A Mother's Desperation: Ramon Salazar's Childhood and Illness.
Ramon's early years were marked by constant struggles with his health. He was often bedridden, weak, and in pain, which made him an easy target for bullies in the village near Salazar Castle. Despite his frailty, Ramon had a wild imagination and a fascination with the dark secrets of the castle that loomed over his home. He would spend hours reading books on medieval weaponry and studying the history of his noble family, which traced back to Spanish nobles known for their valor in battles against pagan communities.
Ramon's mother, Catalina Salazar, doted on him with unwavering love and care. She would stay by his side day and night, seeking every possible cure for her ailing son. When conventional medicine failed to improve Ramon's condition, Catalina turned to more unconventional means. Rumors whispered of a mysterious figure who lived deep in the forest, rumored to possess dark and forbidden knowledge. Desperate to save her only son, Catalina ventured into the forbidden forest, willing to do whatever it took to find a cure for Ramon.
After weeks of searching, Catalina finally encountered the enigmatic figure, known only as "the hermit." It was said that the hermit possessed supernatural powers and had dabbled in forbidden arts. Catalina pleaded with the hermit to save her son, offering everything she had in return. The hermit, intrigued by Catalina's desperation, agreed to help.
Ramon's treatment by the hermit was secretive and shrouded in mystery. Catalina noticed a drastic change in her son after the treatment. Ramon's once frail body grew stronger, and his mind seemed sharper and more focused. However, Catalina also noticed a dark glint in Ramon's eyes, a newfound ruthlessness that disturbed her. She confronted the hermit, demanding to know what had been done to her son. The hermit only smiled enigmatically, refusing to reveal the details of the treatment.
As Ramon grew older, his personality underwent a drastic change. He became known for his sharp wit, cunning intelligence, and merciless demeanor. He gained a reputation for his cruelty towards those who crossed him, and his thirst for power and control became insatiable. Some whispered that the treatment by the hermit had altered Ramon's mind, making him more susceptible to darker influences.
It was during this time that Ramon came into contact with Osmund Saddler, the leader of Los Iluminados. Saddler recognized Ramon's potential and saw in him a valuable ally in his quest for domination. Saddler preyed upon Ramon's hunger for power and fed his ambition, filling his mind with twisted ideologies and radical beliefs. Ramon became enthralled by Saddler's charismatic persona and the promises of power and immortality that Los Iluminados offered.
Under Saddler's influence, Ramon became obsessed with the ancient Las Plagas parasite that had been sealed beneath Salazar Castle for generations. He saw it as a tool of ultimate power, capable of granting him the authority and control he craved. Ramon delved deep into the castle's history, studying the ancient texts and unlocking the secrets of the Las Plagas. He became determined to set the parasite free and harness its power for his own nefarious purposes.
Ramon's obsession with the Las Plagas led him to embark on a dark and forbidden mission. He secretly ordered the excavation of the caves beneath Salazar Castle.