《Pathways》


 Prologue Part 1

    Damn it..


    Void take ¡®em!


    How did they find me already?! No one even knows this place exists.


    Dust and loose stones tumble from above, their faint patter amplified by the tight walls of the crevice. The air is thick with the scent of damp stone, the darkness below yawning like an abyss, waiting for a single misstep.


    Thena moves swiftly, her body a blur as she leaps between the jagged rock formations lining the narrow pathway. Her foot grazes the edge of a crumbling ledge, but she pushes off at the last second, landing with feline precision. At the very end of the path, she presses her palm to the cold, unyielding rock and exhales sharply.


    A shimmer ripples through her body. Her form wavers, turning translucent before vanishing entirely into the stone.


    She emerges on the other side, stepping into the silence of her hidden sanctuary. The room is unnaturally precise¡ªsmooth walls cut with mathematical perfection, their edges too clean for nature¡¯s hand. A workbench stands to her left, its surface cluttered with papers and intricate tools. To her right, a massive bookshelf, its shelves carved directly from the rock, holds rows of neatly arranged tomes and scrolls. At the far end, a recess in the wall cradles a simple mattress, its bedding slightly disheveled, a stark contrast to the sterile organization of the space.


    Artificial lights snake across the ceiling in clean, straight lines, casting a pale glow over the chamber.


    Thena strides toward the workbench, fingers hovering over her scattered research notes, her mind racing.


    They can¡¯t have my research. But if I destroy it... will it ever be uncovered again?


    Thena moves swiftly, gathering her research papers, crystal recordings, and delicate instruments, stacking them haphazardly on the bed. Each scrap of knowledge, each breakthrough¡ªyears of work forged through collaboration with some of the brightest minds in the universe, now reduced to nothing. Every scientist she once stood beside is dead. She is the last liability, the final remnant of a resistance that dared to defy the largest corporation in existence.


    Her chest tightens as she presses a trembling hand to the cold surface of the walls. She focuses, releasing a pulse of sound from deep within her core. Invisible waves ripple outward from her hand, threading through the walls, the tunnels, the very earth itself¡ªstretching thousands of meters in every direction before snapping back to her like a taut wire.


    Her breath catches.


    No¡­ No, no, no....


    They¡¯re everywhere. A web of figures¡ªclosing in, sealing off every path.


    I need to get out of here.. But where?


    Her mind races, grasping for a place, any place they wouldn¡¯t think to search.


    Simultaneously, she snatches an incendiary grenade from a drawer in the workbench and hurls it toward the bed. A flicker of resignation crosses her face, mingling with raw desperation as the weight of her decision settles in.


    Sector 2¡­ No one goes to the old sectors anymore.


    Cluster 3¡­ and¡­ Seven seals if I know, planet¡­ 7.


    Local coordinates¡­ 182;21 and 40;30.


    Thena¡¯s mind reels as she scrambles for an escape route. It¡¯s a gamble¡ªthose numbers, a half-forgotten set of coordinates buried in the depths of her memory. A place no sane person would willingly go.


    But she has no other choice.


    Please, please don¡¯t let this drop me inside a mountain.


    She presses her palms together, fingers trembling, and channels the last dregs of her strength. The space around her quivers, warping as she forces her will into the jump. Her breath hitches, her vision darkening at the edges. Just one more.


    The air around her distorts, collapsing inward as her body begins to unravel. A sickening pull tugs at her very being, stretching her across the folds of existence.


    And then¡ª


    SCHWONG.


    She¡¯s gone.


    ¡°Alpha Zero-Zero, this is Echo One-Zero, come in, over.¡±


    A static-laced voice crackles through the comms, sharp against the low hum of a ship¡¯s control room.


    ¡°Echo One-Zero, this is Alpha Zero. Provide report, over.¡±


    ¡°Target has executed another jump,¡± the operative responds, fingers tapping against the glowing interface before him. A holo-display flickers, struggling to trace the remnants of Thena¡¯s departure. The readings are weak¡ªerratic, unstable.


    ¡°She¡¯s running on fumes. Won¡¯t get far. We anticipate energy depletion soon. Returning to base. Echo One-Zero, out.¡±


    The transmission cuts.


    As the distortion from Thena¡¯s escape collapses, another one tears open elsewhere in the vast unknown.


    Coordinates set: 2:3:7 ¨C 182;21 ¨C 40;30.


    A new rift yawns into existence.


    And a lone figure plummets through.


    SCHWONG


    The air ripples violently as the distortion collapses, swallowing Thena whole. For a brief moment, she is nowhere¡ªadrift in the formless void between spaces, her body stretched and compressed at once, her very essence pulled through the threads of existence.


    Then¡ªimpact.


    WHAM.


    She materializes midair, the weight of reality slamming into her. Wind howls past as she tumbles downward, the world spinning violently around her. The sky above is a deep, bruised purple, choked with heavy clouds. Below, jagged rock formations jut from the landscape like the bones of a long-dead titan.


    Thena barely has time to orient herself before gravity takes hold.


    Shit¡ª!


    With the last embers of her strength, she twists mid-fall, redirecting her momentum. Her body levels out a hundred meters above ground, her descent turning into a controlled glide. She hurtles toward a looming mountainside, eyes locking onto a narrow ledge.


    She braces.


    THOOM.


    The moment her feet make contact, the force of impact rattles her bones. She rolls, momentum carrying her across the rocky outcrop, until she slams against a boulder. Stars explode behind her eyes.


    Pain blossoms across her limbs, but she grits her teeth and forces herself upright. Her fingers scrape against the stone as she steadies herself, lungs burning from exertion.


    Her mind races. Where the hell am I?


    The landscape around her is desolate¡ªcracked ground, distant ruins half-buried in the dirt, and a thick, eerie mist curling through the valleys below. No signs of life. No signs of pursuit.


    Yet.


    Thena exhales sharply, pressing her palm to her temple. Not ideal, but it¡¯ll have to do. At least for now, she had escaped.


    Or so she thought.


    A shiver crawls up her spine.


    Then¡ªBOOM.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    A shockwave from above slams into her, sending her body crashing downward once more.


    A voice follows, sharp and crackling with raw power.


    "Think you can hide?"


    Thena¡¯s blood runs cold.


    She knows that voice.


    Kira.


    "Twenty years, sis¡­ Twenty fucking years I¡¯ve been waiting for this moment!"


    Kira¡¯s voice crashes down like a thunderclap, raw with fury and something deeper¡ªresentment, satisfaction, perhaps even a twisted sense of relief.


    Perched on a rocky outcrop, Kira moves with precision, her right hand wrapping around her left wrist in a practiced motion. A pulse of energy crackles to life in her grasp¡ªunstable and furious¡ªbefore she hurls it downward towards her sister.


    The force slams into Thena, sending her body crashing into the dirt. A split second later, another blast follows, cutting off her momentum and pinning her in place with sheer force. Dust and shattered rock explode outward from the impact, forming a crater beneath her.


    Thena coughs, her vision swimming as she forces her body to respond. Her limbs protest, her ribs ache, but she presses one foot into the ground and shifts, pushing herself into a kneeling position. Strands of her dark hair cling to her face, streaked with dust and sweat. Her cloak is tattered, her once-pristine garments torn, but aside from the bruises forming beneath her skin, she seems otherwise unharmed.


    She exhales sharply, tilting her head just enough to look up at her sister.


    "Kira..." she mutters, wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth. "I should¡¯ve known you were involved."


    She pushes herself upright, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off the blows.


    A slow smirk tugs at the corner of her lips, though her eyes remain sharp, calculating. "So¡­ you actually managed to predict where I¡¯d flee and got here first. How smart you¡¯ve become. Mother would be so proud¡­ Or is this for Uncle? He always was your favorite."


    Kira¡¯s expression twists in anger, her fingers flexing as another surge of energy crackles in her palm.


    "Shut up, Thena!" she spits, her voice a knife¡¯s edge. "You know nothing! And you never will. I¡¯m here to finish what you started long ago."


    She raises her hands again, the growing glow of power reflecting off the jagged stone walls surrounding them.


    "Today is the day you die."


    Kira lifts her hands once more, fingers tightening around her left wrist as she steadies her aim. Sparks of energy crackle between her fingertips, the very air distorting around them. Her eyes burn with determination, her breath steady despite the chaos unfolding around them.


    She unleashes another wave of raw power.


    Thena mirrors her, hands forming the same precise gestures, channeling the last reserves of her strength. The moment Kira¡¯s attack surges forward, Thena counters¡ªher own energy colliding with her sister¡¯s in a violent explosion of force.


    The impact shatters the air itself. A deafening shockwave rips through the battlefield, sending waves of pressure in all directions. The ground beneath them splinters, jagged scars tearing through the rocky terrain. Trees in the distance bend and snap as the sheer force of their clash reshapes the land.


    They hold their stances, locked in a silent, vicious struggle, each refusing to give ground.


    Then¡ªjust for a moment¡ªsomething flickers at the edge of Thena¡¯s vision.


    Her breath catches in her throat.


    Void... She¡¯s not alone.


    A new voice slithers into the battlefield, smooth and unshaken, cutting through the charged silence like a blade.


    "Thena, Thena, Thena¡­ You just don¡¯t know when to quit, do you?"


    The voice carries an eerie calm, the kind that sets every instinct in Thena¡¯s body on edge.


    "Do you have any idea how many resources we¡¯ve spent tracking you down?" The speaker draws closer, each step deliberate, unhurried. "Be a good girl and let go of these idealistic delusions. That¡¯s all they are¡ªchildish fantasies."


    A pause. Then the voice drops, laced with venom.


