Eren stood at the edge of a sprawling forest, far denser and more untamed than the woods near the academy. The air was cooler here, filled with the earthy scent of moss and pine. Sunlight filtered through the towering canopy, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor. This would be his new home, away from the academy's watchful eyes and rigid rules.
"It'll do," he muttered, adjusting the pack slung over his shoulder. The Survival System had highlighted the area as ideal for relocation—remote, rich in resources, and with natural defenses to keep intruders at bay.
Quest Complete: Forced Relocation
Rewards: 50 Experience Points, Blueprint: Advanced Shelter (Portable).
Eren dismissed the notification, already scanning the terrain for a suitable spot to set up camp. He needed water access, cover from the elements, and enough open space to build. As he moved deeper into the forest, his keen eyes spotted a small clearing near a gentle stream. The area was surrounded by thick undergrowth and sturdy trees, perfect for concealment.
"This… will work," he said, dropping his pack. The first step was to construct a basic shelter—something temporary until he could establish something more permanent. But just as he was about to pull out his tools, a rustling sound caught his attention.
Eren's hand instinctively went to the dagger at his belt. He crouched low, eyes scanning the underbrush. The sound grew louder, accompanied by the faint crunch of footsteps. Someone was nearby.
Moving silently, Eren crept toward the source of the noise, keeping low and blending into the shadows. As he parted the branches of a bush, he froze.
There, in a small patch of wildflowers, stood a young woman. Her long auburn hair was tied back loosely, and her violet eyes were focused intently on the flowers she was carefully picking. She wore a simple but elegant academy uniform, the hem slightly dirtied from the forest floor.
Eren recognized her immediately. It was Seris Delyra, another heroine from The Sovereign Chronicles. Known for her affinity with nature magic and gentle demeanor, she was a stark contrast to the other heroines. In the novel, Seris's kindness often masked her strength, making her both approachable and formidable in equal measure.
But what was she doing here?
Eren debated silently. He could retreat and avoid any interaction, keeping to his goal of staying under the radar. But the Survival System had a different idea.
New Quest: A Chance Encounter
Objective: Interact with Seris Delyra without revealing your true identity or intentions.
Optional Objective: Gain her trust.
Rewards: 30 Experience Points, Skill Unlock: Enhanced Diplomacy (Basic).
Eren sighed internally. "Of course," he muttered under his breath. He considered ignoring the quest entirely, but if Seris had stumbled this far into the forest, she could potentially return with information about his new location. That would be problematic.
Straightening, Eren stepped out into the clearing. His sudden appearance startled Seris, and she turned sharply, her hand instinctively glowing with faint green light—a sign of her magic preparing to defend her.
"Who's there?" she demanded, her voice steady despite her initial surprise.
Eren raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Just someone passing through," he said, his tone calm and unbothered. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Seris studied him warily, her magic still flickering at her fingertips. "These woods are dangerous. It's rare to see anyone out here."
Eren shrugged. "I could say the same about you. Picking flowers this far out? You must be braver than most."
Her expression softened slightly, though her guard didn't drop completely. "These flowers are rare. They only grow in untouched areas like this. I need them for a project."
Eren nodded, feigning disinterest. "Well, don't let me keep you. I'll be on my way."
He turned to leave, but Seris's voice stopped him. "Wait."
Eren paused, glancing over his shoulder. "What is it?"
She hesitated, then asked, "You… live out here, don't you?"
Eren's eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained neutral. "Why do you think that?"
"Your clothes," she said, gesturing to his practical, weather-worn attire. "They're not like the academy's uniforms. And you're carrying tools, not books or weapons."
Eren cursed inwardly at her sharp observation. "Just passing through," he repeated. "Like I said."
Seris didn't press further, but her curious gaze lingered. "If you are staying out here, be careful. The deeper parts of the forest aren't as peaceful as this clearing."
"Noted," Eren replied curtly. Without waiting for her to say more, he turned and disappeared back into the trees.
Back at his chosen campsite, Eren sat down and exhaled deeply. The encounter had gone smoothly enough, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Seris would remember him. He'd have to be more cautious moving forward.
The Survival System chimed softly.
Quest Complete: A Chance Encounter
Rewards: 30 Experience Points, Skill Unlock: Enhanced Diplomacy (Basic).
"Enhanced diplomacy, huh?" Eren muttered. "Let's hope I don't need it."
For now, he had more pressing matters to attend to. The forest was vast, and he needed to make it his own before anyone else decided to wander into his refuge.