Jack's POV
Waking up in a strange world is one thing, but figuring out how to survive in it is another. The sun was just peeking through the cracks in the wooden walls of the house Elder Thomlin had offered me. I stretched and got out of bed, ready to face another day of uncertainty in Eldoria.
I headed to the village center, where the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. The villagers bustled about, starting their day. I spotted Elder Thomlin chatting with a couple of villagers. I approached him, hoping to get some guidance.
"Good morning, Elder Thomlin," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "I was hoping you could tell me more about this world. I need to understand what I'm dealing with."
Elder Thomlin nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. Eldoria is a land filled with magic and mystery. There are many regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Our village is relatively safe, but there are dangers in the surrounding lands."
I listened carefully. "What kind of dangers are we talking about?"
He glanced around to make sure no one was listening too closely. "There are creatures, both magical and mundane, that can be quite dangerous. Some are aggressive, others are more subtle. The Lich King, our greatest threat, has a dark influence over many of these creatures."
I'd heard about the Lich King from the villagers' thoughts, but it was helpful to hear it directly. "And how do people usually defend themselves?"
Elder Thomlin's eyes twinkled. "We have a small militia that trains regularly. We also have access to enchanted weapons and magical defenses. If you wish, I can arrange for you to meet with our weapons master. It might be useful for you to learn a few basic skills."
I was relieved to hear that there were resources available. "I'd appreciate that. I need all the help I can get."
Elder Thomlin nodded and motioned for me to follow him. We walked to a small training area on the edge of the village, where a burly man was practicing with a sword. He had a no-nonsense demeanor and an air of authority.
"This is Garret," Elder Thomlin introduced. "He's our weapons master. He'll be able to help you with basic combat training."
Garret looked me up and down. "So, you're the newcomer. I hope you're ready to work hard. We don't have time for slackers here."
I swallowed nervously. "I'm ready to learn. What do I need to do?"
Garret grunted in approval. "We'll start with the basics. First, you need to get a feel for the weapon. Follow my lead."
He handed me a wooden practice sword and demonstrated a few basic moves. I tried to mimic his actions, though my movements were clumsy at first. Garret's instructions were straightforward, but I could tell he was pushing me to improve quickly.
As I practiced, I noticed other villagers watching us with curiosity. I could hear their thoughts, filled with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Let's see if he has any real talent," one thought.
I focused on Garret's instructions, determined to prove myself. My initial awkwardness gradually gave way to a more fluid motion. I wasn't about to become a master swordsman overnight, but I could at least defend myself if necessary.
After a couple of hours of practice, Garret seemed satisfied. "Not bad for a beginner. Keep practicing, and you might actually be useful."
I wiped the sweat from my brow and thanked him. "I appreciate the help. I'll definitely keep working on it."
As I left the training area, I spotted a group of villagers gathered around a stall selling various magical items. Curiosity got the better of me, and I wandered over to take a look.
The stall was filled with colorful potions, sparkling crystals, and strange artifacts. I picked up a small vial of shimmering liquid. "What's this?" I asked the vendor.
"That's a potion of invisibility," the vendor explained. "It's useful for sneaking past enemies or avoiding detection."
I was intrigued. "How much does it cost?"
The vendor eyed me with a smirk. "For you, let's say… one silver coin."
I fumbled through my pockets. I didn't have any coins—just a few pieces of what looked like local currency. I was about to apologize and put the potion back when I heard a thought from the vendor. "He doesn't have enough. Maybe I can get some information from him instead."
I decided to use my telepathy to my advantage. "Actually, I'm new here and could use some advice. What else should I know about surviving in Eldoria?"
The vendor's eyes widened in surprise, but he recovered quickly. "Ah, I see. Well, aside from potions, you'll need to be cautious of magical creatures. They can be quite unpredictable. And always keep an eye out for enchanted items—they can be very useful."
I thanked him and moved on. My telepathy was proving to be quite a useful tool, helping me gather information that I wouldn't have otherwise known.
As the day wore on, I decided to explore the surrounding area of the village. The forest was dense and full of strange noises. I followed a narrow path that led me deeper into the woods.
The deeper I went, the more I realized that this world was full of hidden dangers. I came across a few small creatures—nothing too threatening, but their unusual appearance made me wary.
I spotted a clearing up ahead and cautiously approached. In the center of the clearing was a large stone with intricate runes carved into it. I recognized some of the symbols from the magical items I'd seen earlier.
I approached the stone and touched the runes, trying to decipher their meaning. As I did, I felt a rush of energy and a sense of clarity. It was like the stone was communicating with me in some way.
I pulled back, startled. The runes glowed faintly and then faded. I wondered if this was some kind of magical landmark or if it held special significance.
Before I could investigate further, I heard a rustling noise behind me. I spun around, my heart racing. From the shadows emerged a creature that looked like a cross between a wolf and a bear. Its eyes glowed ominously.
I readied myself, trying to remember the basic combat moves Garret had taught me. The creature snarled and lunged. I dodged its attack and swung my practice sword. It was a clumsy strike, but it made contact.
The creature backed away, clearly surprised by my resistance. I took advantage of its momentary hesitation and struck again. This time, the creature let out a yelp and fled into the forest.
I was panting, my adrenaline pumping. I had successfully defended myself, but I knew I couldn't let my guard down. The forest was full of unknown dangers, and I needed to be prepared for whatever came next.
As I made my way back to the village, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. I had faced my first real threat and survived. It was a small victory, but it was a step in the right direction.
Back at the village, I returned to the house Elder Thomlin had provided. I felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion. I had learned a lot today—both about the world and about myself.
As I settled into bed, I reflected on the events of the day. Eldoria was a land of magic and mystery, filled with both wonder and danger. I had no idea what the future held, but I was determined to face it head-on.