    "They got your father killed, Thena. And if you keep this up, you¡¯ll be seeing him again soon."


    Thena¡¯s jaw tightens as she turns toward the newcomer.


    A tall, slender man steps into view, his presence unnervingly composed amidst the wreckage. His dark coat flows with the wind, the high collar casting deep shadows across his sharp, angular features. His eyes¡ªcold and unreadable¡ªgleam with quiet authority. A gloved hand rests casually on the hilt of a curved blade at his hip, while the other remains behind his back, as if he already knows he won¡¯t need to draw his weapon.


    He is not a warrior caught in the heat of battle.


    He is a predator waiting for his prey to realize it¡¯s already lost.


    Of course, she brought Uncle¡­


    Thena¡¯s lips curl into a bitter smirk.


    "Robert... I should¡¯ve known you wouldn¡¯t let Kira handle this alone. You¡¯ve always loved pulling her strings, dictating her every mo¡ª"


    BOOM.


    Kira cuts her off with another blast of energy, the raw force screaming through the air. The attack slams into Thena¡ªbut instead of striking flesh, it crashes against an unseen barrier, dispersing in a shimmering ripple. Dust and debris swirl in the aftershock.


    Thena exhales slowly, the glow of her protective ward dimming as she turns her gaze back to Kira.


    Kira takes a measured step forward, muscles taut, prepared to strike again. Her voice is cold, steady. "I really hoped it wouldn¡¯t come to this."


    Thena doesn¡¯t move. Instead, she lifts her chin, eyes locked onto her twin¡¯s.


    "You don¡¯t have to do this, Kira. I know you don¡¯t believe me, but Robert is using you like a puppet. His only goal is to eliminate anything that stands in the way of his power. I¡¯m the last obstacle, the last loose thread he needs to cut."


    Her voice sharpens.


    "He¡¯s killed everyone else. Including our father."


    Kira¡¯s expression doesn¡¯t change. She tilts her head slightly, a flicker of amusement in her eyes.


    "Tsk, tsk¡­ You think far too highly of yourself." She lets out a slow, tired sigh. "You have no idea what you''re talking about. And honestly? I¡¯m just relieved this is finally over."


    She straightens, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off an old burden. "So? Do you come willingly, or not?"


    Robert steps forward now, his movements measured, deliberate. The way he carries himself¡ªthe slight tilt of his head, the amused smirk just touching his lips¡ªoozes absolute confidence. He doesn¡¯t believe for a second that Thena has a choice.


    With a flick of his wrist, he unclips a set of restraints from his belt, their dull metallic sheen catching the dim light. "Be a good girl and put these on."


    He tosses them.


    Midair, a sudden force tears through them¡ªBOOM!¡ªa concussive blastwave ripping them apart before they ever reach Thena.


    Robert stops.


    His expression darkens, his head snapping toward Kira. "Kira?" His voice is edged with irritation.


    Kira lowers her arms, her expression stony.


    "No special treatment."


    She turns her gaze back to Thena, eyes burning with cold resolve. "She might have once been family, but after everything she¡¯s done these last twenty years, she¡¯s not worthy of carrying our name any longer."


    Her fingers curl into fists, energy crackling between them.


    Her next words are final.


    "You die today."


    Shit¡­ this is worse than ever.


    Thena¡¯s heart pounded against her ribs as her eyes darted for an opening¡ªany opening.


    I can¡¯t outrun them. I can¡¯t overpower them.


    Her boots scuffed against the dirt as she instinctively backed away, only to feel cold, unyielding stone press against her spine. Trapped.


    She forced herself to breathe, releasing another echo pulse. Sound waves rippled outward, bouncing off the terrain, mapping everything within their reach.


    The readings came back like a death sentence. Surrounded. Completely.


    Her hands clenched into fists.


    I really screwed up this time¡­


    Her pulse hammered in her ears.


    I¡¯m out of time. Out of options. Out of¡ª


    She swallowed hard, forcing the rising panic down. She had to think. There had to be something¡ªanything¡ªshe could do.


    Then, a fragment of an idea flickered to life. A desperate, reckless, impossible idea.


    Wait¡­ if I can¡¯t escape, maybe I can remove myself.


    She pressed her back against the stone, her breath steadying as she dug deep into memories she hadn¡¯t let herself revisit in years¡ªmemories of a time before all of this. Before she became a fugitive. Before her world turned into a constant game of running and hiding.


    Back then, she had been a scientist.


    She could still hear her father¡¯s voice, clear as day, walking her through theories, laughing at their missteps, refining equations late into the night. Among their many experiments, there had been one that stood out now¡ªa project meant to test the limits of existence itself.


    The stabilized soul-orb.


    The theory had been simple: a method of isolating a fragment of the soul, storing it outside the physical plane. In theory, this could allow a person to create a functional clone, a second existence. But they had abandoned the project.


    Too dangerous. Too unpredictable. No one had ever severed part of their soul and survived to tell the tale.


    But right now? What other choice did she have?


    She exhaled slowly, feeling the rough stone at her back. Step by step, she positioned herself carefully, pressing against the rock as she subtly reached into the fabric of reality itself.


    A sliver of space quivered beneath her fingertips. A ripple. A weak point.


    With deliberate care, she began tearing it open, peeling back the layers of existence just behind the rock¡ªout of sight of her pursuers.


    I can¡¯t let them see. I need more time.


    The pocket widened, the air around it humming with unnatural energy.


    Time was running out.


    And this? This was her only shot.


    Thena¡¯s pulse raced, her body nearing exhaustion, but her mind sharp as ever. She focused every last ounce of her remaining energy, pulling it inward, drawing her very essence into a tight, contained sphere. With trembling fingers, she reached into the tear in reality she had created, guiding the orb into its hidden sanctum within the rippling void.


    The rift closed behind it, sealing the orb away¡ªhidden from their eyes.


    Let them think they¡¯ve won.


    The air grew cold. Her chest tightened with a breath she couldn¡¯t quite take. The force of the impact from yet another of Kiras bolts hit her straight in her heart region. This time however, Thena welcomed it.


    They¡¯ll kill me, but I will be waiting.


    As her heartbeat faltered, she heard the sound of Kira¡¯s voice, quiet and cold, echoed in her mind as the last thread of their twin connection frayed to nothing.


    ¡°Confirmed. It''s done."


    For a moment, the battlefield was silent. Kira and Robert, standing poised in victory, turned away¡ªcontent.


    But then¡­


    Kira paused, something tugging at the back of her consciousness. A faint hum, almost imperceptible, but undeniable.


    The bond¡­


    ¡°What? No¡­¡±


    A ripple of energy surged through the air, and Kira''s eyes widened as she felt the connection begin to re-establish.


    She reacted on instinct.


    Her arm shot out, her fingers grasping out and summoning a fraction of her available power, as a bolt of raw energy flew towards the emerging orb.


    The bolt struck with a sickening crack, its power sinking into the fragile surface of the orb.


    A violent shudder rippled through the sphere, and with a final, deafening snap, it shattered.


    In an instant, a burst of blinding light and raw energy erupted from the fractured remains, cascading outward in a torrent of brilliance. Thenas essence, once contained, now scattered in millions of glowing fragments, each a shard of her very soul¡ªsharp, fleeting, and beautiful.


    The energy danced across the air, twisting and turning as it slowly fell and finally poured onto the earth below.


    For a moment, the world stood still, bathed in a shimmering glow. The energy pulsed like a heartbeat, sending ripples through the earth. The rocks around them glowed faintly, their cold surfaces warming under the infusion. The air itself seemed to vibrate with the intensity, humming in resonance with the fading light.


    But as quickly as it had arrived, the glow began to fade, seeping deeper into the earth until it was gone, leaving only a faint trace of its presence.


    Kira¡¯s heart skipped.


    The connection was severed once more, but this time, Kira felt the ache of its loss.


    This time it was final.

 Prologue part 2

    The sound of footsteps faded into the distance as Kira and Robert moved away from the battlefield, their boots crunching against the uneven terrain.


    Robert¡¯s eyes remained fixed on his tracking device, its faint glow casting sharp shadows across his face. He muttered under his breath, adjusting their course.


    ¡°We need to get the hell out of here. All that noise you made is bound to attract the local wildlife, and I have no intention of becoming someone¡¯s midnight snack. Besides - I¡¯ve been saving a bottle of ¡®Old Nine¡¯ for this day. Lets get back to the ship and prepare for our next step.¡±


    His gaze drifted upward, studying the jagged rock formations towering around them. Had there ever been settlements here, or were they the first humans to set foot on this world? Either way, if everything went according to plan, this planet would one day be folded into his company¡¯s expansion efforts¡ªif only to mark the significance of today.


    He glanced sideways at Kira, one brow arching.


    ¡°What?¡±, Kira met his stare for a second before turning away, eyes fixed in the direction of the teleportation pod.


    ¡°¡­How did you know she¡¯d end up here?¡±, Robert asks.


    Kira closed her eyes for a moment, her pace steady but her thoughts distant.


    ¡°You know¡­ we¡¯ve shared a bond our entire lives, I can¡¯t really explain it. Over the years, I¡¯ve learned to trust my instincts when it comes to her.¡±


    She exhaled softly, opening her eyes just in time to sidestep a jagged rock jutting up from the cracked earth. The terrain here was harsh¡ªsharp ridges, deep crevices, and an eerie stillness that made it feel like even the wind held its breath.


    ¡°I can¡¯t explain it exactly, but I just knew this would be the place she¡¯d end up after exhausting all her escape routes.¡±


    Her voice faltered, the weight of her own words sinking in.


