The royal ring, hidden against Foster's chest, was a constant weight, as much because of its importance as because of the fear of being discovered.
He advanced rapidly through the dense forest, where the thousand-year-old trees formed a natural canopy, letting in filtered green light. The winding roots made each step uncertain, and the murmurs of the woods reminded him that, although he was alone, he was never really safe. He knew these places by heart, but this time, everything seemed different. Every rustle of leaf, every creak of branch seemed to be amplified by the paranoia rising inside him.
At first, the paths were familiar. He used the paths laid out by the elves to cross the forest quickly. However, he knew that these guarded routes were a danger in themselves. If he was to stay out of the reach of the queen and her guards, he had to leave these safe routes and go into less-frequented areas, where even the elves were reluctant to go.
The first day was testing. Foster progressed away from any obvious landmarks, relying solely on instinct and vague memories of his past life. The vegetation became denser the further he travelled, and the air seemed heavier. His provisions were meagre: pieces of dry bread, a little smoked meat and a canteen of water. He hunted from time to time to supplement his meal, but was careful not to lose too much time.
As night fell, he found refuge in a small clearing sheltered under a pile of rocks. After lighting a discreet fire, he sat down, his mind in turmoil. He couldn't stop thinking about the queen. By now, she must have discovered the deception. Perhaps she had already sent her best soldiers after him.
- I'll have to pick up the pace, but travelling at night is too dangerous even with my current power,' he murmured to himself, staring at the flames dancing in front of him.
As he had a little time, he opened his system panel.
[Current host status]
[Race]: Low Elf
Apprentice Knight Rank 1] [Apprentice Magician Rank 1
[Apprentice Magician Rank 1]
[Talents: Intermediate in fencing, beginner in magic]
[Level 2: 5/20]
[Strength: 10
[Stamina] : 14
[Constitution]: 11
[Perception]: 10
[Magic]: 18
[Skill: Tempestive Fulgurance, Multiple shot, Fireball]
[Quest 1.2:] Need the World Tree Seed to Continue
[Quest 2.5:] Increase each of his stats to 20
[Reward: Devourer's Katana]
[Quest 3:] Go to Fotiya and get the World Tree Seed
[Reward: ???????]
- Damn, I'm barely a novice knight when it comes to statistics...
Foster was discouraged but he pulled himself together, knowing full well that it would only be temporary.
On the second day, things began to get complicated. The previously familiar forest became wilder and more unpredictable. The paths became lost, swallowed up by lush vegetation. Foster had to make his way through thorny bushes and roots that tried to trip him at every step.
Around midday, he reached a wide, fast-moving river. There was no bridge in sight, and the current seemed too strong to cross on foot. Foster thought quickly, repeating a series of rocks emerging at regular intervals. He ventured carefully over them, jumping from stone to stone, his balance sorely tested. Halfway across, his foot slipped and he landed heavily on a rock, narrowly missing falling into the icy water.
- Shit... he grunted, pulling himself up with difficulty.
Once on the other side, he paused for a moment to catch his breath. His arm was scratched and his cloak torn, but he couldn't afford to linger.
Later that day, he noticed fresh tracks on the ground: regular, organised boot prints. A patrol, no doubt. Foster quickened his pace, leaving the path and going deeper into the undergrowth. He walked until daylight began to fade, and eventually found a small cavity in a cliff where he could spend the night.
On the third day, the stress increased. Foster noticed clear signs that the Queen's patrols were closing in on him. Tracks, broken branches, ashes from recent fires... They were organised, and he was alone.
To avoid being spotted, he began to adopt more advanced concealment techniques. He covered his tracks, used streams to mask his scent and avoided open areas. He moved slowly, each step calculated, his senses constantly alert.
When evening came, he found refuge in a small cave on the hillside. The entrance was narrow, almost invisible behind a clump of ferns. He settled in, exhausted, but did not allow his eyes to close immediately. The slightest noise made him flinch.
Change of viewpoint:
In the royal palace, the atmosphere was heavy. The Queen was standing before a large stone table containing a detailed map of elven territory. Around her, her advisors and generals exchanged nervous glances.
- He can't have gone far,' said one knight, pointing to an area on the map. With the patrols we've sent out, he'll be captured within two days, maybe three.
The queen did not respond immediately. She seemed elsewhere, her eyes staring at the empty ring she had had reproduced to disguise the theft.
- Foster is no ordinary lower elf,' she finally murmured. He managed to deceive me, and he knows this forest surprisingly well, perhaps as well as we do. Maybe even better. Surprising, given that before Captain Köflik's test he never ventured into it.
She turns to Kassandra, her personal guard captain.
- Reinforce the patrols. Search every nook and cranny. But above all, don't underestimate this traitor and thief.
Kassandra bows her head, then leaves the room with determination.
As for the Queen, she remains alone for a moment, pondering her next move.
- Why has he taken this ring and where is he going? If this continues, I'll have to get involved...' she murmured to herself.
Her slender, elegant fingers tapped the edge of the table, harder and harder, and without realising it she shattered the table with a crash.
- Don't be captured, young elf, it's been so long since I've been humiliated like this.
A cruel smile contorted her face, which she quickly wiped away, regaining her mask of kindness.