Depressing News

As the undead Sean made his way towards Emily, he encountered a group of bandits along the way. They leered at him, their eyes greedy as they saw the valuable items he carried.

"Hand over your valuables, or we'll take them by force," the leader of the bandits snarled, brandishing his sword.

Sean didn't say a word, his face a blank mask as he drew his own weapon. The bandits laughed, thinking him an easy target.

But they quickly realized their mistake as Sean moved with lightning speed, his strikes precise and deadly. He didn't flinch as the bandits tried to cut him, their blades passing harmlessly through his undead body.

The bandits began to panic as they fell one by one, their screams echoing through the wilderness. Within minutes, the battle was over, and the bandits lay dead at Sean's feet.

As he continued on his mission, the necromancer's voice whispered in his ear. "Good job, my loyal servant," the necromancer purred. "Now, go and find Emily. Bring her to me, alive. I have plans for her."

Sean nodded, his mind consumed by the necromancer's will. He would stop at nothing to complete his mission, even if it meant facing his former friends and allies.

When Sean was battling the bandits, Jackson and Emily faced off in the courtyard, their practice swords drawn and ready for battle. Jackson couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, as he had been training with Emily for days now, learning the intricacies of her martial arts style and honing his own skills. But today, he had something extra up his sleeve: the powers of the Heaven's Gaze.

"Alright, Emily," Jackson said, his voice low and focused. "Let's see what you've got."

Emily grinned, her eyes glinting with determination. "I'm ready when you are," she said.

The two of them charged at each other, their swords clashing with a thud. Jackson kept one eye on Emily, watching her movements carefully as he tried to predict her next attack. But Emily was fast, her strikes coming faster than Jackson could anticipate.

As they fought, Jackson could feel the energy of the Heaven's Gaze coursing through his veins, fueling his movements and sharpening his senses. He felt a surge of power as he used its abilities to deflect Emily's attacks and land a few of his own.

Finally, with a final flourish, Jackson disarmed Emily and sent her sword flying across the courtyard. She stood panting, her eyes wide with surprise.

"I can't believe it," she said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "You've really mastered the powers of the Heaven's Gaze."

Jackson grinned, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "I've had a good teacher," he said, bowing to Emily. "But don't think I've gotten too strong for you. I'm sure you'll be able to take me down next time."

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "I'm sure I will," she said. "But for now, I think we should call it a day. I need to catch my breath."

After the practice match, Jackson couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he helped Emily up from the ground. "That was amazing," he said, grinning. "I didn't think I'd be able to defeat you without using my arcane powers."

Emily returned his smile, her eyes sparkling. "You've come a long way, Jackson," she said. "I'm proud of you."

Jackson blushed at her words, feeling a warm glow in his chest. He knew that he still had a long way to go in his training, but he was determined to get there. He had a debt to pay, and he would do whatever it took to bring the necromancer to justice.

The next day, as Jackson walked through the bustling streets of El Dorus, his mind was focused on finding the ingredients he needed for dinner. He had just turned down a narrow alleyway when he heard a voice behind him.

"Jackson," the voice said. "It's good to see you again."

Jackson turned to see Sean standing behind him, a smile on his face. But as soon as Jackson met his eyes, he knew something was off. There was a cold, empty glint in Sean's gaze, and his skin had a pale, waxy quality to it.

"Sean?" Jackson said, his voice laced with concern. "Is that you?"

But as Jackson reached out to greet him, Sean's face twisted into a snarl and he lunged at Jackson with unnatural speed.

Jackson was caught off guard, but years of training and battle experience kicked in as he expertly dodged and parried each of Sean's blows. Despite his skill, Jackson couldn't help but notice that something was off about Sean. His movements were jerky and unnatural, and he seemed to be immune to the pain of Jackson's strikes.

As they fought, Jackson's heart heavy with grief and confusion, he finally caught a glimpse of the glowing green runes etched into Sean's skin. With a sinking feeling, he realized the truth – his old friend was no longer alive. He had been turned into an undead warrior, controlled by the necromancer who had killed him.

"Sean, it's me," Jackson shouted, desperation creeping into his voice. "Don't you remember me? We were friends! We trained and fought together! You can't let this evil control you like this!"

But Sean didn't seem to hear him, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light as he continued to attack relentlessly. Jackson knew he couldn't keep this up forever – he had to retreat and regroup with Emily. With a heavy heart, he backed away slowly, never taking his eyes off of the undead warrior that was once his dear friend.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of fear and dread wash over him. He had never encountered anything like this before – an undead warrior controlled by a powerful necromancer.

Sean stood in the dark alley, his eyes and the green runes etched into his skin glowing in the darkness. Despite the wounds that Jackson had inflicted on him, they seemed to heal before his very eyes, a sinister green light emanating from within him.

"Sean," Jackson said, his voice laced with sorrow. "What has that monster done to you?"

But Sean didn't answer. He simply stood there, his eyes locked on Jackson, as if he was waiting for something.

Jackson knew that he couldn't fight Sean alone. He needed to regroup with Emily and come up with a plan to take down the necromancer and save Sean.

Turning on his heel, Jackson ran back to his home, his mind racing with possibilities.

Jackson burst through the door of his house, his heart racing and his breath coming in short gasps. Emily looked up from where she was sitting at the table, a worried expression on her face.

"What is it?" she asked, standing up. "What's wrong?"

Jackson shook his head, unable to find the words to explain what had just happened. Tears welled up in his eyes as he remembered the sight of Sean, his old friend and ally, transformed into a mindless undead warrior controlled by the necromancer.

"It's Sean," Jackson managed to get out, his voice choked with emotion. "I saw him in town. He's been turned into an undead, Emily. He tried to attack me."

Emily's eyes widened in shock and grief. "No," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It can't be. How could this have happened?"

Jackson shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I don't know," he said. "But we have to find a way to stop this necromancer, for Sean's sake and for all the other victims they've claimed. We have to bring them to justice, Emily."

"I can't believe it," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Sean was such a kind, brave person. How could this have happened to him?"

Jackson placed a comforting hand on Emily's shoulder. "I know it's hard to accept," he said softly. "But we have to be strong. We can't let the necromancer win. We have to find a way to defeat them and put an end to this evil."

Emily looked up at Jackson, her eyes filled with determination. "You're right," she said, wiping her tears. "We can't give up. We have to avenge Sean and all the other victims of the necromancer's dark magic."

But despite Emily's resolve, Jackson knew that he couldn't put her in harm's way again. He had already lost too many friends, and he couldn't bear the thought of losing Emily as well.

"I'll face Sean alone," he said firmly. "It's my responsibility. You stay here and wait for me. I'll find a way to bring Sean back, no matter what it takes."

Emily nodded, knowing that Jackson's mind was made up. She watched as he gathered his weapons and prepared to face the undead warrior, her heart heavy with grief and fear.