    ¡°¡­I suppose I won¡¯t feel that bond anymore.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    She closed her eyes again, tilting her head back ever so slightly. A flicker of sorrow passed over her face¡ªraw, unguarded. But then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone. Her jaw tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line as she forced herself forward, burying whatever emotions had surfaced.


    There was no point in dwelling on it.


    Thena was gone.


    And Kira had made sure of it.


    Yet, something gnawed at her. A whisper in the back of her mind.


    Reality would tell her Thena was gone.


    Her intuition told her otherwise.


    Kira clenched her fists, pushing the thought away. No. Kira knew she would never see her sister again. Not because she was dead ¨C but because Thena had slipped beyond her reach.


    Several minutes passed before Kira and Robert reached their teleportation pod, its dark, spherical frame nestled within the jagged rock formations. Smooth and featureless at first glance, the pod came to life at their approach, thin seams glowing as it recognized its users. A faint hum resonated through the air as the outer shell retracted, revealing a sleek interior lined with dark metallic plating, polished yet worn from use.


    They stepped inside, the doors sealing behind them with an airtight hiss. A translucent interface flickered to life before Robert, scrolling through pre-set commands. With a flick of his fingers, he entered the departure sequence.


    The pod''s core pulsed.


    Kira exhaled slowly as the world around her wavered.


    A moment later, their bodies began to shimmer, breaking apart into threads of translucent energy. Their forms twisted and fragmented into cascading strands of encoded light, each delicate filament a data-rich imprint of their DNA, neural patterns, and molecular structure. The teleportation system processed them in real time, disassembling and preparing to reconstitute them elsewhere¡ªeffortlessly precise, impossibly fast.


    And then¡ª


    They were gone.


    As soon as the pod registered its passengers had been successfully transported, it executed the next phase of its design. The sleek sphere began to collapse inward, folding in on itself with mechanical precision until it was no larger than a human skull. Then, without hesitation, it launched upward, a streak of silver against the darkened sky, vanishing into the void.


    These pods had been a revolutionary breakthrough¡ªthe breakthrough¡ªthat had propelled Robert¡¯s company to dominance. Unlike traditional teleporters, which required fixed relay points or cumbersome energy grids, these units were fully autonomous. They calculated their own flight paths, dynamically adjusting trajectories mid-course to avoid detection or interference. They analyzed planetary conditions in real time, predicting hazards and optimizing power consumption.


    Most importantly, they were self-sufficient. The pods would never strand their users.


    Before landing, they scanned their surroundings, ensuring they had enough reserve energy to not only touch down but to leave immediately again if required. If conditions weren¡¯t favorable, they would wait, gathering power from ambient radiation or atmospheric sources before committing to a descent.


    This breakthrough was the key to their success.

 Prologue part 3

    Minutes turned to hours, and hours bled into days.


    The remnants of Thena¡¯s soul refused to be lost. Scattered and fragmented, they had seeped into the soil, absorbed by the earth like forgotten whispers. And yet, even in dissolution, there was a pull¡ªa quiet, stubborn instinct knitting the pieces back together, thread by thread.


    Days became weeks. The soil shifted, roots stretched and coiled through the land, and yet the gathering fragments persisted, drawn to one another as if following an unseen command.


    Weeks stretched into months, and in that time, something began to take shape. No larger than a pebble, a perfect sphere rested beneath layers of dirt and stone. At first glance, it was indistinguishable from the countless other rocks scattered across the landscape¡ªits surface hardened, weathered by the relentless passage of time.


    Months turned to years, and still, it remained. Seasons raged above it¡ªrains fell, snow blanketed the land, the winds howled, and the sun scorched the earth in its cyclical fury. The world moved on, unaware. The shifting of vegetation, the ebb and flow of nature, carried the small orb from one resting place to another, burying it, exposing it, burying it again.


    Finally, within its depths, something was stirring.


    Microscopic tendrils branched out, delicate and precise, weaving a network of impossible complexity. They stretched and connected, firing the first flickers of thought¡ªsilent, fragmented, incomplete. There were no memories, no awareness of self, only the hum of something becoming.


    A presence, infinitesimal yet undeniable, waiting in the void of its own existence.


    The orb did not yet think. It did not yet know. It had no nerves, no senses, no voice. It was a thing out of time, caught between death and rebirth, lying dormant beneath the surface.


    But it was waiting.


    Years became decades.


    The tiny pebble¡ªif it could still be called that¡ªhad long since developed a method to sustain itself. Deep beneath the soil, hidden from the world above, it worked tirelessly, refining its network of microscopic tendrils. It wove, unraveled, and rewove itself, an endless cycle of self-improvement. Every discarded strand was replaced with something stronger, something more efficient. It was a pursuit without rest, without distraction¡ªan instinctual, unyielding need to perfect the self.


    Decades stretched into centuries.


    And then, without warning, something changed.


    A flicker¡ªfaint, almost imperceptible. A memory.


    Not a full recollection, not yet, but something close. A whisper of something long forgotten, an echo of a time before.


    Book.


    Light.


    Road¡­


    Door.


    Scattered images with no context, like fragments of a shattered mirror. They came without meaning, slipping away as quickly as they emerged. But the orb¡ªit¡ªwas learning.


    Like an infant grasping at the world for the first time, it began to explore its own thoughts. Only, unlike a child, it had no eyes to see, no hands to touch, no voice to speak. It had only its mind, and a will that had refused to die.


    At first, a single thought could take weeks to form. It was slow, clumsy¡ªtrial and error in the dark void of its own existence. But time, in its endless abundance, worked in its favor. What once took weeks began to take days, then hours. Now, it was minutes.


    And with those minutes, the thoughts became sharper.


    Wait.


    This conclusion¡ªthis idea¡ªwas never complete.


    A string of calculations unfolded within the orb¡¯s mind. The solution it had once believed in, the one buried in the depths of its fractured consciousness, was flawed.


    If we changed the flux-insition with a combrunce-bridge prior to the cobble-stage, we¡¯d have way higher efficiency¡­


    A realization. A correction.


    It was thinking. It was reasoning.


    Centuries became millennia.


    By then, time had lost all meaning. The orb no longer measured its existence in days, years, or cycles of the seasons above. It had become something far more than a dormant fragment of lost life.


    And yet, something unexpected happened.


    It grew bored.


    It had thought, calculated, refined¡ªrevisited every fragment of memory it could salvage, turned every equation inside out, perfected its understanding of itself. But there was nothing new. The same cycles, the same patterns, over and over again.


    Until, one day, a discovery.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Some hundred or so years prior, it had unknowingly developed something¡­ more. A sensory network¡ªcoiled tendrils arranged in an intricate pattern, a system that could interpret the faintest vibrations around it.


    The world, once silent and empty, was suddenly alive.


    It felt the slow, deliberate writhing of worms as they burrowed through the earth.


    The shifting of stones carried by the winds of violent storms.


    The rhythmic tremors of heavy feet¡ªcreatures unknown, walking the land above.


    It was not alone.


    For the first time in what felt like eternity, a thought stirred within the orb.


    There is more than this.


    It had learned to exist.


    Now, it would learn to return.


    One day, a distant sound reached the pebble¡ªnot through ears, for it had none, but through the delicate vibrations it had learned to sense.


    A shifting. A disturbance.


    At first, it was faint, barely distinguishable from the usual tremors of the world above. But it was there. And with each passing day, it grew stronger. Closer.


    A feeling it had no words for took hold. Anticipation.


    What is this?


    It was unlike the slow, creeping expansion of tree roots, which it had long grown accustomed to. It did not move with the aimless, pulsing wriggle of a worm, nor the frantic skittering of an insect.


    Too slow¡­ too deliberate.


    It was something else. Something unknown.


    I¡¯ll call this¡­ a UGO!


    The name formed instinctively¡ªUnidentified Grounded Object. A designation, a label. A way to make sense of something that defied expectation.


    The pebble¡ªno longer just a pebble, but something far more aware¡ªturned its full attention to the phenomenon.


    The UGO advanced, weaving an intricate path through the earth, moving with a purpose the pebble could not yet understand. It watched. Observed. Fascination bloomed within its ever-growing mind.


    Closer¡­ closer¡­


    And then¡ªcontact.


    A delicate, near-imperceptible brush against its surface. A whisper of something alien, something alive.


    Oh¡­ I know this.


    Recognition surged through the pebble¡¯s thoughts. This was not just any movement. This was hyphae. A network of fungal tendrils, threading their way through the soil in search of sustenance.


    The excitement flickered into something more cautious.


    Hyphae¡­ they digest. They break down.


    They dissolve.


    The pebble had no flesh to rot, no organic fibers to consume¡ªbut it remembered. It knew. Given time, given the right conditions, these tiny, persistent strands could wear down even mountains, turning solid rock into dust.


    A new thought, sharp and immediate:


    Am I in danger?


    For the first time in millennia, the pebble felt something akin to but not entirely fear.


    It had spent untold centuries waiting. Surviving. Rebuilding itself, fragment by fragment, idea by idea.


    Would it all end here? Reduced to nothing by something so small?


    It listened. Waited. Watched.


    And for the first time, it wondered if survival would require something more than patience.


    The fungi advanced with quiet persistence, its delicate tendrils weaving around the tiny pebble like creeping fingers in the dark.


    At first, the pebble only observed, as it always had.


    It could feel the mycelium spreading, threading through the soil, encircling it in a slow, deliberate embrace. Was it curiosity? A simple probe to understand what it had found?


    Or was it hunger?


    The answer came soon enough.


    Thin, near-invisible filaments pressed against its hardened shell, searching¡ªprodding¡ªtesting. A slow but insistent pressure.


