Chapter 11: The Path Ahead
Sunlight filtered through the trees, bathing Eldergrove in a warm morning glow. Jarec and Velaris were having breakfast together at Elara's table, the scent of water breads with them. It was on the table for them do discuss what they would be doing once this restful night in a village actually came.
Velaris was chewing on a piece of cheese, Jarec looked over at him across the table. "Alright Velaris, how will I get my first Nexus Mark?
"'Probably not. The whole world hates you right now,'" said Velaris, almost crying as he put down the cheese. This is going to be hard for you, Jarec. You, an Azaran, would find your Nexus in particular difficult to locate.
Jarec frowned. "Why's that?"
" You see," the Con Velaris, whispered almost conspiratorially low enough no others would hear him, "each Nexus site appears in one of a continent that correlates to the deity. For instance, a Ignesian like Harek would have little trouble finding his Nexus in places like Valorium where the essence of war and valor runs thick. Likewise, an Ignisian would find the continent of Pyronis easier than Aquais...er.. the water gifteds.
Jarec looked interested. "Ah, so as an Azaran, where do my Nexus appear in...?
Velaris shook his head. "That's the problem. The god of chaos and destruction, Azar has been lost to the sands. He is not limited by locality in terms of his outreach. Your Nexus, well your Nexus will be fate and fortune. It could be anywhere."
"Each gifteds nexus site can easily found on the continent where their own Nexus is thick. For example, a Rexian, a creature who recieves a gift from Rexar will have it easy here in Valorioum, simply because Rexar, the god of war and Valor ruled this continent."
"Each deity have their own domain or rather a continent. Unfortunately, Azar the god of chaos and destruction, had no continent that he ruled, i can also bet that except the two of us there are few or handful of individual who recognize the greatness of Azar."
Jarec exhaled in frustration. "Great. So, do I have to search the whole world?
"Pretty much," Velaris agreed with a nod. "But don't be disheartened. The path that you are on will make YOU strong. And besides, the gods have mysterious paths of their own. And sometimes, the way only passes when you are not looking.
Elara, who had been quietly listening up until then, said. "You have a home in Eldergrove, Jarec. But this is forrest, you are not that destiny. Approach is key, so prepare and take your time to build up."
Jarec gave a little nod, relieved to have such support. "Thank you, Elara. I will not forget about you or your kindess.
Jarec and Velaris had both agreed that after breakfast they would go to the forest of Eldergrove. Velaris figured it would be good practice for Jarec, getting in a little work on his Chaos Surge and hunting up supplies as well.
Velaris noted different plants and animals as they hiked through the dense greenery around them. "None of which contain the right kind anymore, and those berries are useful for healing potions while that bark should be good to produce a strong enough antidote.
Jarec followed closely, soaking in the news. They were snapped back to reality by the noise of a rustling. Coming from fingertips nearly sizzling with pure malevolence were a pack of Battle Hounds—a group that jerked their heads around to reveal eyes glossy and practically fixed on an otherwise meaningless target.
"Battle Hounds", Velaris said. A hint of tension in his voice. From Valorium, bred for war and super-loyal.
Jarec prepared his sword, the chaotic energies writhing through him. "Here we go."
The biggest of them, a scarred hound that up to now had apparently been the leader lunged for Jarec. Moving to the left, he got off a swift slash of his own with an assist from Chaos Surge. A shivering yelp rang out but the dog was alert again, tail half-high as she began to edge wary circles around him.
Velaris lunged forwards, nipping and scratching at the muzzle of another hound. Jarec centered his will, and let loose a maelstrom that sent the pack into confusion. He uses this chance to land one more straight hit on the leader.
The rest of the hounds looked as if they wanted to follow but quickly turned and ambled back into the trees. Jarec were breathing heavily, the adrenaline still rushing through them.
"Man, that was full-on," Jarec wiped his nitted brow.
Velaris responded, some pride in his voice sounding,"You're improving. Of course, these were just hounds. There are much worse things, She said."
In this world proponents of warfare and courage stalk under the named of Rexar. Ruthless, strong and trained by the warriors of this continent.
And as they traveled, so too did the beasts find them and each battle sharpened Jarec into a capable fighter. The issue of Jarec's nature and true powers was one that Velaris conducted in secret, always wary to an extent listening.
As they ventured further and further into the depths of the forest, hours later there was a scream. They dashed for the noise and came across a girl pinned in a corner, behind her was sizeable, grizzly growling animal. No moment of reflection was needed; Jarec charged ahead, igniting a Chaos Surge to launch him into the battlefield.
"Get back!" Swinging his sword at the creature, he yelled to the girl With an almighty roar, the beast lunged at him snapping its jaws and barely missed Jarec as he dodged away to strike again. The battle between them was intense, Jarec fought with his blade and a fiery chaotic energy that flowed through him.
Jarec struck a blow so mighty it grievously injured the beast. Slipping, it turned and ran into the woods; its prey stood, shaking but untouched.
"Are you alright?" Kneeling beside her, Jarec inquired.
The girl nodded, her eyes wide with the full extent of awe and gratitude. "Thank you. I thought i was done for."
Velaris crept towards the object. What doing you out here by yourself?
The girl, trembling and answering to him said: "I needed herbs for my mother. I had no idea how dangerous it would turn out to be."
Jarec shot her a gentle smile. Come on, let's take you back to the village. It's not safe out here."
She walked with them and introduced her name to the guy. "My name is Mina. " I —— I'm the daughter of the village chief.
Mina, a powerful woman with beauty that mirrors her shared power and elegance from the lands of Eldergrove. Of average height herself, she is a pale skinned wiry girls who moves gracefully with the easy body language of someone that has always been in motion training as her father's daughter.
It has left her with a pale, sun-kissed complexion from all the time she spends outside helping aid and tend to others in her village. A pair of brilliant emerald green eyes that hint at the deep forests surrounding Eldergrove, and gleam with sagacity can be locked on her face. Waist length black hair flows in loose waves down her back, adding simple braids or decorations crafted from flower and leaf to reflect her nature bond.
Mina has soft but defined features, high cheekbones a softly rounded jawline. She always has a look of calm determination in her eyes, yet when she is around people she cares for there seems to be a noticeable change. Through the ordeals she has faced, there is a warmth and kindness in her heart that makes both her men at arms and our allies love her.
Jarec and Velaris exchanged a look, both realizing what was at play here. That might give Velaris an angle to get some more information about Eldergrove and her people.
I appreciate your saving her," he told Jarec with a deep bow. 'Be good enough to accompany us into the presence of our lord superintendant He will want to meet you."
Jarec complied, the weight of Velaris's words to keep him being an Azaran a secret. The chief let them into his abode, which Jarec immediately noted was somewhat plain yet still full of diginity. Then finally, the chief; an elderly man with intelligent eyes rose to welcome them.
"Welcome, travelers. Thank you for saving my little girl, that was a courageous thing you did," he said in his rich voice, warm yet commanding. "Please, feel at home. We have much to discuss."
While they got comfortable the chief continued to elaborate on this planet and its people. Jarec listened with an attentive ear, trying to remember the different kingdoms and empires as best he could clocking in all of the customs.
Velaris brushed against Jarec's ear as he whispered, "Don't forget it, Jarec. We must be cautious. Trust no one who tells you what You are.
Jarec nodded slightly, recognizing the seriousness of Velaris's words. Still, they basked in the solace of Eldergrove while unable to ignore that waiting out there was more troubles and hidden things.