Chereads / Vigilante System / Chapter 16 - Path

Chapter 16 - Path

Rian follows the path down the mountain and too a near by forest for food. As Rian entered the forest, he kept his senses sharp and alert. As he walked deeper into the woods, he noticed movement in the distance. Cautiously, Rian approached the source of the motion and soon spotted a lone boar.

Thinking quickly, Rian conjures a small fire in the palm of his hand. The flames dance and flicker, casting an orange glow amidst the shadows of the forest. With a swift and accurate motion, he hurls the fiery projectile towards the boar, the fireball hit the boar with incredible force, abruptly ending its life. After ensuring the boar was no longer a threat, Rian proceeded to cut up the carcass for food. With skilled hands, he expertly removed the boar's hide, revealing the meat underneath. Working swiftly and efficiently, he sliced through the flesh, separating it into manageable portions.

As Rian continued deeper into the woods, he kept his senses sharp and alert. He spotted various types of berries growing on bushes around him. With careful consideration, he began to collect ripe and edible berries, being mindful not to take more than he needed.

Rian then find a spot to rest as he sets up a small camp for him. He started by gathering dry leaves and twigs to build a small fire pit. Rian carefully arranged the sticks to create a stable base. He gathered a small flame from his finger then gently and carefully, Rian lowered his fingertip towards the dry tinder in the fire pit, allowing the flame to catch on the prepared materials. The fire eagerly embraced the fuel, and soon the flames danced and flickered. He then makes a skewer with the meat and berries and Placing the loaded skewer above the crackling flames. Once the meat and berries were cooked to perfection, Rian carefully removes the skewer from the fire. He blows on the food, a gentle breeze cooling it just enough for him to take the first bite, satisfying his hunger.

After satisfying his hunger Rian then uses his earth manipulation causing the earth to shift and mold beneath him. Slowly but steadily, he creates a tunnel, burrowing his way into the ground. As Rian burrows into the ground, he utilizes his earth manipulation skills to create a secure underground shelter for himself. Rian focused his attention on creating a secure underground shelter. He carefully carved out a small chamber, making sure to leave enough room for him to stand and move about. After the shelter was complete Rian closes the entry point completely surrounding him in darkness. As Rian settled into his underground shelter, he found comfort in the darkness but also he found that the absence of sight heightened his other senses. With his vision removed, his hearing became more acute, allowing him to pick up on even the faintest of sounds from the forest above. The rustling of leaves, the soft scurrying of small creatures, and the distant calls of birds all became more clear. Rian, with his advanced ears, decided to take a drastic step to enhance his sense of smell. Rian covered his ears, effectively blocking out any external sound. By doing so, he hoped to enhance his sense of smell significantly. Rian noticed a subtle change the scents in his environment seemed more vivid and distinct. He could now detect the delicate fragrance of flowers in the distance, the sweet scent of the berries he had collected earlier, and even the lingering smokiness from the fire he had made.

As time passed, Rian began to slowly uncover his ears he let the sounds flow back in his ears. Rian then began to gather some sticks made a small fire allowing him to see in his underground shelter. Sitting by the crackling fire, Rian found himself lost in deep reflection. His mind wandered back to the events that had transpired in the throne room. He chose the vigilante path, seeking justice outside the boundaries of the law. It was a decision that carried both risks and responsibilities but he was prepared to face them head-on.

After reflecting he decide to pay the system a visit by going into the fragment of his mind. As Rian sat by the fire, he closed his eyes and went to sleep and when he opened his eyes he was in the fragment of his mind.

Rian found himself in the fragment of his mind, greeted by the presence of the system.

"Greetings, Rian," the system's voice echoed in his mind. "It seems you seek my guidance once more?"

"Yes," Rian replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't know where to go right now. Give me a place to go and maybe a quest.

The system paused momentarily, as if analyzing the possibilities. After done it spoke. "Venture forth to the city of Eldoria, It lies deep within the Lost Woods. The city has fallen into a state of turmoil, with rumors of a mysterious cult gaining power" The system continued. "Your quest is to investigate the cult's activities and put an end to their schemes"

"I understand" Rian replied, his voice determined. he was ready to face the challenges ahead. With the quest in mind, Rian opened his eyes and found himself back in his underground shelter. The fire he had set earlier was still burning, casting a warm glow in the darkness. Before leaving, Rian made sure to extinguish the fire. Rian then used his earth manipulation With a focused mind, he channeled his energy into the ground over him. Slowly parting ways to create a hole leading upwards. As the hole widened, Rian could feel the coolness of the outside air Rian gracefully ascended, emerging into the forest above. Rian then directed his attention back to the hole he had created. Not wanting to leave any trace of his presence, he skillfully manipulated the earth once again, causing it to close up behind him.

With the underground shelter concealed, Rian stepped back into the forest above. The night had fallen, Before setting off, Rian made sure to check his supplies, ensuring he had enough food, water, and other essentials for the journey ahead. He securely fastened his gear, including the skewer he had made earlier, which still had some leftover cooked meat and berries.

As he started walking towards Eldoria, he couldn't shake the feeling that the forest was whispering to him. The enhanced senses he had experienced in his underground shelter seemed to linger, making the natural world feel more alive and communicative. As Rian ventured deeper into the woods, he couldn't help but notice that the trees seemed to guide him along his path. They almost appeared to part, creating a clear and direct route towards Eldoria. Rian kept a low profile, avoiding any encounters.