    Then, the first attempt at invasion.


    The fungi did what fungi always did. It sought to break down, to digest, to consume.


    For the first for as long as the pebble had existed, something outside was attempting to change what the pebble had become. To undo it.


    A flicker of instinct, something long buried beneath the weight of forgotten time, surfaced in an instant. Human fear.


    No, no, NO!, I will not be erased. Not after all this time.


    For so long, the pebble had simply been. Enduring. Surviving. Waiting. But survival, it now realized, was not just about waiting.


    It was about resistance.


    The thought ignited something deep within.


    I will not die.


    The pebble¡ªno, Thena¡ªsummoned its will.


    She wove her tendrils tighter, reinforcing the dense structure she had spent centuries refining. Layer upon layer, she condensed them, making the outer shell unbreakable.


    The fungi did not relent.


    Days swiftly became weeks. The battle between them played out in slow, imperceptible movements¡ªone pushing to infiltrate, the other fortifying, defying.


    Thena could feel herself changing.


    With every moment of struggle, more of herself returned.


    She was no longer just a pebble, lying in the dirt.


    She was Thena.


    For three days, the battle had reached a deadlock.


    Neither side could advance, neither could retreat. The mycelium had wrapped around her, but it could not break through. Thena had fortified herself, but she could not push it away.


    A perfect stalemate.


    I need to do something¡­ I need to change something.


    She turned inward, sifting through the vast web of thoughts and memories that had reawakened within her.


    What if I try to reach out?


    Fungi communicated through their mycelium. A vast, intricate language of biochemical signals pulsed beneath the surface of the world, unseen yet omnipresent. If she could just find a way to speak to it¡ªon its terms¡ªperhaps this didn¡¯t have to be a war.


    It could be a conversation.


    Slowly, carefully, Thena adjusted a minute section of her outer shell, weaving a tendril outward.


    A simple gesture. A first attempt at connection.


    The moment her tendril neared the hyphae, a surge of enzymatic acid was released.


    The tendril dissolved instantly.


    Ouch! Turn to ash you friggin dimwit!


    Frustration flared, but she refused to give up.


    Again, she extended another tendril, adjusting its composition, reinforcing it, hoping to bypass the fungal defense.


    Again, it was destroyed.


    And again.


    And again.


    Endless attempts, endless failures. Each time, she adjusted, recalibrated, restructured. Each time, she learned.


    Then, at last, one of her tendrils managed to slip past the defensive enzymes, curling gently around a single hypha.


    For the briefest moment, nothing happened.


    Then¡ª


    GWOOOOOWWWWWWW


    A tidal wave of sound¡ªno, of information¡ªrushed through her, a chaotic, deafening flood of impulses, raw and unfiltered.


    Thena reeled.


    It was overwhelming. Dissonant. Unstructured. She wanted to recoil, to shut it out¡ªbut she forced herself to stay.


    She listened.


    Bit by bit, she tuned herself, refining her connection, deciphering the chaotic noise into patterns.


    Patterns into fragments.


    Fragments into meaning.


    Days passed as she struggled to understand.


    Then, one day, the chaos shifted.


    A flicker of coherence.


    A two-way pulse.


    A conversation had begun.


    For the first time in thousands of years, Thena was no longer alone.


    And for the first time in an eternity¡ª


    She felt hope.

 Chapter 1: The Last Day Before the Pathway Activation

    The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden light through the dense canopy of Greenhaven Forest. Birds sang softly in the trees, and the gentle rustling of leaves created a soothing backdrop. Evin Frost wandered along the familiar forest path, his heart filled with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation.


    Allovilde Stenson walked beside him, her auburn hair adorned with a braid of wildflowers she had picked from the meadow. Tomorrow marked the activation of their Pathways, a significant step into adulthood for all the village children who would turn sixteen this year.


    "Hard to believe tomorrow we finally start our Pathways," Evin said, with great eagerness in his voice.


    Allovilde''s green eyes sparkled. "Yeah, feels like we''ve been waiting forever. Can''t wait to see where our Pathways take us."


    They reached a lush part of the forest where the canopy overhead was thick with foliage, allowing dappled sunlight to filter through. The ground was carpeted with a rich variety of herbs and mushrooms.


    "Let''s see what we can find," Allovilde suggested, her eyes scanning the vibrant undergrowth.


    Evin crouched down to inspect a cluster of green, serrated leaves. "Look at these. Silverleaf. Good for treating cuts and scrapes."


    Allovilde knelt beside him. "You''re right. And over here," she pointed to tiny white flowers nestled among the greenery, "Snowdrops. Useful for easing headaches when brewed into tea."


    They moved further, encountering a fallen log covered in various types of mushrooms. Evin pointed to a cluster of brown-capped fungi. "Chestnut Mushrooms. Edible, nutty flavor."


    Allovilde picked one carefully. "I remember these. And that one over there! It¡¯s so beautiful!" she gestured to small, fanshaped polypore mushroom growing off of another stump, "Lingzhi, bitter as raw, but their extract boosts your concentration."


    The pair continued their exploration, discussing and identifying the various plants and fungi they encountered. Their teamwork was evident as they shared knowledge and confirmed each other¡¯s findings.


    ¡°Look at this one,¡± Evin said, pointing to a tall stalk with purple flowers. ¡°It¡¯s Nightshade. We should be careful around it because of its poisonous nature, but it¡¯s also a key ingredient in some advanced remedies.¡±


    Allovilde nodded, impressed. ¡°You¡¯ve got a good eye for this, Evin. We¡¯ve learned so much over the years, and it¡¯s moments like these that show how far we¡¯ve come.¡±


    Evin grinned. ¡°I think we make a great team because we push each other to learn and grow. It¡¯s exciting to see how much we know now compared to when we first started.¡±


    Allovilde laughed softly. ¡°Absolutely. It¡¯s been a wonderful journey so far, and tomorrow marks the beginning of an even bigger adventure !¡±


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    As the sun began to set, they made their way back to the village. The cozy cottages with their thatched roofs and the scent of roasted vegetables from the kitchen fires filled the air. The village was alive with an expectant energy as preparations for the Pathway ceremony the following day were underway.


    "It¡¯s beginning to look like a festival ! " Evin said, admiring the colorful banners and decorations that adorned the village square.


    Allovilde smiled, her eyes taking in the scenery.


    The Pathway activation was a significant event in Greenhaven, marking the transition from childhood to young adulthood. Every year on the 1st of August, those who turned 16 during the year would begin their journey that would determine their future roles in the village and beyond. The village would come together to celebrate, offering support and encouragement to the new initiates.


    Allovilde glanced at Evin. "Tomorrow¡¯s is going to be amazing !"


    Evin nodded, a look of excitement in his eyes. "Yeah, I can hardly believe it¡¯s finally here. We¡¯ve talked about it so many times, and now it¡¯s actually happening."


    She laughed softly. "Remember how we used to pretend we were already on our Pathway journeys? Exploring the woods and imagining we were in the higher regions."


    He chuckled. "Yeah, and how we¡¯d compete to see who could find the rarest herbs or mushrooms."


    They walked towards the village center, where the villagers were setting up tables and arranging decorations. The sound of laughter and cheerful chatter creating a lively atmosphere.


    After spending time in the village square, Evin and Allovilde headed home to join their families for a celebratory meal.


    Both families gathered around a wooden table on their porch, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating their faces. The evening was cool, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the nearby trees, and the distant sounds of cicadas added a soothing backdrop to their meal.


    Evin¡¯s father, Thorne Frost, was a sturdy man with calloused hands from years of harvesting, served generous portions of stew to everyone. ¡°Tomorrow is the big day,¡± he said, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and nostalgia. ¡°The start of your Pathway journey.¡±


    His mother, Elara Frost, smiled warmly. ¡°We¡¯re so proud of you, Evin. Remember, it¡¯s not just about achieving your goals, but the experiences and knowledge you gain along the way.¡±


    Evin nodded, absorbing their words. He glanced at Allovilde, who sat next to him, her expression filled with excitement and encouragement. Her eyes sparkled in the lantern light, and she gave him a reassuring smile. They had spent countless hours together exploring the forest and honing their skills, and her presence was a comforting reminder of their shared journey.


    The conversation flowed easily, with tales of past Pathway activations and advice being shared. ¡°Always stay alert,¡± Thorne continued. ¡°The forest can be unpredictable, and it¡¯s important to be prepared for anything.¡±


    After dinner, Evin and Allovilde took a walk outside the village, discussing their hopes and plans for the future. The cool evening air was filled with the sounds of crickets and the distant murmur of the stream.


    Their conversation filled with dreams and anticipation for the future. The Pathway was a doorway to new opportunities, and they were eager to step through it.


    As the stars began to appear in the sky, Evin and Allovilde stood at the edge of the forest, looking out over the land they had known all their lives.


    ¡°Are you ready for what comes next?¡± Allovilde asked, her voice soft and reassuring.


    Evin took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. ¡°Yes, I think so. I¡¯m ready to start this new chapter and see where it takes me.¡±


    Allovilde smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll be starting this journey together. We¡¯ll support each other and face the challenges ahead.¡±


    They stood together, looking out at the familiar forest, feeling hopeful about the future and excited for the adventure that awaited them.


    As the night grew darker, Evin¡¯s thoughts turned to the adventures that awaited him. The Pathway was the beginning of a new journey, a chance to explore, learn, and grow.


    He looked up at the stars, feeling a sense of anticipation for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Tomorrow was the start of a new adventure, and he was ready to embrace it.

