After I somehow get some hours of sleep, I wake up in the morning, energized and ready for this journey. As I open my eyes and get out of bed, I can see that my mother has prepared my bag for the journey. Looking inside, I can see that I have water and food, as well as some condiments that she explained how to use the previous day. Also, a knife, and that is it. "I guess that is all. Good thing that it is summer and warm outside."
After putting my soldier class core from the Grendelwolf that I killed in the bag, just in case, I get dressed up in my leather black clothes. I chose this type of armor because I am not strong enough for steel armor yet. Also, the mobility that leather offers is good for my style of fighting, based on acrobatics and speed.
Getting my backpack on, I take Night's Wishper in one hand, get out of my chamber, and walk straight to the North Gate of the fortress.
Arriving here, I see that my family, Elizabeth, and my master are waiting for me. "What are you guys doing here?"
"We couldn't let you leave without some parting words. Also, take this map of the road to the Shadow Forest and the outskirts of it," says my father, offering me a map.
"Thank you, father. This will be useful!"
"My child, be careful out there; come back in one piece to me. I know you are stronger than the children of your age, but you are still unawakened. Take care," and she kissed my forehead.
"Mhm, I will be careful, Mother. Also, I have Night's Whisper with me, and I will follow her pieces of advice."
"Good luck, brother. When I was 6 years old, I also had a mission like this. Now in the shadow forest, but something closer. What I can say to you is that I trust you," and he kept his fist towards me."Thank you, Orion." and I fist-bumped him.
"Brother, bring me something cool on the way back. Like Orion, I trust you will be successful in your journey. Just don't overdo it; you can be hot-blooded sometimes.
*She is trying to be strong, but I can see in her eyes that she fears for me.* "Come here, Lyra, give your little brother a hug."
At the heart of my words, she comes closer and gives me a warm hug.
"Mhm, that was good. Take care of Orion, sister."
"I will take care of yourself, brother."
After that, I turn to Elizabeth, and I can see that she is holding something at her back with her hand. "Hi, Elizabeth!"
"Hi, Cain. I still don't understand why my sister took you as her apprentice, but I don't think I will stay behind and look at how you go ahead of me. I will catch you fast, so don't let your guard down out there! Next time we meet, let's have a spar..
"That sounds great, Elizabeth; it will be my pleasure to fight with you. But don't get mad if I beat you in 5 seconds!
"Good luck with that. Also, I have something for you. Is a medicine that works on normal humans, is very potent, and can even stop bleeding. I hope you will not need it, but take it. And come back soon."
As she extends her hands, I can see a beautiful little tube with some painting on it, and a little surprised, I take it, not before thanking her and giving her a hug, at which Elizabeth becomes a little surprised.
"Thank you, Elizabeth. Someday I will return the favor.""Better you will; I will not forget your words."
After this beautiful moment that made my heart skip a beat, I turned to the last person waiting for me. My master, Victoria. "Hi master"
"Hi, pupil. I don't have much to say to you now. Return victorious and in peace, and we'll have much to talk about. Good luck, little red eyes. Hehe "
A little confused but ready and more prepared than ever, I once again thanked everybody for their words and bid my farewell, leaving for the first time the mansion alone, through the north gate towards the Shadow Forest.
The road will take me 4 days. Days in which Lysara materializes to keep me company, will talk to me, train me in the evening, and keep me up guard for me to sleep in the night.
In the mornings, I will eat something that my mother prepared for me and continue on the road. Luckily, except for some humans and caravans, I didn't meet anyone, and I also didn't meet any beasts.
It is the fourth day of the journey. I can already see the forest in the distance. Is black, but not the normal black. transparent, translucid black, with tall trees with dark green leaves
."You are close to the outskirts. You will enter, like, 500 meters into the forest. No more, or your life will be in danger," says Lysara with a serious expression on her face. Along the way, we talked about a lot of things, and we got to know a lot better. Because of that, our bond is stronger, and we can talk with our minds at will. She is no longer materializing herself, staying in the night's whisper and looking out for dangers.
"The plan is to enter the Shadow Forest today before evening and find me a good place for the permanent camp for the time that I will stay in the forest. Tomorrow I will start exploring around. For now, let's find my new home, I guess.
As I make my way closer and closer to the forest, I can see that it is not a normal forest. Is an ancient one, but is still continuously expanding. The air is very clear, but there is a small hint of danger in it, maybe because of the mysticism of the forest.
"You are now on the outskirts. Look for a place to make your camp, Cain."
"Mhm, I am a little tired, so I will not look for something extravagant."As I am looking around, I am captivated by the beauty of the forest. Rabbits, deer, and other animals are entirely shadow creatures. But still, they are beautiful; they are curious, looking at me, following me, but not attacking me.
But one of them, a fox, is always in front, stopping and looking at me from time to time, urging me to follow her. After seeing that Lysara is not signaling any danger, I decided to follow the little fox, who, after 30 minutes of following her, brings me to a cave.
After that, the other animals leave, and the night comes closer. I decide to go inside because Lysara is silent. Upon entering, I can see that the cave is not deep. Like 20 meters at most. And empty.
"It appears that the shadow creatures have already found someone to love. You found yourself a spot for your camp, Cain.
"Mhm, I like it here. Also, the fox left too. If you think it's safe, then let's stay here at least for some days till I scout the area."
As I make my camp, sleep starts to take over me, so I leave the bed that I used the previous days and go to sleep, tired but satisfied with my journey so far.