Elara, the neighbor girl from his memories, had undergone a remarkable transformation. The Elara he remembered was a simple beauty, with hair like a cascade of midnight and eyes reflecting the moon's gentle glow. She was the epitome of rural charm, her features soft and serene, often dressed in modest attire adorned with subtle floral patterns. Her presence was a soothing balm in the rugged landscape of their village life.
But the Elara standing before him now was a stark contrast to his memories. Her hair had transformed into a living tapestry of vibrant leaves and blooming flowers, each petal and leaf seemingly pulsing with life. Her eyes, deep and expressive, were like windows to ancient forests, shimmering in shades of green and brown. Her skin bore an earthy tone, and her entire being radiated a tranquil yet powerful aura, as if she had become one with the very essence of nature.
Caelum's heart ached, though these were memories of the old Caelum. He recalled something Shade once said about the heart having brain cells that could store memories. When one forgets in their mind, they could still remember in their heart. And so, despite the stark difference, the sight of Elara evoked a deep, inexplicable sense of loss and nostalgia within him.
As Elara noticed Caelum, her expression shifted from one of solemn contemplation to startled recognition. She rushed towards him, her movements graceful yet charged with urgency. As she reached him, she fell into his embrace, sobbing uncontrollably against his chest.
Caelum, though touched by the raw display of emotion, maintained his composure, not knowing how to respond. His arms wrapped around her in a gesture that was more protective than comforting. "Elara," he said, his voice cracked yet contrastingly distant. "What happened here?"
Between sobs, Elara managed to compose herself enough to speak. "After… after the bandits left, I… I couldn't leave them like that," she said, gesturing towards the ashes of the pyre. "So I… I did what I could. I gave them a proper farewell."
Caelum nodded, understanding her actions. In a world where the dead could be used for nefarious purposes, her decision to cremate the bodies was both brave and wise. "You did well," he acknowledged, his tone still distant.
Caelum, his gaze fixed on Elara, felt an unfamiliar energy emanating from her. It was a presence he hadn't noticed in their previous encounters. Driven by curiosity and the need for understanding, he invoked the Observe function of the Gunslinger System. The information materialized before his eyes, leaving him bewildered:
[System Message:
Name: Elara
Class: Nature's Guardian (Level 1)
Core Skills:
Floral Whisper: Communicate with plants to gain information about surroundings.
Animal Kinship: Temporarily bond with animals for assistance or reconnaissance.
Abilities:
Nature's Touch: Heal minor wounds using natural energy.
Vine Grasp: Summon vines to entangle or hinder enemies.
Stat Allocation Per Level:
Vitality (VIT): +1
Agility (AGI): +1
Wisdom (WIS): +1
Charisma (CHA): +1
Free Stats: +4
Caelum's mind raced as he processed this revelation. Elara, whom the old Caelum knew to have neither the talent nor the will to awaken a class, had become a Nature's Guardian, a class that resonated deeply with the natural world around her. Her transformation was astonishing, a testament to the unpredictable and often unfathomable ways of this world.
Elara, her sobs subsiding, looked up at Caelum, her eyes brimming with a mix of relief and sorrow. "Why did you leave me, Caelum? Why did you abandon me?" Her voice was a whisper, laden with the weight of loss and abandonment.
Caelum sighed, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly. He understood her pain. The old Caelum, driven by a desperate need to save his sister, had rushed after the bandits without a second thought, leaving Elara behind. It was a miracle she had survived the ordeal.
"I didn't think," he said, his voice desperate. "At that moment, nothing else mattered but my sister. But your survival... it is something to be grateful for."
Elara's gaze fell, and she nodded slowly, understanding dawning in her eyes. "I know. I just... I felt so alone."
Looking at Elara, Caelum felt an unexpected surge of protectiveness envelop him. Was it because she was the last living link to his past in this village? He didn't want to abandon her, not again. "Heart does not forget, even if the mind does," he muttered to himself, holding her. "Let's go," he said firmly. She nodded, following him with a quiet understanding. Both had changed; they were no longer the people they once were.
In the wake of the village's destruction, Elara's grief had transformed her. She had single-handedly gathered every body for cremation, her heart overwhelmed by sorrow and a burning hatred for those who had caused such devastation. It was during this intense emotional catharsis that she discovered her newfound abilities. Somehow, she had awakened a class, a conditional one, but the how of it remained a mystery. All she knew was that she could now communicate with plants and animals, a gift that seemed both miraculous and surreal. But in his embrace, under his protection, Elara's features changed back. To the rural girl he knew. He assumed it was part of her power.
