Through a large number of struggles, they finally managed to lose track of the beasts chasing them. What followed next was a wave of exhaustion. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, and their muscles ached from the relentless running and fighting.
"We need to rest," Andrew said, his voice heavy with fatigue. The night was already chilly, and the cold air bit at their exposed skin. "Let's light a campfire."
They found a small clearing surrounded by tall trees, providing some shelter from the wind. Andrew looked around, assessing their surroundings. "I'll go find some firewood," he said. "Stay here and keep an eye out."
The girl nodded, her bow still in hand, ready for any threat. Damian, still shaken but grateful for the respite, sank to the ground, his back against a tree.
Andrew disappeared into the forest, his footsteps barely audible on the soft forest floor. The darkness seemed to close in around him as he ventured deeper, the sounds of the night growing louder in his ears. He moved quickly, gathering fallen branches and dry wood, his senses alert for any sign of danger.
Back at the clearing, the girl kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, especially on Damian. She glanced a hateful glare at Damian, who was staring into the darkness, his mind clearly racing with thoughts.
Damian, noticing the glare, hesitated. "Hey, uhhh… did I do something?" he asked. Instead of replying, she ignored him like a pest and went back to watching their surroundings.
"Ummm… I never got to know your name," he continued, hoping to break the ice. But still, there was no answer. Feeling discouraged by her cold demeanor, Damian decided to keep quiet.
Soon after, Andrew returned from his firewood journey, perplexed to see the tense atmosphere between the girl and Damian. He set down the firewood and began arranging the sticks to light a fire. The girl helped, her movements efficient and practiced.
Once the fire was crackling warmly, Andrew turned to Damian. "Now, Damian… I understand that this has been a lot to take in," he began, his tone gentle but firm. "But we need to work together if we're going to survive."
Damian nodded, still feeling the weight of the girl's silent hostility. "I know. I'm sorry if I did something wrong," he said, glancing at the girl.
Andrew looked between the two of them, sensing the unspoken tension. "This is my sister, Elara," he introduced. "She's not much of a talker, especially around strangers. Don't take it personally."
Elara finally spoke, her voice cool and measured. "We don't know who you are or why you're here. Trust is earned, not given."
Damian, hearing that, kept his head low, her words cutting deep. Andrew, noticing this, said, "Elara, keep it down, would you? Even though you don't see it since we don't know each other, I'm sure Damian is a sincerely nice person, at least, that's what my gut says."
Andrew didn't realize that what he just said made him look naive. Who trusts someone when you know nothing about them? Well… that's what our main character did at the start, didn't he?
"Well, you can trust him all you want, go die for all I care," Elara hissed and went back to her watch duty, not bothering to participate in the conversation any longer.
"Andrew?" Damian finally said. "May I ask you something?"
"Sure, go ahead," Andrew answered.
"Could you tell me about this world, and where we are?" Damian finally asked.
"You know, that's a pretty weird question, considering you're a native of this world. How could you not know where we are?" Andrew asked, puzzled.
"Well… before coming here with you guys, I remember nothing. I don't remember how I got here or anything before that," Damian admitted, his voice tinged with confusion and frustration.
Andrew looked suspicious for a moment before replying, "Alright, fine. I'll believe you for now. Later on, you'll have to explain more."
"so he noticed huh" Damian thought
"humph" elara hissed and turned her attention back
"In the world of Elaria, various races coexist, each with their own unique abilities and cultures. The major races include humans, dwarves, demi-humans, and elves, among others. Each race possesses distinct traits that set them apart and contribute to the rich tapestry of Elarian society.
The dwarves, known for their short stature and robust builds, have a special ability to control metal. This innate talent has led many dwarves to become master blacksmiths, crafting weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. Their forges are legendary, and their creations are sought after by warriors and nobles alike.
The elves, with their ethereal beauty and long lifespans, have the ability to control magic, which they draw from the mana in the air. Elven mages are revered for their powerful spells and deep connection to nature. Their cities, hidden within ancient forests, are places of wonder and enchantment, where magic flows freely and harmoniously.
Demi-humans, a diverse group with both human and beastly traits, possess the ability to display the skills of their half-beast forms. Whether it's the strength of a bear, the agility of a cat, or the keen senses of a wolf, demi-humans are formidable in both combat and daily life. Their unique abilities make them versatile and respected members of society.
Humans, on the other hand, have always been seen as the weakest race in Elaria. Lacking any special powers, they were often subjected to bullying and oppression by the other races. However, everything changed when humans discovered the power of the soul. It was found that human souls possessed an unusually strong amount of soul power. Once they reached a certain age, humans could access this power and journey to the Heavenly Realm, where they could form contracts with various entities, including beasts and weapons.
This newfound ability allowed humans to summon powerful allies and wield extraordinary weapons, leveling the playing field. With this power, humans carved out a place for themselves in Elarian society, no longer facing extinction but thriving alongside the other races.
Currently, you and I are somewhere in the outskirts of **Eldergrove Forest**. This dense and ancient forest is known for its towering trees and the eerie silence that pervades its depths. The forest is both a place of refuge and danger, filled with hidden and dreadful creatures seeking out our blood. so it may probably take a day or so to get out"