The light of dawn bathed Alaric in its warm embrace, filling him with a surge of energy. The red amber stone in his hand glowed brilliantly, and all his pain and exhaustion vanished. With renewed strength, he began his descent from the mountaintop, eager to find civilization and answers to the questions that plagued his mind.
As he reached the foot of the mountain, a strange, calming sensation washed over him. Intrigued, he followed the feeling deeper into the forest, where he stumbled upon a young girl engaged in combat with a forest golem. She skillfully wielded a dagger, her movements precise and controlled. With a final strike, she defeated the golem, blue blood oozing from its wounds.
"Impressive," Alaric thought, watching as the girl, dressed in a white low-rank guardian uniform that looked like a full jumpsuit with a dagger belt and white hood, began dissecting the golem to extract its core. Her eyes were focused and determined as she worked.
As he approached her, a sudden movement caught his eye. A beast—a rabbit with a vivid blue lightning horn—charged at him with terrifying speed. Instinctively, Alaric summoned his powers, his eyes glowing with a golden light. He dodged the attack and retaliated with a blast of light, striking the beast down in one swift motion.
When he turned back towards the girl, he saw her staring at him, her eyes wide with shock and awe. "Did you just...?" she began, her voice filled with amazement.
"Yeah, I guess I did," Alaric thought, feeling a bit embarrassed by the attention. "She's almost the same age as me," he mused.
"That was incredible!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I've never seen anyone take down a lightning horn rabbit so easily. They're one of the toughest basic tier beasts, especially because of their speed and agility for beginners like us."
Alaric smiled modestly. "I just got lucky, I guess. What's your name?"
"Clem Williams," she said, extending her hand. "And you are?"
"Alaric Draven," he replied, shaking her hand. "Are you from around here? I'm looking for Quinton Village."
Clem was surprised. "Is he the same person I'm thinking of?" she wondered. "The weakest of the weak in our village. What is he doing here?" Clem's eyes widened. "Quinton Village? That's my home! What a coincidence. I was just gathering some healing herbs to make potions," she said.
"I hope he is the same person," she thought.
Alaric's heart lifted at the prospect of finding someone from the village. "Could you show me the way? I'm a bit lost."
"Of course! I'll be heading back there once I've collected enough herbs," Clem said, smiling brightly. "Why don't you help me, and we can head back together?"
"Sounds like a plan," Alaric agreed, feeling a sense of relief. He had found an ally in this strange, dangerous forest.
As they ventured through the forest, searching for the herbs, Clem glanced at Alaric, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She noticed his worn and torn clay-colored pants and simple t-shirt with claw marks on the chest, blood stains, and torn sleeves, a stark contrast to her own guardian attire. His story intrigued her, but something didn't quite add up.
"So, Alaric, where did you learn to fight like that?" Clem asked, glancing at him with a hint of suspicion.
"It's a long story," Alaric replied, choosing his words carefully. "Let's just say I discovered something within myself recently, something that gave me these powers."
"Like an awakening?" Clem asked. "How can it be? It's so rare that only one in a trillion gets awakened, and that too if you don't have powers by birth."
"Something like that," Alaric said, not wanting to reveal the full truth about the amber stone and his dark powers. "I've been surviving by fighting the beasts in this forest ever since."
"But just for how long?" she thought. Letting it go, she nodded, accepting his explanation but still feeling uneasy. "It's amazing. I've heard of people awakening powers, but it's rare. You must be very strong."
Alaric shrugged. "I'm just trying to make it through each day."
As they continued their search, Clem shared more about the village and the surrounding area. "Quinton Village is small, but it's home. We have a few skilled fighters and healers, but most of us are just trying to live peacefully. The forest is dangerous, especially at night. The beast density rises significantly after dark."
"I've noticed," Alaric said, recalling his encounters with the various beasts. "What can you tell me about these beasts? Are there more powerful ones out there?"
"Oh, definitely," Clem said, her tone getting serious. "The basic tier beasts like the forest golem and the lightning horn rabbit are just the beginning. Above them are the intermediate tier beasts, which are much tougher and often have elemental abilities. Then there are the advanced tier beasts, which can be almost impossible to defeat without a team."
Alaric listened intently, absorbing the information. "And what's the highest tier?"
Clem hesitated, her expression turning grim. "The highest known tier is the Calamity tier. Beasts of that level are catastrophic, capable of destroying entire villages. They're four tiers above the advanced tier and extremely rare—followed by killer tier, demigod tier, and demon tier. But when they appear, it's a disaster."
"Calamity tier," Alaric repeated, feeling a chill run down his spine. "I hope I never have to face one of those."
They finally found the healing herbs they were looking for, nestled among the roots of an ancient tree. As they collected the herbs, Clem continued to ask Alaric about himself.
"So, how did you end up here, Alaric? You mentioned you were lost. Your grandfather would be searching for you."
"I was... abandoned," Alaric admitted, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Left to fend for myself in this forest. But I won't let that stop me. I need to find my way back and figure out what's happening to me."
Clem looked at him with sympathy but also suspicion. "I'm sorry to hear that. But it sounds like you're doing well despite everything. And you have these amazing powers now."
"Yeah, I guess I do," Alaric said, managing a small smile. "And what about you, Clem? How did you become so skilled?"
"My parents taught me," Clem said proudly. "They were both guardians in our village, and they passed on their knowledge to me. I want to be just like them, protecting our home."
Alaric admired her determination. "Your parents must be proud."
"They are," Clem said, her eyes shining with pride. "And now, I'm doing my part to help the village. These herbs will make a lot of healing potions."
As they walked back towards the village, they continued to talk, sharing stories and learning more about each other. Clem's company was a welcome relief from the loneliness Alaric had felt since being abandoned.
"So, what was it like growing up in Quinton Village?" Alaric asked, curious about the place Clem called home.
"It was peaceful, for the most part," Clem replied, a nostalgic smile on her face. "We had our share of troubles with the beasts, but we always managed. The community is close-knit, and everyone looks out for each other."
"Sounds nice," Alaric said, feeling a pang of longing. "I haven't had a place to call home in a long time."
"What happened between him and his grandfather?" she wondered. "Well, you're welcome to stay with us," Clem said warmly. "I'm sure the village would welcome someone with your abilities."
Alaric nodded, grateful for her kindness. "Thank you, Clem. I'll consider it."
As they neared the village, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the forest. Alaric felt a sense of hope for the first time in a while. He had found an ally, and soon he would find a place to belong.
But his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden rustling in the bushes. Clem and Alaric both tensed, ready for whatever might emerge. A figure stepped out from the shadows, cloaked in darkness.
"Who's there?" Clem called out, her voice steady despite the tension.
The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, hooded person. "I mean you no harm," the stranger said, their voice calm and measured. "I have been watching you, Alaric Draven."
Alaric's heart raced. "Who are you? How do you know my name?"
The stranger lowered their hood, revealing a face shrouded in shadow. "I am a guardian of the forest. I have been tasked with observing those who show promise. And you, Alaric, have shown great promise."
Clem looked at Alaric, her eyes wide with surprise and a hint of suspicion. "What does this mean?"
"It means," the stranger continued, "that your journey is only beginning. There are forces at play far greater than you realize, and you have a role to play in what is to come."
Alaric felt a mix of fear and determination. "What are you talking about? What role?"
The stranger's eyes glowed with a mysterious light. "All in due time. For now, you must continue to grow stronger. Your true test lies ahead."
With that, the stranger turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Alaric and Clem standing in stunned silence.