The sun rose over Whispering Pines, casting golden rays through the towering trees that surrounded the village. The air was alive with excitement, and the villagers bustled about, preparing for the festival. Brightly colored banners were strung between homes, and tables were set up to display fresh fruits, roasted meats, and intricately crafted trinkets. The aroma of spiced bread and herbal teas wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and music.
Kazuya stood at the edge of the square, watching as the villagers worked. Despite Lyriana's warning about their suspicion of outsiders, he noticed children running about freely, their laughter unburdened by the caution their elders showed.
"You're just going to stand there?" Lyriana's voice broke through his thoughts. She approached him, dressed in a flowing green and gold robe that shimmered in the sunlight. A circlet of silver leaves adorned her head, giving her a regal air.
"You look... different," Kazuya said, his words almost stumbling.
Lyriana raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said dryly. "Come on, the Elder wants you to take part in the opening ceremony."
"Opening ceremony?" Kazuya asked, falling into step beside her as she led him toward the village square.
"The Forest Festival is more than just a celebration," Lyriana explained. "It's a way for us to honor the forest's spirits, the life they provide, and the protection they offer. Every year, the Elder selects a few individuals to take part in a ceremonial trial. It's both a test of strength and a display of respect for the forest."
"And I've been volunteered for this trial, I take it?" Kazuya asked, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
"Of course. The Elder thought it would be a good way for you to show the village what kind of person you are," Lyriana said with a hint of amusement. "Think of it as your first step toward earning their trust—or making them hate you even more."
---
When they reached the square, Kazuya noticed a large circle had been cleared in the center of the festivities. The villagers gathered around, their eyes filled with curiosity and a touch of suspicion as they looked at him.
Elder Elithar stood at the center of the circle, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. He raised a hand, and the murmurs of the crowd fell silent.
"Today, we gather not only to celebrate the bounty of the forest but also to honor those who protect and nurture it," Elithar began, his deep voice carrying across the square. "This year, we welcome a new face among us. Though he is an outsider, his actions have already spoken of courage and kindness. Now, we shall see if his spirit is as strong as his abilities."
The Elder gestured for Kazuya to step forward, and the crowd parted to let him through. As he walked into the circle, he felt dozens of eyes on him, each one weighing and judging him.
"Your trial," Elithar continued, "will be a test of harmony with the forest. You must venture to the Heartwood Clearing, retrieve a seed from the Great Spirit Tree, and return it here. But be warned: the forest does not yield its treasures lightly. Only those it deems worthy will succeed."
Kazuya glanced at Lyriana, who gave him an encouraging nod.
"I'll do my best," Kazuya said, meeting the Elder's gaze.
Elithar inclined his head. "Then let the trial begin."
---
The path to the Heartwood Clearing was unlike anything Kazuya had seen before. The forest grew denser with every step, the trees twisting and intertwining until they formed a natural tunnel. The air was thick with the scent of moss and wildflowers, and the light grew dim as the canopy above blocked out the sun.
Kazuya's game-like stats board materialized in his vision as he moved, and he quickly scanned it to ensure he was prepared for anything.
[Player Stats: Kazuya Hiyotoshi]
Strength: Infinite
Speed: Infinite
Durability: Infinite
Magic Power (MP): Infinite
Life Force (HP): Infinite
Abilities: Immune to Poison, Autoheal, Flight, Dash, Instant Heal (Others)
With a deep breath, Kazuya pressed forward.
The tranquility of the forest was soon broken by the sound of movement. A low growl echoed through the trees, and Kazuya froze. From the shadows emerged a wolf-like creature, its fur shimmering like silver and its eyes glowing an eerie green. It was larger than any wolf he had ever seen, its teeth bared in a menacing snarl.
Kazuya instinctively shifted into a defensive stance, his mind racing. "A guardian of the forest, I presume?"
The wolf lunged without warning, its speed blinding. But Kazuya's own reflexes kicked in, enhanced by his infinite speed. He sidestepped the attack, his hand brushing the creature's fur as it passed.
"Calm down," Kazuya said, his voice steady. "I'm not here to harm the forest."
The wolf growled again, circling him. It pounced a second time, but this time Kazuya didn't dodge. Instead, he raised his hand and caught the creature midair. Despite its size and strength, it felt weightless in his grasp.
"Listen to me," Kazuya said firmly, meeting the wolf's glowing eyes. "I respect this forest and everything in it. Let me prove that I'm not your enemy."
For a moment, the wolf struggled, its growls turning to whimpers. Then, as if sensing the sincerity in Kazuya's words, it stopped. Slowly, he set the creature down, and it backed away, its gaze softening.
"Thank you," Kazuya said, watching as the wolf disappeared into the shadows.
---
When he reached the Heartwood Clearing, Kazuya was struck by the sight before him. At the center of the glade stood a massive tree, its trunk glowing faintly with an inner light. Its branches stretched high into the sky, and from one of them dangled a single, radiant seed.
The moment Kazuya stepped into the clearing, he felt a powerful presence wash over him. It wasn't threatening, but it was overwhelming, as if the forest itself were watching him.
He approached the tree cautiously, extending a hand toward the seed. As his fingers brushed against it, a wave of energy surged through him, filling him with warmth and a sense of belonging.
"Thank you," Kazuya whispered, clutching the seed gently in his hand.
---
When he returned to Whispering Pines, the villagers were waiting. The moment they saw the seed, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Elder Elithar stepped forward, a faint smile on his lips. "The forest has accepted you, Kazuya Hiyotoshi. You are no longer just an outsider. Today, you have taken your first step toward becoming one of us."
The crowd erupted into cheers, their suspicion melting away. For the first time since his arrival, Kazuya felt truly welcomed.
As the festival continued into the night, he couldn't help but think of his grandfather's words. Be kind to all lifeforms if you want a happy family one day.
Perhaps, in this strange new world, he was finally starting to build that family.