 Chapter 2: The Mark of The Pathway

    Evin awoke with a jolt, his heart pounding with anticipation. The sunlight filtered through the small window of his room, casting a warm glow on the wooden floor. He stretched, feeling the burst of excitement tingling through his limbs. Today was the day his Pathway would be activated.


    He sat up and glanced over his body, searching for the mark that was supposed to appear. His heart sank when he saw nothing. He had heard stories of marks being hidden, but not seeing it still made him anxious. Determined, he closed his eyes and tried to feel for the mark, but there was nothing.


    Evin sighed, feeling a mix of frustration. He knew that in a few hours, their teacher would help them activate their marks for the first time. Hopefully, he would find it then.


    He dressed in his simple adventure gear: a sturdy linen shirt, well-worn trousers, and his favorite leather boots. He buckled on a belt with a small pouch for collecting herbs and a water flask. As he headed downstairs, the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.


    Evin''s parents were waiting for him in the kitchen. Elara looked up as he entered. Evin loved seeing her gentle eyes and a kind smile, it had always made him feel at home. Thorne was a tall man with a rugged appearance from years of working in the higher regions. As Evin hurried down the stairs, Thorne was preparing a loaf of herb bread for him.


    "Evin, come here, let me have a look," Thorne said, gesturing him closer. "Your mark is near your right eye, towards your ear. It''s quite striking actually!"


    Evin rushed to the small mirror on the wall and finally saw it: a diamond-shaped mark, delicate yet distinct. It was outlined in a deep blue, contrasting with his skin. He touched it gently, feeling a faint warmth.


    "Wow," he whispered, turning to his parents. "It''s amazing."


    Elara smiled. "It''s a mark of distinction, Evin. You''ll do great things."


    They sat down for breakfast. Thorne explained how he heroicly had collected the herb for the bread in the third region, also known as The Verdant Frontier. The herb was known to invigorate the eater. As the rumour had it, Evin chewed and immediately he felt a burst of energy and a subtle, tingling sensation spreading through his body. The bread was savory, with a hint of sweetness and a rich, earthy flavor.


    As they ate, his parents shared their memories of their own activation days. Thorne, with a distant look in his eyes, recounted the history of the nine regions and the legends of old.


    "Evin, has Njord told you about the old legends? Apparently, in ancient times, humans could wield the strength of an ox and call upon the power of the gods, even without a Pathway mark" Thorne said. "But these are just stories, everyone eventually receive their mark ¨C without it we¡¯d all stay weak as children throughout our lives¡±, he hummed deep at the thought.


    Evin felt a flicker of curiosity. "Do you think there''s any truth to the legends?"


    Thorne shook his head. "We would all be stuck in Edenvale if so, never expanding and advancing into the higher regions. "Stolen novel; please report.


    Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door. Evin''s heart leaped as he opened it to find Allovilde standing there, her eyes bright with excitement.


    "Ready to go?" she asked, showing off the spherical mark on her left hand. "Yours looks really cool, Evin. Right by your eye, it suits you."


    Evin smiled. "I know right! So does yours by the way. I¡¯m ready in a second, be right back", Evin went back inside, stuck in thought, he decided to leave his leather jacket; his linen shirt would be enough for the day. He ran back and hugged his parents goodbye before turning around and running out the front door, slamming it behind him.


    ¡°Oops!¡±, he made a facial expression of guilt, slightly turning his head towards the door as he heard his fathers voice bellowing through the open window.


    ¡°EVIN! How many times do I have to tell you to stop slamming the door!¡±.


    Evin and Allovilde looked at eachother, chuckling as they ran through the garden towards the village center.


    The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves.


    After a few minutes, they came up to village square, where their group was gathering. The teacher, a knowledgeable man named Njord Oakheart, was waiting for them. Njord had a reputation for his deep understanding of nature, although he had never ventured beyond The Verdant Frontier. These days he much preferred the more pleasant environment of the lower regions, where he could explore the treasures of the forrest without constantly being on high alert.


    As the group gathered, the chatter grew in noise, as everyone was eagerly anticipating what would transpire the following hour.


    Evin glanced around and spotted a few familiar faces¡ªLiora, the daring climber; Finn, always buried in a book; Soren, tall and strong, eager for any physical challenge; Anya, whose parents had left behind the hardships of the higher regions; and Garin, the storyteller with an infectious laugh.


    Njord clapped his hands together, drawing their attention. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see those marks.¡± His voice carrying a mix of authority and pride, a sharp smile spreading on his face.


    One by one, the group rolled up sleeves, shifted collars, or extended hands, revealing the intricate symbols etched onto their skin. Each mark was unique, a reflection of something within them.


    Njord nodded approvingly. ¡°Your marks aren¡¯t just decorations. They show your strongest attributes¡ªthough don¡¯t expect to fully understand them right away.¡± He smirked. ¡°That¡¯s part of the journey.¡±


    A few latecomers joined, murmuring apologies as they settled in. Njord took a step forward, folding his arms. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get to it. Today, you¡¯re going to activate your marks for the first time.¡±


    A ripple of excitement¡ªand nerves¡ªpassed through the group.


    Njord let his gaze sweep over the gathered students, his expression calm but expectant. "One by one, I want you to close your eyes," he instructed, his voice steady. "Turn your focus inward. There¡¯s something new inside you¡ªsomething waiting. Find it. Hold onto it." He let the words settle before adding with a small, knowing grin, "And when it stirs, don¡¯t resist. Let it shine."


    He shifted his stance, scanning the group until his eyes landed on the far end, opposite where Evin and Allovilde stood. "Alright, Garin, you¡¯re up first." Then, glancing at the others, he added, "Everyone else, hold back. This can get chaotic fast¡ªespecially if someone suddenly starts sprouting horns from their forehead!"


    Silence.


    The group just stared at him, their eyes wide with unease. Njord blinked, then let out a short chuckle. "That was a joke," he clarified, rubbing his temple. "No one¡¯s growing horns¡­ probably."


    Eventually it was Evins turn to activate his mark. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He searched within himself, feeling for anything different. At first, there was nothing, but then he sensed it: a faint, warm presence. He focused on it, and it began to grow stronger.


    Suddenly, his mark started to burn, and visions flooded his mind. He saw landscapes and creatures he couldn''t explain, ancient symbols and powerful energies. He heard Allovilde''s voice calling his name, but it was distant. The visions overwhelmed him, and everything went black.

 Chapter 3: The Aftermath

    Evin''s eyes fluttered open to see concerned faces hovering over him. Allovilde was gripping his hand, her eyes wide with worry.


    ?Evin! Are you okay?? she asked, her voice trembling.


    He sat up slowly, his head spinning. ?Yeah, I think so. What happened??


    Njord looked relieved. ?You had a strong reaction to the activation. It''s rare, but not unheard of. You must have a powerful connection to your pathway.?


    Evin nodded, still feeling the remnants of the visions swirling in his mind. ?I saw things... visions of places and symbols. It was intense.?


    Njord smiled reassuringly. ?I¡¯ve actually never heard of someone else going through similar experience, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a positive thing for you. Embrace it! The activation is just the beginning, and you have a bright future ahead.?


    Allovilde squeezed his hand. ?We''ll face it together. Whatever comes, we''ll be ready.?


    As the last members of the group finished their activation, Evin felt a renewed sense of determination. The visions had shown him a glimpse of something greater, and he was eager to discover what his journey would hold. Was the visions of his future ? Or of long forgotten memories ¨C one thing was certain, his adventure had truly begun.


    ?Now that your pathways are active,? Njord began, ?you''ll need to learn how to access and understand your new powers. Your marks will be your guide, showing you your strengths, skills, and potential for growth.?


    Evin nodded, his curiosity piqued. He watched as Njord demonstrated the process, holding his hand out and focusing his mind. His mark was located in the palm of his hand, and as he demonstrated, the mark started to expand with additional intricate symbols.


    ?To draw upon your mark,? Njord explained, ?simply concentrate on the desire to see it. Your pathway will respond, and mark will expand.?


    Evin took a deep breath and held out his hand, mimicking Njord''s actions. To his surprise, he could feel that his mark started to expand from beside his eye down towards his neck, following the revelation that he could actually not see any of his new symbols.


    Njord looked over at him and said with a laugh, ? It¡¯s an unfortunate location in the beginning, but you¡¯ll soon learn to recognize the traces of your mark, even without seeing it. But for now, please let me help you decipher your mark. ?.


    ¡°Lets see, you¡¯ve certainly been working hard. The mark is recognizing your talents within herbology ¨C just like your parents ¨C shown with the spiraling symbol you have here¡±, Njord said, as he pointed at one of the spots near Evins ear, where he could feel a warmth shine through.


    ¡°You¡¯re also being recognized for tracking, foraging and survival, as shown with the small symbols here¡±, Njord continued to trace the symbols along his neck.


    ¡°I believe you¡¯re off to a good start, keep at it!¡±


    The feeling filled him with excitement, knowing he could cultivate these abilities further.


    As Evin had his mark expanded, trying to recognize and study the marks features, a familiar voice called out to him. He turned to see Allovilde staring intensly at him.


    ?Evin! Isn''t it incredible?? She grinned, holding out her own expanded mark.


    Evin nodded, a smile spreading across his face. ?It''s amazing. I can''t believe we''ve finally activated our pathways.?


    They sat together on a fallen log, Allovildes sleeve rolled up as they examined the intricate symbols etched into her skin. Each mark was unique¡ªlines and curves forming patterns and symbols that seemed almost alive.


