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Verstael was a rising monster hunter. He had rather quickly gained popularity through the hunts that he did, taking out some of the most ferocious monsters. He prided himself highly for every kill he had, seeing it as another achievement that would get him the glory he felt he deserved.
Every time he stepped into a village he would immediately head to the local post and see what monsters needed to be killed. He would take as many as possible, ready to fight whatever could come his way.
One day he found a small village that had the most peculiar monster hunt on it. It was for some monster called "The Adagium" and it was said to be a level 10 threat. No one had ever captured it, or even survived fighting it in past encounters. It was not a threat to be messed with and so everyone tried their best to avoid the monster and plead that it would never come near them.
"Adagium huh…" Verstael mused as he stared at the notice. "How fascinating. This surely would be my greatest achievement yet if I am to defeat such a dreaded creature."
When he went to the town hall to state that he was going to take on this hunt, he was met with shocked expressions. He had assumed as much, but he prided himself to boast how well he had done with many monsters in the past.
He was a young man and had already captured and killed many monsters, what difference did a slightly more challenging one make? To him, still nothing he felt he couldn't handle. He told the town hall people that he would be back with the Adagium death within a week. Then they would sing his praises since they would be freed from the terrible beast.
He didn't care to stick around to hear their warnings or skepticism, there was no need for that. For now, he only had to prepare himself for what would lie ahead in his mission. He gathered supplies and tools and soon headed out into the forest surrounding the town. Deep within the woods would be his monster, and from there it would only be a matter of time before the Adagium was dead.
Finding the Adagium though, was a bit on the harder side. He had done what he could to read up on the beast, and from what he found, it could move within the shadows. It could literally turn itself into the darkness itself and glide between shadows with ease.
It fascinated him that such a creature could exist, and he started to become curious how it actually functioned. He knew that once he was able to get his hands on the Adagium, he would take as much time as he needed experimenting on it to study it.
"It's only a matter of time now," he thought to himself. "Soon the Adagium will come and I shall have my prize."
He set up his traps and equipment, scanning the dark areas of the forest. He had ventured as deep as he felt was necessary for a first attempt. All he had to do now was play the waiting game and see if he had any results.
"Come Adagium, show yourself to me and what powers you hold!" Verstael shouted, his voice echoing into the woods. "Show me what you are capable of!"
Verstael waited, quieting listening to everything all around him. There was nothing for what felt like the longest time, but then his sensors started to beep. The readings were activating and Verstael frequently looked around for any off-looking shadows.
"There's no reason to hide, Adagium! Soon you will meet your end by my hand."
"For a man who claims he will best me by his hand, he uses quite a lot of technology and tools," a voice whispered practically in his ear.
Verstael jumped back and pulled out a blade from his pocket. "The tools I use are only an extension of my hand. It still will end the same for you. No matter what you try, I will be the one who succeeds. Then I shall claim the glory I seek from this venture and the people shall be freed of your terror."
"And you are one who talks far too much," the voice practically purred.
Verstael snapped his head around, trying to locate the source of the allusive Adagium. He still saw nothing out of the ordinary other than his equipment acting up. He knew he was getting closer though, any moment the Adagium could make a mistake and then he would have it!
"Why do you hide? Is your sight so horrific that it would stop the beating of a heart? Or are you truly a monster of the shadows, no true physical form."
"You are by far the most curious human I have encountered. Why are you not scared. I am the Adagium, something more fearful than the old fabled boogeyman."
"The Adagium is just another monster. I have fought plenty before and you shall be no different. I shall prevail."
"We shall see about that…"
From the shadows before him, Verstael watched as a figure appeared. It seemed to materialize from thin air as it formed a shape. Verstael gasped as a man appeared. His eyes widened as he marveled that the Adagium had taken the form of a man, and the features of the man… well that was a whole other story.
Verstael had never seen a man with such unique and quite exquisite features. "What a marvel…" he muttered aloud.
The Adagium scoffed, brushing the rather long reddish purple hair back behind his shoulders. "Still such a complete weird one."
"Tell me Adagium, how are you able to take the form of a man? What powers do you hold that allows such a thing? Even your tone of voice is far less demonic than it was before. Practically human!"
"Oh my, what have become of the humans who were terrified of my mere presence? If you wish to know… what do you have to offer?" the Adagium said as he held out his hand.
Verstael raised an eyebrow. "To offer? You are the kind of monster who will make deals with mortals?"
"I suppose… I never considered trying before now. So why not," the Adagium smiled. "Give me something and in return I shall grant you the knowledge that you seek."
Verstael hummed, mulling over the possibilities he was presented with. He knew that there was no way he was going to pass up such an opportunity. He would take this right away, not even stopping to consider the consequences.
Stepping towards the Adagium holding out a hand. "I offer nothing but myself. Surely the Adagium could use some company, yes?"
"Strange man," the Adagium sighed softly. "But intriguing."
"Do you accept then?"
"I fear if I don't, you may never leave me regardless."
The Adagium moved forward and grasped Verstael's hand. Darkness flicker around their wrists and for a brief moment Verstael felt something cold wash over him. He was positive whatever it was had to do with the Adagium's powers, and he marveled that he had been given such an honor to get it.
"Since you are dedicating yourself to this… you should know that my name is not Adagium."
"Then what is it?"
"Ardyn," he said in a soft voice. "And that is what I prefer you to call me. The title of Adagium has grown wearisome."
Verstael grinned. "Very well, Ardyn. Then that is what it shall be."