The following day, William focused on his recovery, eager to regain his strength and assess the full extent of his newfound power. He reviewed his updated status, a wave of satisfaction washing over him.
Name: William Velmont
Level: 11
Class: None
Attributes:
Strength: 19
Agility: 21
Stamina: 17
Intelligence: 18
Mana: 13
Skills:
Chrono Shift (SSS-Rank): Allows the user to open a portal to a specific point in the past. (Details Unlocked)
Hero's Limit (S-Rank): Temporarily enhances all attributes by 50% for 1 minute. Significant physical strain will follow.
Level 11, and a new skill, a hidden power unlocked in the heat of battle. He recalled the surge of strength, the desperate fight against the corrupted beast, the feeling of his limits being shattered. It had come at a cost, leaving him drained and battered, but it had also saved his life, and the lives of Elara and Maya.
For the next few days, William focused on recovery. He devoured Elara's hearty meals, savoring the warmth and nourishment that helped mend his battered body. He rested, allowing his wounds to heal, the aches and pains slowly subsiding.
When he finally ventured outside, leaning heavily on a makeshift cane fashioned from a sturdy branch, he found Willow Creek shrouded in an unsettling quiet. The usual bustle of village life had been replaced by a hushed stillness. Fear hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension that mirrored the grim expressions on the villagers' faces.
The attack, the corrupted creature, had shaken them to their core. This wasn't just a stray goblin or a rogue wolf. This was something different, something sinister. The villagers whispered of a growing darkness, a creeping corruption that threatened their peaceful existence.
William encountered Gorn by the village well, his usually jovial face etched with worry lines. "You're looking better, lad," Gorn said, his voice gruff but laced with concern.
"Thanks to Elara's care," William replied with a weak smile.
Gorn leaned against the well, his gaze distant. "I'm heading to the city, William. In two weeks' time."
William's heart skipped a beat. The city. William was eager to explore the vast world, so visiting a city was something he wanted. "Why?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"To seek help," Gorn replied, his voice heavy. "We can't face this alone. Not anymore."
A surge of determination coursed through William. "I want to go with you," he declared, his voice firm despite his lingering weakness.
Gorn looked at him, surprise flickering in his eyes. "William, you're still recovering—"
"I'm strong enough," William insisted, his gaze unwavering. "And I can help. I need to help."
Gorn studied him for a moment, his eyes searching William's. He saw the determination, the newfound strength, the unwavering resolve in the young man's gaze. He saw a hero in the making.
"Alright, lad," Gorn said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You can come."
A wave of relief washed over William, a grin spreading across his face. "Thank you, Gorn," he said, gratitude filling his voice. "I won't let you down."
The city. Just the word conjured images of bustling markets, towering structures, and perhaps, most importantly, skilled healers who could mend his battered body. William still had no idea where this city was, what dangers or wonders it might hold, but the prospect of leaving the confines of Willow Creek, of venturing into the wider world of Aethel, filled him with anticipation.
And there was coin. A hefty purse of it, courtesy of the arrogant Maester Elric. William had almost forgotten about the purse, tucked away in his belongings. Now, the weight of the coins seemed to promise possibilities – new weapons, armor, perhaps even information about that mysterious SSS-Rank skill.
Two weeks. It felt like an eternity, and yet, no time at all. William needed every moment to recover, to rebuild his strength after the brutal encounter with the corrupted wolf. Full healing seemed unlikely, but even eighty percent would be a vast improvement. He was determined to be an asset to Gorn, not a burden.
The days that followed blurred into a monotonous routine of rest and recuperation. William devoured the few books Gorn had – mostly tales of hunting and folklore, a far cry from the epic sagas and intricate world-building he craved. Still, they offered a glimpse into the culture and history of Aethel, a welcome distraction from the aches and pains that lingered.
Hours were spent practicing swordsmanship, the movements slowly regaining their fluidity, strength returning with each swing. William even ventured into the forest surrounding the village, careful to stay within sight of the familiar landmarks, testing his newfound agility and stamina.
Finally, the day of departure arrived. William woke with a jolt, his heart pounding with anticipation. He could barely contain his excitement as he packed his meager belongings, the weight of the mysterious stone a comforting presence in his pocket. He joined Gorn and Elara for a hearty breakfast, the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filling the small cottage.
After breakfast, though, it was time to say goodbyes.
"Take care, Elara," Gorn said, his voice gruff but filled with tenderness. He pulled his wife into a tight embrace, his calloused hands gently stroking her hair. "We'll be back as soon as we can."
Elara clung to him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Be careful, Gorn," she whispered. "And William, you too. Look after each other."
"We will, Elara," William replied, offering a reassuring smile. He gave Maya a quick hug, her cheeks flushing under his touch. "See you soon, Maya."
Gorn mounted his steed, his gaze lingering on his wife and daughter. "We'll be back before you know it," he promised, his voice strong despite the worry etched on his face.
With a final wave, they rode out of Willow Creek. William was both scared of leaving the village, riding into the unknown, but he was also excited!
His strength had improved quickly, and he wanted to test it out in the world!
'Stupid Elric and stupid classmates, you'll see who the loser is!' thought William. He would prove them wrong.