing a black cloak and has reddish-brown hair."

The foot soldier scowled. "Piss off, Tarnished. I ain't tellin' you shit!"

Nathaniel's patience snapped. He drove his fist into the soldier's face, then grabbed a torch from his belt. Holding it close, he let the flame dance near the man's face. "Tell me where she is, or I'll roast your face off."

The soldier's eyes widened in fear, and he quickly blurted out, "Okay, okay! We were hunting Tarnished for Godrick. We found her by chance and planned to use her as bait."

Nathaniel's mind raced. It didn't make sense. Melina could handle these people on her own; why would she be captured? But now was not the time for doubts.

"Where are they?" Nathaniel demanded.

"South," the soldier stammered, "east of here."

Nathaniel nodded sharply. "Alright. Roderika, let's move."

"Right behind you," Roderika replied, her voice steady despite the urgency.

Nathaniel mounted Torrent once more, his thoughts focused on the path ahead. With Roderika at his side, he urged the steed forward, the urgency of their mission driving them toward the enemy's location. The cool night air whipped around them as they raced against time, determined to find and rescue Melina before it was too late.

"Come on, love," the soldier said with a mocking tone. "Why don't you cooperate with us?"

Melina looked at him with disdain. "I have nothing to say to thee. Thou art ill-mannered and thy breath sullies my cloak."

The soldier's face reddened with anger. "What? You'd better watch that mouth of yours, bitch! You're lucky we're keeping you alive until that Tarnished shows up."

Another soldier intervened. "Venrick, leave her alone. Nothing's going to make her talk."

While the soldiers argued, Melina subtly shifted her position and managed to snatch the key from the soldier's belt without him noticing. Her fingers closed around the cold metal, and she hid it within the folds of her cloak, waiting for the right moment.

In the heart of the enemy camp, Nathaniel's voice rang out, filled with both desperation and defiance. "Let my maiden go!"

The leader of the enemy soldiers, a burly figure clad in golden armour, turned to face Nathaniel. His eyes gleamed with a cold, calculating light. "If ye wish for her freedom, then trade places with her."

Nathaniel's jaw tightened. "As tempting as that offer is, I have to say no. I mean hell no. Now, let go of my maiden!"

The enemy leader's lips curled into a smirk. "No, no. I think not. Unless, of course, you are willing to face me in a duel for her release."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "A duel? Fine. I accept your challenge."

Roderika, her voice laced with anxiety, stepped forward. "Nathaniel, what are you doing? He's an elite warrior. You don't stand a chance!"

Nathaniel gave her a reassuring look. "Roderika, I appreciate your concern, but I need to face this battle on my own. It's time I fought my own fights."

The enemy leader, who now revealed himself as Knight Warin of Limgrave, turned his attention back to Nathaniel. "I am Sir Warin of Limgrave. What is your name, challenger?"

"I'm Nathaniel. A Tarnished from Earth," Nathaniel replied, his voice steady.

"Earth?" Warin's brow furrowed in confusion. "What strange place does he speak of?"

"Never heard of such a land," one of Warin's lieutenants murmured to another.

"Enough talk," Nathaniel said. "Let's get this duel started."

Warin's smirk widened. "Very well. Prepare yourself, Tarnished. This duel shall be one for the ages."

With a commanding gesture, Warin stepped back, drawing a spear that seemed to absorb the surrounding light. Nathaniel, steeling himself, drew his own blade, the weight of his mission driving him forward.

The air around them crackled with tension as the duel began, each warrior's movements a dance of strategy and skill. Nathaniel's heart pounded in his chest.

In the heart of the enemy camp, the duel between Nathaniel and Knight Warin unfolded with a fierce intensity. The clashing of steel and the grunts of exertion filled the air as they fought.

Nathaniel lunged forward, his sword flashing in the dim light. Warin, encased in gleaming golden armour, deftly parried the attack with his massive greatshield, the impact reverberating through the battlefield. His spear, a deadly extension of his reach, struck out with precision. Nathaniel barely managed to dodge, but the spearhead grazed his side, drawing a shallow cut.

"Oh shit. Oh shit," Nathaniel muttered through gritted teeth, his hand instinctively pressing against the wound.

'Keep it together. I'm immortal. I can't let this stop me.' His thoughts raced, desperately trying to calm the surge of panic.

Warin's voice cut through the chaos with a mocking tone. "What's wrong, Tarnished? Are you finding the fight too daunting?"

Nathaniel gritted his teeth and swung his sword with renewed vigour, catching Warin off guard and landing a glancing blow to his helmet. The strike sent Warin staggering back, his golden armour clinking with each movement.

"Then stop swinging at me like a woman," Nathaniel sneered. "All you prove to me that you are nothing more than an asshole in metal!"

A furious shout came from Warin's men. "Do you let this lowly Tarnished speak to you so, Sir Warin!?"

Warin's eyes blazed with anger. "I shall have your tongue for such insolence!"

