The dirt path eventually led them to a modest village nestled between the forest's edge and a wide, winding river. As they neared, the sights and sounds of rural life filled the air. Simple cottages lined the streets, their thatched roofs and wooden walls bearing the marks of time and wear. The villagers moved about with a quiet resilience, their faces reflecting a weariness that spoke of hardships endured.
He noticed the way some of them stared at him and Elara, curious yet guarded. Whispers floated on the wind, hushed conversations about the "strangers" and "mage with dark hair." It felt strange to be the subject of so many eyes; he had yet to grasp his own identity in this world, and already he was drawing attention.
Elara gestured toward an inn on the village's outskirts. "We'll rest here for the night," she said, leading the way inside. The warmth of a crackling hearth welcomed them as they entered, the air filled with the comforting aroma of roasted meat and spiced ale. A stout, gray-bearded innkeeper eyed them from behind the counter.
"Travelers, eh?" he grunted. "Not often we get folks passin' through. Rooms are five silver each, or ten for both." His gaze lingered on the dagger at William's belt, its faintly glowing runes catching the light.
Elara set a small pouch on the counter. "Two rooms," she said, sliding the coins forward. "And two meals."
Later, after a modest dinner, he found himself drawn to the riverbank. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and the water shimmered under the moonlight. It was a moment of calm he hadn't realized he needed—a chance to reflect on everything that had happened since his arrival in this world.
The serenity shattered with a sudden scream. He whirled around to see a woman rushing toward him, panic etched on her face. "Please, help! There's something in the woods—my daughter went to fetch water, and she hasn't come back!"
Heart pounding, he drew the dagger and sprinted toward the forest, instincts taking over. Elara's voice called out behind him, but there was no time to stop. The trees seemed to close in as he pushed forward, branches scratching at his arms and face.
Finally, he saw her—a young girl backed against a tree, a pack of twisted creatures with glowing eyes closing in. Without hesitation, he threw himself into the fray, the enchanted blade flashing in the moonlight.
Each strike was met with resistance, the creatures' snarls echoing in the night as their claws swiped at him. But he moved with a newfound grace, every step and swing guided by the instinctive knowledge the System had granted. One by one, the beasts fell, until only the sound of the girl's sobs remained.
He turned to her, his breath ragged. "You're safe now," he managed, offering his hand. She took it, her small fingers trembling. Relief washed over him as she whispered, "Thank you…"
System Stats Update:
Name: William
Level: 3
Stats:
Strength: 7
Agility: 7
Endurance: 6
Intelligence: 8
Wisdom: 7
Bloodline: Unknown
Last Name: Unknown
Skills:
Basic Combat Dagger Mastery I
Items:
Enchanted Iron Dagger.
End of Chapter Four