    Allovilde traced a set of runes near her wrist, frowning in concentration. ?This is the one that represents foraging, right? ¨¬t¡¯s the same one that you have,? she murmured, then pointed to another symbol along her forearm. ?And this¡­ I think Njord said it was animal handling? That would explain the way animals seem to trust me so easily.?


    Evin ran his fingers over his own mark, carefully trying to memorize the traces of his symbols.


    ?Wait a minute! This one!? he said, pointing to one of his marks, ?This symbol is similar to the one carved into the door back home, isnt it? I feel so stupid, I bet they¡¯ve told me several times, I need to pay more attention..?


    Allovilde glanced at him, laughter evident in her eyes. ?Took you long enough.?


    Evin nodded, a small grin forming.


    Their conversation soon shifted to training and practice, working out how to develop their marks, however - Evin¡¯s mind kept drifting back to the moment his mark had awakened. The images¡ªthe voices¡ªthey still lingered at the edge of his thoughts, refusing to fade.


    ?Allovilde,? he said hesitantly, ?did you¡­ see anything when your mark activated? Like memories that weren¡¯t yours??


    She tilted her head. ?No. Just this strange warmth spreading through me, like a ball of energy sparking to life.?


    Evin hesitated before nodding. ?I saw flashes of places I¡¯ve never been. People I don¡¯t know. It felt real¡ªlike I was living someone else¡¯s life for a moment.?


    Allovilde studied him, then placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ?No doubt you¡¯re bound to be a great wizard! Challanging dragons and making the mountains tremble in fear as you travel through their narrow valleys.? Half a grin was forming on her face. ?You just need to start paying attention to the simple things first, like patterns on a door, or not fall asleep and start dreaming during important rituals and such.. You know, mundane stuff??, she started laughing.


    Evin exhaled slowly, staring down at the glowing symbols on his arm. ?You fool, I guess I deserved that¡­?, he said, a smile forming on his lips.


    ?Ready to head back? Njord is about to continue his lessons.?


    Evin listened intently as Njord''s voice echoed through the room. The young man leaned forward, his eyes fixed on his mentor, absorbing every detail of the lesson.


    ?The pathway is a journey of self-discovery and growth,? Njord continued, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces of his students. ?A gift bestowed upon each individual at the age of sixteen. It is unique to each person, yet there are commonalities that bind us all together.?


    ?But it is not a path to be trodden lightly. Each step must be taken with purpose and forethought, lest you find yourself in situations beyond your abilities.?


    Njord paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. ?You see, the pathway is not just a simple mark on your skin. It is a living entity, capable of growth and evolution. As you journey along your pathway, you learn new skills and gain boons that enhance your abilities.?


    Evin nodded thoughtfully, his mind already racing with possibilities. He could feel the mark pulsing beneath his skin.


    ?But the pathway is more than just a tool for personal growth,? Njord continued. ?It is also a reflection of your true self. The skills you choose to learn and the boons you gain are determined by your passions and desires. There are even those who get rewarded based on certain actions they perform.?This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    He gestured towards Evin. ?For example, if you have a strong affinity for nature and crafting, then your pathway will lead you down a path that allows you to hone those skills.?


    One of Evin''s classmates raised her hand tentatively. ?What happens when we reach the end of our pathways?? she asked hesitantly. ?Do they just stop??


    Njord smiled gently at her question. ?No, my dear,? he replied softly. ?The end of one''s pathway is not an ending at all. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new journey ¨C one that leads to even greater potential and power.?


    He paused for a moment before continuing in hushed tones: ?Legend has it that there are those who have managed to transform their marks into something more, merging symbols and patterns to create new more advanced shapes.? His voice trailed off as he glanced around the room, his eyes filled with mystery and intrigue.


    ?Consider your strengths and passions,? Njord urged, his voice filled with conviction. ?If your heart lies in the realm of nature and crafting, then you must be prepared for the challenges that come with such a path. The regions are filled with dangers, both known and unknown, and only those who have honed their skills and knowledge can hope to reach the pinnacle of strength.?


    Evin''s thoughts drifted to the countless hours he had spent exploring the forest with Allovilde, learning the secrets of the plants and creatures that called it home. He realized now that those experiences had been more than just idle pursuits¡ªthey had been the foundation upon which he would build his future.


    As Njord continued to speak, Evin''s resolve grew stronger. He knew that he could not simply rely on his natural talents and interests; he would need to work tirelessly to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive on his chosen path.


    ?Remember,? Njord said, his voice softening with understanding, ?there is no wrong way to walk the pathway. Each of you has a unique destiny, a path that is yours and yours alone. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you to the heights of your potential.?


    As they stepped out of the classroom, Evin and Allovilde fell into step beside each other, their minds still buzzing with Njord''s words. The warm afternoon sun cast dappled shadows across the path, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers.


    ?So,? Allovilde began, her eyes sparkling with excitement, ?where should we start??


    Evin considered for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. ?Well, my tracking skills are getting better. Maybe we could start by tracking some low-level creatures in the forest? I could lead the way, and you could use your bow to take them down. None of us has developed any mastery with weapons, and if we are to progress through the regions, we need to prioritize that. ?


    Allovilde grinned, her fingers instinctively reaching for the bow slung across her back. ?I like the sound of that. And while we''re out there, we can keep an eye out for any herbs or plants we can collect. Every little bit helps when it comes to developing our herbology and foraging skills.?


    Evin nodded, his mind already mapping out potential routes through the dense undergrowth. ?Exactly. We can cover more ground if we split up, but we should always stay within earshot of each other. Just in case.?


    As they continued down the path, their conversation turned to the intricacies of their chosen skills to enhance.


    Before they knew it, they had reached the fork in the road that led to their respective homes. Evin glanced up, spotting his parents waiting for him on the porch, their faces warm with affection.


    ?Looks like someone has been waiting for us to return,? he said, turning to Allovilde with a smile. ?Lets meet up after we''ve had something to eat? We can head out to the forest and put our plan into action.?


    Allovilde nodded, her eyes shining with determination. ?I''m up for that.?


    Evin stepped into the cozy warmth of his home, the aroma of Elara''s cooking yet again enveloping him like a comforting embrace.


    ?Welcome back? Thorne said, his voice deep and reassuring. ?We know you want to get out there, but before you leave, there is a story we need to share with you.?


    Elara gestured towards the dining table, where a spread of Evin''s favorite dishes awaited him. ?Come, sit.?


    As they settled around the table, Elara began, her eyes distant with memory. ?I guess I¡¯ll just start, no point i dwelling any more.?, she said with a calm voice, her face deep in thought. ?It was a sunny day, much like this one. Your father and I were only a couple of years older than you actually. We decided to venture into Aegis Forest for the first time. You''ve heard the stories, of course, but seeing it is something entirely different.?


    Elara paused, her voice tinged with a mix of wonder and sorrow. ?The Aegis stretches endlessly, its canopy a thick, green embrace. The ancient trees towered above us, their bark gnarled and heavy with the weight of centuries. The forest floor was a rich carpet of moss and fallen leaves, alive with creatures we couldn''t always see but could always feel.?


    ?The forest seemed to breathe with life, yet there was an eerie tranquility to it, a stillness that felt almost unnatural. The whispers of the wind through the leaves, the distant call of unknown birds¡ªit was haunting and beautiful all at once. It was as if the forest itself was calling to us.?


    Thorne nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering candle at the center of the table. ?I still remember the scents that filled the air as we journeyed deeper into the forest. The earthy aroma of the soil, the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, and the crisp scent of pine needles. It was.. Magnificent!?


    Elara continued, her voice softening. ?We were so focused on our search for rare herbs that we didn''t notice the change in our surroundings. It wasn''t until we heard the sounds of creatures all around us that we realized we had been surrounded.?


    Thorne leaned forward, his eyes intense. ?We had inadvertently wandered into the more dangerous parts of the forest. On this day we were a foraging party of four. Your aunt, Elara''s older sister, and her husband, both were considered promising adventurers, had agreed to accompany us.?


    Elara''s eyes glistened with unshed tears. ?We stared at each other, fear gripping our hearts. We knew that not everyone would make it out alive.?


    Thorne''s voice grew somber. ?A pack of wolves had encircled us. Baldur, your aunt''s husband, drew his dagger and bravely stepped forward to fend off the wolves, giving us a chance to escape. He screamed at us to run. We hesitated, but he kept insisting that we hurry out of there¡­ And so we did.?


    Elara''s voice trembled as she recounted the memory. ?We could hear his screams fading behind us as we ran for our lives. After having ran for as long as we could, we were drained and compeltely exhausted. We slowed to a walk. But the wolves had followed us, and they emerged from the bushes, ready to attack.?


    Thorne''s hand found Elara''s, their fingers intertwining. ?Your aunt stumbled on a large root and fell. The wolves were upon her in an instant.?


    Evin listened intently, his heart pounding as his parents recounted the tale. He couldn''t imagine the fear they must have felt, the anguish of losing loved ones in such a brutal way.


    Thorne''s voice was heavy with emotion as he continued, ?We couldn''t save her. The wolves were too many, too fierce. We had no choice but to keep running, even though we were at the brink of collapsing. ?


    Elara''s grip on Thorne''s hand tightened. ?We finally reached the edge of the forest, our bodies battered and our spirits broken. We collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.?


    Thorne met Evin''s gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. ?We vowed never to venture into the higher regions of Rygr. It was a hard-learned lesson, one that came at a great cost.?


    Elara reached across the table, her hand resting on Evin''s. ?We share this story with you, Evin, not to frighten you, but to remind you of the importance of caution and preparation. The forest is a beautiful place, but it can also be deadly if you''re not careful.?