As they walked away from the village, Elara could sense the change in Caelum. His sister, Alethea, was nowhere to be seen, indicating the worst. The absence of Alethea was a silent testament to the tragedy that had befallen them.
Caelum's next destination was clear in his mind: the bandit den. He had left in haste the previous night, wary of other bandits or monsters raiding the place. Now, in the broad light of day, he was determined to collect his due loot and, hopefully, retrieve the body of the Bandit Leader. He was certain that the leader, notorious for his cruelty, would have a bounty on his head.
As they approached the den, Caelum's demeanor was one of cold determination. He was a man on a mission, driven by a blend of practicality and vengeance. The den, a crudely constructed hideout nestled in a secluded part of the forest, appeared untouched since the previous night.
Elara held Caelum's arm tightly, her voice tinged with confusion and concern. "Caelum, what are we doing here? Are you here for Alethea?"
Caelum glanced at her, his expression unreadable, then sighed deeply. "Alethea is dead. So are all the bandits." The blunt revelation hit Elara like a physical blow, her face draining of color as the reality of his words sank in.
Unfazed by her shock, Caelum stepped into the bandit den, his eyes scanning the dim interior with a cold, calculated gaze. Elara followed hesitantly, still processing the gravity of the situation.
The den was a chaotic sprawl of makeshift structures and scattered belongings. It reeked of blood and sweat, a nauseating testament to the violence that had taken place. Caelum moved methodically, checking every nook and cranny for any items of value or information that could be useful. His movements were efficient, devoid of any hesitation or moral quandary.
In one corner, he found a small stash of gold coins, likely plundered from helpless travelers. In another, a collection of weapons – crude but functional – lay haphazardly piled. He collected these systematically, storing them in his inventory with a thought. Each item, no matter how insignificant, could hold value in this harsh world.
Elara watched silently, her eyes wide with a mix of horror and fascination. Caelum, the boy she had known, seemed to have vanished, replaced by this methodical, ruthless individual who bore his face. The transformation was unsettling, yet she couldn't deny the sense of safety his formidable presence provided.
As Caelum sifted through the debris, he came across a small leather pouch. Inside, he found a collection of gemstones, their surfaces glinting even in the dim light. He recognized them as energy crystals, valuable not only for their monetary worth but also for their potential use in crafting and enchantments.
Next, he discovered a set of detailed maps, their routes marked with annotations in a language he couldn't decipher. He studied them for a moment, recognizing several locations in the surrounding area. These maps could provide crucial insight into the bandits' operations and potential hideouts.
Elara, overcoming her initial shock, began to assist Caelum in his search. She moved cautiously, her newfound connection to nature guiding her towards a small, hidden compartment. Inside, they found a collection of scrolls, their contents detailing various dark rituals and spells. Caelum eyed them warily, aware of the power and danger they represented.
The bandit den, now eerily silent, felt like a tomb, a grim reminder of the violence that had claimed so many lives. As they continued their search, Elara's presence became a silent source of support, her earlier apprehension giving way to a quiet determination.
Coming to the main bedroom where he had killed the Bandit Leader, Caelum stoically observed the aftermath of the battle. The room, stained with the echoes of their confrontation, held a stillness that was almost suffocating. He approached the Bandit Leader's body, now cold and lifeless, and promptly stored it in his inventory. The pragmatic part of him knew that the corpse, especially that of a notorious bandit, could be worth something in the right circles.
Turning his attention to the loot, Caelum began a thorough search of the room. His movements were methodical, each action deliberate, reflecting his unyielding focus. The Bandit Leader's belongings were a mixture of ill-gotten gains and personal items. Among the loot, Caelum found:
[A sizable pouch of gold coins, likely acquired through raids and extortion.
A well-crafted dagger with a jeweled hilt, indicative of the Bandit Leader's rank.
Several documents, including letters and a crudely drawn map of nearby settlements, likely targets for future raids.
A collection of rings and trinkets, some of which bore the insignia of noble families, suggesting ransom or blackmail schemes.
A small vial of a mysterious liquid, its purpose unknown but radiating a subtle magical aura.]