Eren awoke to the faint rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds. The first rays of dawn seeped through the dense canopy above, bathing his newly constructed shelter in golden light. After days of settling into his new forest home, the quiet rhythm of survival was beginning to feel oddly comfortable. Yet, the encounter with Seris lingered in his mind like an unshakable shadow.
He shook his head as he rolled up his makeshift bedding. "Focus," he muttered to himself. There were more immediate concerns—building traps, gathering food, and expanding his shelter. The deeper parts of the forest were still unexplored, and Eren needed to map out the area if he wanted to stay one step ahead of any potential threats, whether from wild beasts or prying humans.
As he moved to prepare his tools, the Survival System chimed.
New Quest: Explore the Unknown
Objective: Survey the deeper parts of the forest and identify potential resources or threats.
Optional Objective: Discover hidden landmarks or unusual features.
Rewards: 50 Experience Points, Blueprint: Defensive Perimeter (Basic).
Eren raised an eyebrow. "Hidden landmarks? This place really is trying to make things interesting."
After a quick meal of roasted root vegetables and foraged berries, he slung his pack over his shoulder and set out. His footsteps were quiet, his movements deliberate. The deeper he ventured into the forest, the more he noticed its untamed beauty: ancient trees with roots that twisted like veins, vibrant patches of wildflowers, and a stream that glittered like liquid silver under the sun.
But the tranquility was deceptive. Eren's instincts told him he wasn't alone. Every so often, he felt the prickle of being watched, though every glance over his shoulder revealed nothing but trees and shadows. He pressed on, wary but undeterred.
After hours of trekking, Eren stumbled upon a clearing unlike any other he had seen. The air here was cooler, and the ground was dotted with glowing mushrooms that emitted a soft, bluish light. At the center of the clearing stood a massive tree, its bark etched with faint, swirling patterns that seemed almost deliberate, as if carved by a careful hand.
The Survival System chimed again.
Hidden Landmark Discovered: The Eldertree Grove
Bonus Objective Complete: Discover a hidden landmark.
Rewards: 30 Experience Points, Skill Unlock: Forest Affinity (Basic).
"Forest Affinity?" Eren murmured, intrigued. The name implied a deeper connection to the environment, something that could prove invaluable. But before he could dwell on it, a soft voice broke the silence.
"So, you found it too."
Eren spun around, hand on his dagger. Standing at the edge of the clearing was Seris Delyra. Her violet eyes glowed faintly in the dim light of the mushrooms, and her expression was a mix of curiosity and surprise.
"You again," Eren said, keeping his tone flat. "Should I start assuming you'll pop up wherever I go?"
Seris crossed her arms, unfazed by his cold demeanor. "This grove is a secret. Not many people know about it. How did you find it?"
"Luck," Eren replied curtly. "And you?"
She hesitated for a moment before answering. "The flowers I collect… some of them grow only here. I come occasionally to gather what I need."
Eren nodded, though he didn't lower his guard. "Then you've got what you came for. Don't let me stop you."
Seris didn't move. Instead, she tilted her head, studying him. "You're not like most people at the academy."
"I'm not at the academy anymore," Eren said sharply, turning to inspect the massive tree. He traced a hand over the strange carvings, his curiosity piqued. "And I'd prefer to keep it that way."
"Why?" she asked, her tone softer now. "What happened to make you leave?"
Eren paused, debating whether to answer. Finally, he said, "Let's just say it's better this way."
Seris frowned but didn't press further. Instead, she stepped closer to the tree, her gaze shifting to the swirling patterns. "The Eldertree is said to be as old as the forest itself. Some believe it's a guardian, protecting the land and those who respect it."
Eren scoffed lightly. "A tree that guards? Sounds like something out of a children's tale."
Seris smiled faintly. "Sometimes, tales hold truths we've forgotten."
They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them easing slightly. Finally, Seris turned to leave. "Be careful out here," she said over her shoulder. "The forest isn't always kind to outsiders."
Eren watched her go, her figure disappearing into the trees. He turned back to the Eldertree, a sense of unease creeping over him. The patterns on its bark seemed almost alive, shifting subtly when he wasn't looking directly at them. Shaking off the feeling, he made a mental note to investigate the grove further in the future.
By the time Eren returned to his camp, the sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. He sat by the fire, reviewing the day's events. The discovery of the grove and his encounter with Seris had left him with more questions than answers. But one thing was certain: this forest held secrets far deeper than he'd anticipated.
As the fire crackled and the stars began to emerge, Eren's mind drifted to the Survival System's latest reward. With a thought, he accessed the description of his new skill.
Skill Unlocked: Forest Affinity (Basic)
Description: Enhances the user's ability to navigate, gather resources, and sense dangers within forested environments.
A faint smile touched his lips. "This might come in handy."
For now, survival remained his priority. But the forest's mysteries—and the unexpected presence of Seris—would not be ignored for long.