Nathaniel, catching his breath, shot back, "Come at me, asshole. You're not the only one who can talk trash."

In his mind, Nathaniel was in turmoil. 'I can't lose. I have to win this for Melina and for myself. This battle is more than just a fight; it's a test of everything I've been through.'

Warin's taunts cut deeper. "You are dreadful, Tarnished. I pondered why it took you so long to survive."

Melina's voice echoed in Nathaniel's mind, urgent and piercing. "Tarnished, thou art still hesitating!"

Nathaniel's eyes widened. "What!?"

"Hesitation is defeat," Melina's voice rang clear. "Thou must fight as if thou desirest to kill. Act with conviction or fall!"

'Fuck. I have to kill someone.'

As if galvanized by her words, Nathaniel surged forward with renewed determination. Warin swung his spear, aiming for Nathaniel's chest, but Nathaniel sidestepped, closing the distance. With a powerful thrust, he managed to slip past Warin's defences and deliver a decisive stab to his side.

Warin grunted in surprise. "What?"

Nathaniel's face hardened as he twisted the blade, the golden armour creaking under the force. He gritted his teeth, using every ounce of strength to drive the blade into Warin's neck.

In the moment of clarity before the final blow, Nathaniel's mind raced. 'I just killed a man. Did I really? I... I just killed him.'

As Warin crumpled to the ground, Nathaniel's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of his actions settling heavily on him. He watched as the once formidable captain fell, and a cold realization washed over him.

"He just killed Sir Warin!"

Nathaniel looked around at the stunned faces of the enemy soldiers, the fight leaving their eyes. He felt a strange mix of victory and sorrow, the thrill of survival tainted by the reality of taking a life.

The gates of the enemy stronghold were a grim, iron-clad barrier, now shattered and breached by the fury of battle. Amidst the chaos, Melina appeared like a beacon of hope, her presence commanding and resolute. With a swift, graceful motion, she joined Nathaniel and Roderika in the fight.

The clash of steel and the cries of combat filled the air. Melina moved with an ethereal elegance, her dagger dancing through the ranks of enemy soldiers. Each swing and thrust was precise and lethal, her movements a seamless blend of power and grace.

Nathaniel, despite his injuries, fought with fierce determination. He parried an incoming blow with his sword, using the momentum to drive his blade into the enemy's side. Blood spattered the ground, and Nathaniel pushed forward, his chainmail clinking with each step. His eyes locked onto another opponent, and with a swift, decisive strike, he cut the man down.

Roderika, though less experienced, fought with a raw intensity. She wielded her short sword with swift, calculated strikes, taking advantage of openings created by Nathaniel and Melina. She ducked under a swinging axe, countering with a quick slash across the enemy's exposed leg. The soldier crumpled, and Roderika moved on, her breaths coming in ragged gasps but her resolve unwavering.

Melina's movements were mesmerizing. She spun, her dagger flashing in the dim light as it found its mark in the throat of an enemy soldier. With a fluid motion, she disarmed another, her blade cutting a clean arc through the air. Her face remained calm, focused, a stark contrast to the chaos around her.

Nathaniel found himself fighting alongside Melina, their movements in sync. He blocked a heavy blow with his sword, deflecting it to the side while Melina stepped in, her dagger plunging into the soldier's chest. The enemy fell, and they pressed on, their combined strength cutting through the remaining soldiers.

Roderika provided crucial support, her keen eyes spotting threats and her quick reflexes saving them more than once. She deflected an arrow aimed at Nathaniel, her shield absorbing the impact. "Watch out!" she called, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

As the last of the enemy soldiers fell, Nathaniel felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He collapsed to his knees, blood seeping from a wound in his side. "We... we did it," he panted, looking up at Melina and Roderika. The battlefield around them was littered with the fallen, but they had emerged victorious.

As the last of the soldiers fell, the battlefield fell eerily silent. The only sound was the heavy breathing of the victors and the distant crackling of dying flames.

Nathaniel, battered and bleeding, finally collapsed onto the cold, hard ground, his strength waning. His breathing was laboured, each breath coming in ragged gasps. The weight of exhaustion and pain was overwhelming, but the sight of Melina's approving smile offered a flicker of solace amidst his suffering.

Melina approached Nathaniel. "I thought this man wouldn't be fit. Guess my worries were unfounded. He has what it takes to become Elden Lord," she said with a gentle smile.

"Yes," Roderika agreed. "Nathaniel has proven himself. He's shown remarkable bravery and resilience."

Nathaniel looked up at Melina, his vision blurring at the edges. The pain was intense, but her words provided a balm to his weary spirit. Despite the blood seeping from his wounds and the exhaustion threatening to pull him under, he felt a sense of accomplishment.

Melina's eyes softened. "Rest now, Nathaniel. Thy strength has been tested and proven. Thou hast much yet to achieve, but for now, take solace in this victory."

As the first light of dawn began to pierce through the clouds, casting a golden hue over the battlefield, Nathaniel allowed himself a weary smile.