    Evin nodded, his mind reeling from the weight of their words. He had always known that the forest held dangers, but hearing his parents'' firsthand account made it all the more real.


    Thorne''s voice broke through Evin''s thoughts. ?Promise us, Evin, that you will always be cautious when you explore the forest or wherever you might end up adventuring. That you will never venture into areas beyond your abilities.?


    Evin met his father''s gaze, his voice steady. ?I promise.?


    Elara smiled softly, her hand squeezing Evin''s. ?We know you will. After all, you do have a wise head on your shoulders, and we trust in your judgment.?


    Evin opened the front door, his mind still heavy with the weight of his parents'' story. As he prepared to step outside, his father approached him, a solemn expression on his face. In his hands, he held a sheathed dagger.


    ?Evin,? Thorne began, his voice low and serious, ?there''s something I want you to have.? He held out the dagger, the worn leather sheath speaking of its age and history.


    Evin took the dagger, his fingers curling around the hilt. He looked up at his father with visible confusion in his eyes.


    Thorne took a deep breath, his gaze distant as if lost in a painful memory. ?The following day of our venture in Aegis forest, a local adventuring party went in to retrieve your aunt and uncle, this was the dagger your uncle Baldur used to fend off the wolves.?


    Evin''s eyes widened, his grip on the dagger tightening. He had never known his uncle, but the weight of his sacrifice hung heavy in the air.


    ?I want you to have it,? Thorne continued, his voice thick with emotion. ?Use it to protect yourself, and may it serve you better than its previous owner. ?


    Evin unsheathed the dagger, the blade glinting in the dim light of the room. It had been carefully sharpened and polished, a testament to the love and care his father had poured into preserving this piece of family history.


    He sheathed the dagger once more, his eyes meeting his father''s. ?I will, Father. I promise to be careful and use this to protect myself and others.?


    Thorne pulled Evin into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around his son with a fierce protectiveness. Evin returned the hug, the dagger pressed between them, a symbol of the bond they shared and the sacrifices their family had made.


    As they pulled apart, Evin tucked the dagger into his belt, the weight of it a constant reminder of his promise. He turned to leave, his heart heavy but his resolve strong.


    Outside, he spotted Allovilde. She seemed to be preparing to leave as well, her pack slung over her shoulder and a determined set to her jaw. Evin walked towards her, ready to face whatever challenges the forest might hold, with his new dagger at his side.

 Chapter 4: Delving into the Pathway

    Evin and Allovilde stepped out of the village, their packs laden with supplies for their foraging expedition. The sun''s warm rays filtered through the lush canopy, casting dappled shadows on the well-worn path. They walked in comfortable silence, the familiarity of their surroundings and each other''s presence a soothing balm.


    As they reached their favorite foraging spot, a small clearing dotted with an array of plants and herbs, Evin felt a relaxing aura wash over him. He had always found solace in the quiet, methodical work of collecting and cataloging the various flora.


    They set to work, carefully selecting the most vibrant specimens and placing them in their packs. For each plant Evin picked, he felt that the symbol from his mark pulsed, despite not being certain if it was his mind playing games with him.


    Allovilde, too, seemed engrossed in her task, her brow furrowed in concentration as she examined each leaf and stem. They worked in tandem, their movements fluid and efficient, born of countless hours spent together in the forest.


    As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Evin paused to check his progress. He felt for changes in the traces of his mark, near the symbols representing the skills he was currently focused on developing. To his surprise, he could see a faint change in the symbol representing herbalism, the small increase a testament to his dedication. He glanced over at Allovilde, who had also paused, a small smile playing on her lips.


    ?Looks like we''re both improving,? she said, holding up her wrist to show a similar symbol.


    Evin nodded, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. ?Every little bit counts,? he said, turning back to his work.


    He scanned the clearing, his eyes falling on a particularly vibrant plant, its leaves a deep, rich green. He reached for it, his fingers brushing against the soft petals. As he plucked it from the ground, he could feel a change in his herbalism symbol. ¡°Wait, could you help me here, something just changed, and I¡¯m not sure what it is. It feels like..¡± he said, as he expanded his mark. ¡°Your mark has a small dot next to it! Could that be the boons Njord was talking about? It¡¯s annoying that we have to guess at these things!¡±.


    ?I¡¯m not sure what the boon does, but I can feel a weird sensation now. It feels like we wont find more rare herbs in this clearing, perhaps the boon is related to noticing nearby rare herbs??


    Evin''s eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face. He looked up at Allovilde, holding up the plant triumphantly.


    Allovilde''s eyes sparkled with excitement, her own grin mirroring his. ?That''s fantastic, Evin! Every little advantage helps, right??


    Evin nodded, tucking the plant carefully into his pack.


    They continued their foraging, the rhythmic motions and soft rustling of leaves creating a soothing atmosphere. Evin found himself lost in thought, scanning the area for more herbs to pick.


    A soft exclamation from Allovilde drew his attention. She held up a handful of herbs, a broad smile on her face. ?I did it! I received a boon too! But unlike yours, my.. dot.. looks to be more star-shaped. I wonder what it means! Any suggestions?


    Evin grinned, giving her a high-five. ?Well done! And.. Your guess is as good as mine.. Were you doing anything special upon receiving it??.


    They continued their conversation, making guesses on what this could mean, but soon landed on paying extra attention for changes compared to earlier.


    They finally decided to take a break, finding a comfortable spot beneath a towering oak tree. The rough bark pressed against Evin''s back as he leaned against the trunk, the cool shade a welcome respite from the sun''s heat.


    Allovilde sat cross-legged beside him, her hair glinting in the dappled light. They talked about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing easily as it always had. Evin found himself laughing at Allovilde''s jokes, the weight of his earlier worries momentarily lifted.


    As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they decided to try their hand at tracking and hunting. Evin had always been fascinated by the art of reading the forest floor, of deciphering the stories left behind by its inhabitants.


    He knelt down, his eyes scanning the soft earth for signs of passage. To his surprise, he felt a strange sensation, as if the forest itself was guiding his senses. He could see the faint impressions of tiny paws, could almost feel the direction in which they led.


    ?Allovilde,? he said, his voice hushed with awe, ?I think I can track them. The creatures that passed through here. It''s like...like I can sense where they went.?


    Allovilde''s eyes widened. ?Really? Is it different from how you used to track them any other day? Your Pathway must be guiding you.?


    Evin nodded, his heart racing. He pointed to a barely visible trail leading deeper into the forest. ?A hare, I think. It went that way, not too long ago.?


    Allovilde grinned, readying her bow. ?Then let''s follow it. Our first hunt as Pathwalkers.?


    Evin stood, his own excitement mirroring hers. Together, they set off into the deepening shadows of the forest.


    Evin moved silently through the forest, his eyes fixed on the ground, tracing the delicate imprints left by the hare. The tracks were fresh, the edges crisp and clear in the soft earth. He felt a surge of excitement as he realized how much easier it was becoming to follow the trail, his senses attuned to the subtle signs.


    He paused for a moment, feeling for his any changes in his tracking symbol, but no changes had occured yet. ?I guess I need to work more with the skill to make any changes,? he murmured to himself, ?I¡¯d love to get another boon before the night falls.?


    As they continued, Evin noticed other tracks crossing their path¡ªa fox, a deer, even the tiny paw prints of a mouse. Each time, he took a moment to study them, feeling the knowledge settle into his mind like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. But he didn''t linger too long, always returning his focus to the hare.


    Allovilde moved beside him, her bow at the ready, an arrow nocked but not yet drawn. There was a tension in her stance, a mix of anticipation and nerves. Evin could relate¡ªthis was new territory for both of them.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ?I''ve never actually shot at a living creature before,? Allovilde whispered, her voice tight. ?Only practice targets. I didn''t think I''d be this nervous.?


    Evin gave her a reassuring smile. ?It''s okay to be nervous, even if it¡¯s just a hare.?


    They both chuckled lightly. ?I know,? Allovilde sighed. ?I just don''t want to mess it up, you know? I don''t want the animal to suffer because of my inexperience.?


    ?You won''t mess it up,? Evin said confidently. ?You''re an amazing archer, Allovilde. When the time comes, you''ll make a clean shot. I know you will.?


    Allovilde returned his smile, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. ?Thanks, Evin. That means a lot.?


    They fell silent again, creeping forward, the forest seeming to hold its breath around them. The hare''s trail was growing fresher with each step, and Evin knew they were getting close. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of excitement and adrenaline.


    Suddenly, he caught a flash of movement ahead, a glimpse of brown fur and long ears. The hare was there, just a few yards away, nibbling on a patch of clover. Evin froze, hardly daring to breathe. Beside him, Allovilde slowly, silently, drew back her bowstring.


    The arrow flew true, striking the hare with a dull thud. Evin and Allovilde turned to each other, their faces alight with a mix of shock and elation. They had done it! Their first real hunt as Pathwalkers, and it had been a success.


    But their triumph was short-lived. As they turned back to claim their prize, Evin''s heart nearly stopped. There, in the bushes just behind the fallen hare, a pair of eyes glinted back at them. They were not alone.


    Evin''s mind raced, trying to understand how he had missed the signs. He had been so focused on the hare''s tracks, so sure of his growing skills, that he hadn''t even considered the possibility of another predator.


    Beside him, Allovilde was already reaching for another arrow, her movements swift but shaky. But even as she nocked it to her bowstring, the creature burst from the shadows, a blur of fur and fury.


    Instinct took over. Evin''s hand flew to the dagger at his belt, the one his father had given him, the one that had once belonged to his uncle. He drew it in a flash, leaping forward to meet the creature''s charge.


