Chapter 14.1. Delving into darkness.

Lilith returned to Taraka town, after six months of intense training at Temple of Zhen Wu Her companions Sharr, Kragor, Azael and Cian in tow. The journey home allowed ample time to reflect on lessons learned during arduous retreat – both physical skills honed through grueling drills, and mental fortitude, forged by enduring countless trials.

Upon reaching bustling streets of Gobniu’s domain once more, Lilith left her companions to enjoy a rest in an inn and set off alone to seek audience with master blacksmith.

The towering forge where they first met now seemed almost welcoming – a familiar beacon amidst unfamiliar surroundings. As Lilith approached imposing entrance, memory of past dealings with cunning smithy flashed through mind: the tense negotiations over ancient spear, the grudging admiration, exchanged during final handshake.

Lilith steeled herself, to take deep breath before rapping knuckles against weathered wood – an act that felt equal parts nerve-wracking and exhilarating. The heavy door creaked open, revealing craggy face of Gobniu himself. His eyes widened briefly in recognition, then narrowed appraisingly, as he took measure of changes wrought upon Lilith’s form and bearing during hiatus.

– Ah, – he rumbled approvingly: – So the prodigal student returns at last! I trust temple treated you well? – a sly grin tugged corner weathered lips: – And that we may resume our… discussions? Come now – let us not dawdle upon threshold like common beggars! Your bracelet is ready.

With heavy heart but determined step, Lilith followed king of Taraka.

Gobniu led Lilith through winding corridors of his forge, each step echoing with unspoken weight of moment to come. Finally, they reached heavily-guarded door.

The blacksmith gestured for her to enter first, eyes gleaming with anticipation.

– I present you my gift, Lilith – and your requested price, – with trembling hands, Lilith accepted delicate bracelet proffered upon velvet cushion. Its intricate filigree glowed faintly in iridescent light, as she turned it over and over, marveling at artistry poured into every twist turn.

– Are you ready? – Gobniu asked softly, his weathered voice carrying gravitas, reserved for rarest occasions: – Once this bond forged, there is no going back.

Lilith took a deep breath, heart thrumming excitement mingled with fear. Then with decisive motion, she slipped bracelet over wrist.

The metal seemed almost alive, as it melded seamlessly into flesh, sinking deeper and deeper, until finally settling snugly against upper arm. As Lilith watched, intricate pattern of swirls and runes blossomed forth like living tattoo – a permanent mark on her hand. It swirled and changed until it made a pattern, which to Lilith resemble Venus flytrap plant pictures.

A sharp sting accompanied final transformation, as though divine blood itself coursed through new channel. Lilith gasped, feeling strength surge anew throughout body and mind.

The world sharpened into vivid clarity around her, and a sense of peace settled over soul like warm embrace.

As Lilith flexed her newly-enhanced muscles, a familiar tension coiled tight within chest – the ever-present Mark of Cain whispering siren song of violence. Years of practice allowed her to push aside murderous urges, but never fully silence them.

Until now. The moment Gobniu’s enchanted bracelet sunk into skin, that nagging hunger began to fade away. It wasn’t gone entirely – more like muted background noise compared to deafening roar before. An insidious throb, rather than screaming demand.

Lilith exhaled slow shuddering breath, marveling at sudden clarity crowning mind free from curse’s incessant clamor. Colors seemed brighter, sounds sharper – like waking from long dream haze, to crisp reality beyond.

– Amazing, – she whispered reverently, trailing fingertips over glowing sigil now etched permanently upon arm: – The relief… I cannot properly express gratefulness. You created quite a miracle. It works, even better than I expected.

– Mark of Cain, then. I thought that you have it. Surprised that you did not slaughtered everyone in my town. But your new skill set will lessen the curse, although, will not remove it, – Gobniu’s grizzled visage split into crooked smile. Pride evident in posture, as he explained workings behind magical talisman: – All your new skills are at master level, and will remain so, even if some other of your skills will be diminished. And they will not disappear, no matter what happens.

– What if someone chops of my arm, and I re-grew new one.

– Then you will lose your skills, and bracelet will be destroyed. Just like it will break upon your death.

– Too bad.

– There are limitations, – grudgingly said Gobniu: – Skill bracelet is material object, even if it is merged with your flesh. Also I am only one, who can remove it, if you are wondering. My I ask about your plans, for next eighteen month?

– Plan to visit your Training Dungeon. My other band members need to get stronger.

– You do know that it is an Ancient Dungeon.

– I do. Not my first one. Do not worry, we will take it slow.

– Wish you good luck. Does not seems that you need anything from me?

– No. Not until you finish my other four bracelets.

– Bring me some monster materials and magic gems if you get any. I’ll pay good price for them.

– I will keep that in mind, – nodded Lilith: – But no magic gems. You can get monster materials, though.

Blacksmith nodded and Lilith left his quarters.

With Gobniu’s enchanted bracelet now adorning her arm, Lilith stepped out onto bustling streets of Taraka, her mind reeling with newfound possibilities, unlocked by mystical talisman’s blessings.

The usual cacophony of town’s life washed over her, yet somehow felt different this time – clearer, crisper. Even distant squawk of marketplace peddler haggling prices, cut through din with startling acuity.

For first time in memory, that perpetual gnawing hunger at core remained stilled. No more incessant whispers – urging to spill blood just to taste the sweet release. Just serene emptiness, where curse once held sway – thanks to masterful craftsmanship imbued in precious artifact. Lilith asked him to give the bracelet an ability to grant her fourteen skills. Among them were Unbreakable Will, Curse Resistance and Charm. Every skill at master level, carefully chosen to help her to control the cursed Mark of Cain skill. And her gamble paid off.

A sigh escaped parted lips, as Lilith stretched languidly, like cat basking in sun, relishing simple pleasure of unencumbered existence. Few moments grace existed, where everything fell right in place, burden lifted momentarily from weary shoulders.

Yet even respite had limits. Duty called like siren song, drawing intrepid explorer back towards shadowed depths, awaiting bravery enough dare venture forth. Training Dungeon awaited her. Her and her companions. Next sunrise was a day that she marked for their next journey.