Ray knelt beside Eldric, panic and helplessness rising within him like a storm he couldn't calm. The man who had raised him, trained him, protected him was lying there, broken and bloodied. Ray wanted to save him, to stop the flow of life seeping away, but he didn't know how. He had no healing skills, no herbs to treat wounds so deep. His hands trembled, hovering uselessly over Eldric's wounds, his breaths coming in quick, shallow bursts as his mind raced, desperate to think of a solution.
Eldric's eyes fluttered open, his gaze softening as it fell on Ray. He reached up with what strength he had left, his weathered, calloused hand gently covering Ray's. "It's… fine, Ray," he murmured, his voice as steady as ever, though tinged with weakness. "I don't have much time… and that's okay."
"No, no, I can do something, I just…" Ray's voice broke as tears blurred his vision. He swallowed, trying to hold back the wave of grief, to keep himself together. He wasn't ready to say goodbye. He wasn't ready to be alone again.
Eldric's hand gave a faint squeeze, pulling Ray out of his panic. "Listen… carefully," he said, his tone soft but with that familiar firmness, the voice Ray had always trusted. "Listen to every word. This is important."
Ray took a deep, shuddering breath, nodding as he tried to wipe his tears. He forced himself to be still, to absorb every word. Eldric's gaze was unwavering, and Ray could see the same fierce determination in his eyes, even as his life faded.
"You must… become powerful," Eldric began, each word carefully chosen, deliberate. "Not just for yourself, but for… for the world you're going to face." He paused to catch his breath, the pain visible in the way his brow creased. "You must rely on yourself. Don't trust easily, Ray. Not everyone deserves your loyalty. But when you do find people… worthy of your companionship, rely on them when everything becomes dire."
Ray's throat tightened, his hands clenched into fists as he absorbed Eldric's words. He felt the weight of each one, each sentence a final gift, an anchor for the lonely road ahead.
Eldric's gaze softened as he continued. "Stay healthy, Ray. Take care of yourself… eat well. Train hard. Here, in this land, for two more years." He took a shallow breath, his words slower now, as if each syllable took all his strength. "Understand your powers. Master them… then head to the floating city of Bolivia in the Kingdom. Never mention anything about our relation or your origins to anyone."
Ray's eyes widened. He'd heard of Bolivia—a place where only the most talented went to train, to learn, to become legends. It was a land spoken of in tales, a city that floated on ancient magic, where prodigies from all continents gathered.
"There… in Adencia Van Academy," Eldric continued, his voice growing softer. "The finest institution for… for all education, all arts of power. That is where you need to be, where the best and the brightest gather." He took a labored breath, his hand trembling slightly as it held Ray's. "That's where you'll… find your path."
Ray's heart pounded as he listened, feeling the enormity of Eldric's final wishes settles on his shoulders. It felt heavy, a weight he was unsure he could carry alone. But he forced himself to be strong, to keep his gaze steady as he looked into Eldric's eyes. He could tell that Eldric was fading quickly, the light in his eyes dimming, but a soft smile still graced his lips.
"Ray…" Eldric's voice was barely a whisper now, but his eyes held a warmth Ray had always cherished. "I… I love you, Ray. Remember that. Always."
And with those words, Eldric's hand slipped from Ray's, his eyes closing as he fell into a stillness that seemed to settle over the entire forest. For a moment, Ray sat frozen, holding onto Eldric's hand, feeling the warmth slip away. He wasn't sure when the sobs began, but they came, breaking through his resolve as he clung to the only family he had ever known.
The forest around him seemed to echo his grief, the silence broken only by the sound of Ray's cries, raw and heart-wrenching, pouring out all the pain, the loss, the love he had never put into words. Eldric had been everything to him: his mentor, his guardian, his only family. The world felt emptier now, a vast and merciless place without Eldric by his side.
He didn't know how long he stayed there, cradling Eldric's still form, but the sun had dipped below the horizon by the time he found the strength to let go. He stood slowly, his limbs numb, his heart feeling as though it had been torn from his chest. Taking a deep breath, he gathered stones and branches, creating a grave beneath a towering oak, a quiet resting place for the warrior who had given him everything.
For two days, Ray stayed by the grave, a silent vigil as he replayed Eldric's final words over and over in his mind, letting each one take root. He knew what he had to do; Eldric's words had been clear. But moving forward felt impossible, as if each step would be taken in a world that was colder and darker without Eldric beside him.
On the third day, Ray stood, gripping the short sword Eldric had crafted for him on his eighth birthday. It was a simple blade, yet to him, it carried Eldric's spirit, his love and protection, a reminder that he was never truly alone. He took a deep breath, feeling his heart harden with newfound resolve.
Stepping deeper into the forest, he let the wilderness engulf him, the shadows stretching as he ventured further than he ever had.
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, low and calm yet carrying an energy that sent a shiver through him.
"System installation complete."
Ray froze, the words settling in his mind with an almost physical weight. It was the same voice he'd heard four years ago, that strange occurrence that had left him with abilities he barely understood. And now, it was back, filling him with a strange mixture of fear and excitement.
Ray asked cautiously, "Who is it? Where are you?".
[I am the Origin System, here to assist you in your journey Ray]
"Why would you help me when I do not even know you or can see you", asked Ray
[You aren't powerful enough to know the origins of my existence yet, as such...]
Ray interrupted, "How can I trust you?"
[Trust is between two individuals Ray but I am a part of you. If you die I die too]
"well....alright, still...how will you assist me?" Ray asked
[System consists of Inventory, Status, Quest, (Locked) other functions. You can call it using it's name or will it through thoughts]
"Status", thought Ray