    They collided in a tangle of limbs and claws and glinting steel. Evin felt the impact, felt himself falling, Allovilde''s scream ringing in his ears. They hit the ground hard, the creature''s weight pinning them down.


    For a moment, all Evin could see was fur and sky, all he could hear was his own heartbeat and Allovilde''s terrified gasps. The forest floor was hard and cold beneath him, littered with twigs and leaves that dug into his back.


    Seconds felt like an eternity. Evin waited for the pain, for the tearing of claws and teeth. But it never came. The weight on top of them was heavy, but still. Too still.


    Hardly daring to breathe, Evin slowly turned his head. The creature lay across them, its eyes staring sightlessly at the canopy above. Dark blood matted its fur, flowing from a deep gash in its throat. Evin''s dagger, still clutched in his white-knuckled grip, was slick with it.


    ?Allovilde,? he croaked, his voice sounding strange and far away. ?Allovilde, are you alright??


    Evin''s heart raced as he called out to Allovilde, his voice trembling with fear. But she didn''t respond. Panic gripped him as he struggled to free himself from the dead creature''s weight. With a burst of strength, he managed to pull himself loose, immediately turning to Allovilde''s still form.


    He gently pulled her out, his hands shaking. As he let go of her arms, he noticed with a jolt of horror that his hands were stained with blood. His stomach turned as he quickly looked her over, his mind reeling. To his immense relief, he saw that she was still breathing, but his relief was short-lived as he discovered a wound on the back of her head, likely from hitting the ground during the attack.


    Evin''s mind raced as he dug into his pack, pulling out the herbs they had found earlier. With trembling fingers, he did his best to apply them to Allovilde''s wound, praying that they would help. He worked diligently, his focus entirely on his friend''s well-being.


    After what felt like an eternity, Allovilde stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, but they were unfocused, and she looked shaken. Evin helped her sit up, supporting her weight as she leaned against him.


    ?What... what happened?? she asked, her voice weak.


    Evin swallowed hard, the memory of the attack still vivid in his mind. ?It was a hog,? he explained, his voice shaking slightly. ?It must have been tracking the same hare. I... I think my tracking skill wasn''t high enough to notice its tracks, the thought didnt strike me at all ¨C that I would not be able to track all types of creatures yet.?


    Allovilde nodded slowly, wincing as the movement aggravated her head. They sat in silence for a moment, both trying to process the terrifying ordeal they had just survived.


    Suddenly, Evin felt a strange sensation, like his mark was calling to him. He glanced at Allovilde, noticing a similar look of confusion on her face. ?Do you feel that too?? he asked.


    She nodded, her hand moving to her own mark. They both quickly checked their marks.


    ?They.. are more vibrant??, the marks were glowing a faint hue for a short moment, before turning the old dull color again. ?What happened??, Evin looked at Allovilde. ?I¡¯ve got no idea, we should ask Njord about this. Whatever happened, I feel stronger from it, my head doesnt feel like it want to split in two halfs anymore.?


    Evin glanced at the fallen creatures. ?We can''t just leave them here,? he said thoughtfully.


    Allovilde nodded. ?Let''s make a stretcher to carry them.?


    They gathered nearby branches and twigs, using their survival skills to craft a sturdy stretcher. Working together, they carefully loaded the hog and hare onto it, each taking an end to distribute the weight.


    As they made their way through the darkening forest, Evin reflected on the day''s events. ?I should have been more careful with my tracking,? he said, his voice heavy with regret.


    Allovilde squeezed his arm reassuringly. ?It''s not your fault. We''re both learning.?


    They discussed what they could have done differently, their conversation punctuated by the crunch of leaves beneath their feet. At one point, they had to navigate a fallen tree, Evin holding the stretcher steady while Allovilde climbed over, then switching roles.


    When they reached a stream, Evin waded through confidently, the cool water a shock against their skin. They worked in tandem, each supporting the other, until they finally emerged from the forest, exhausted and dirty. Their clothes were torn, and sweat mixed with dirt streaked their faces. They still carried the makeshift wooden stretcher between them.


    As they approached their homes, Allovilde''s father noticed them from the garden, his eyes widening at his daughter''s injured state and their bedraggled appearance. He was cleaning up from his work, but immediately dropped everything and rushed over.


    ¡°Allovilde! Evin! What happened to you?¡± he exclaimed, concern etched on his weathered face. He quickly took in their torn clothes, the stretcher, and the bloodstains.


    Allovilde winced, feeling the pain in her head. ?We ran into some trouble in the forest? she said, trying to keep her voice steady.


    Her mother, hearing the commotion, hurried outside. She gasped when she saw Allovilde''s injury and the state they were in. ¡°Oh my goodness, Allovilde! Are you alright?¡± she asked, her voice trembling with worry as she rushed to her daughter''s side.


    ¡°We¡¯re okay, Mother,¡± Allovilde reassured her, though she still looked pale. ¡°Just a bit shaken.¡±


    Evin¡¯s parents, alerted by the noises from the neighbor''s garden, rushed out to learn what had occurred. They quickly assessed the situation, their expressions mirroring the concern of Allovilde¡¯s parents.


    ¡°Evin, what happened?¡± his father demanded.


    Evin, still catching his breath, began explaining. ¡°We had a successful hunt, but we were attacked by a hog. It caught us by surprise,¡± he said, glancing at the stretcher. ¡°We managed to fend it off, but not without some close calls.¡±


    ¡°You were lucky,¡± Thorne said gravely, placing a firm hand on Evin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Evin, this was reckless! You need to be more careful while adventuring, did you not understand that from our story earlier today?¡±


    Elara nodded, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at both Evin and Allovilde. ¡°Please, both of you, be careful out there. We don¡¯t want to see you get hurt.¡±


    Evin assured them they would, his mind already turning to the mysteries of the mark glowing and what it might mean for their future as Pathwalkers. Despite the day''s hardships, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and curiosity about the skills they were developing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you both cleaned up,¡± Allovilde¡¯s mother said, guiding her daughter towards their home. ¡°You need rest and proper care.¡±


    Evin¡¯s parents helped him with the stretcher, their expressions softening as they looked at the young hunters. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth, it is actually fairly impressive what you¡¯ve managed to do today,¡± Thorne said quietly. ¡°But remember, you wont always be as lucky as you were today.¡±


    With those words, Evin felt a renewed sense of determination. He knew the path ahead was filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them, alongside Allovilde.

 Chapter 5: Echoes of the Past, Footsteps to the Future

    A lone traveler moved with practiced ease through the dense underbrush, his steps light but deliberate. A long cloak, weathered by countless journeys, draped over his shoulders, blending with the earth-toned leather of his gear. His sandy blonde hair, tied back in a loose knot, stirred in the wind as he adjusted the pack on his back.


    Laktor Thornwood had seen much of the world beyond Edenvale¡ªmore than most ever would. He had crossed the burning dunes of the Desert¡¯s Bounty, braved the whispering woods of the Enchanted Glade, and studied the ruins hidden deep within Forest¡¯s Embrace. Yet no matter how far he traveled, the same questions followed him. What were the Pathway marks, truly? Why did they only awaken on a specific day, as if bound by some unseen design? His thoughts kept returning to the symbols etched on his forearm. A considered the pathway a puzzle, one he had set his mind to solve.


    He glanced down at the dagger strapped to his belt. A relic of an era long past, its blade bore faint engravings, nearly worn away by time. He had spent the last two years following the trail of its twin, a search that had led him to abandoned strongholds, cryptic texts, and whispered rumors of a hidden truth buried beneath centuries of forgotten lore.


    A cold breeze swept through the trees. Laktor exhaled slowly, his breath misting in the chill air.


    Laktor paused atop a rocky outcropping, his keen eyes surveying the landscape before him. The jagged peaks of the mountains loomed in the distance, their snow-capped summits piercing the clouds. In the valleys below, dense forests stretched as far as the eye could see, their canopies a sea of green broken only by the occasional glint of a winding river. The air was crisp and clean, carrying with it the scent of pine and the faint tang of silver from the veins that ran deep beneath the earth.


    As he stood there, lost in thought, Laktor felt a sudden tug from the dagger, as if an invisible force were pulling him back towards the lower regions. It was an odd sensation, considering he had been steadily working his way up through the regions, honing his skills and growing stronger with each passing day. He had always assumed that the second dagger would be found in the higher regions, where the challenges were greater and the rewards more precious.


    But the pull was insistent, and Laktor knew better than to ignore the signs. He had learned to trust his instincts and the wisdom of the artifact he sought. With a sigh, he turned his back on the mountains and began the long journey back towards The Arid Frontier, the second region he had left behind.


    As he walked, his mind raced with possibilities. What secrets did the second dagger hold? What new challenges would he face in his quest to find it? And what did this unexpected detour mean for his mission and the organization he served? These questions swirled in his mind, but Laktor pushed them aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. He had a job to do, and he would see it through, no matter where the Pathway led him.


    Evin woke up, his body aching from the previous day''s events. Despite the soreness, excitement coursed through his veins as he recalled their successful hunt and the progression they had acquired. He sat up in bed, wincing slightly as he stretched his bruised muscles.


    Curious took hold, and Evin expanded his mark once more. As he scanned the symbols, he noticed that his symbols had indeed changed since the last time he checked, prior to the hog, and also, he couldnt help but wonder what the new symbol resembled.


    Climbing out of bed, Evin dressed in fresh clothes and made his way to the living room. The aroma of freshly baked pie wafted through the air, making his stomach growl. Elara, greeted him with a warm smile.


    ?Good morning, Evin. Did you sleep well?? she asked, her eyes filled with concern. ?You slept longer than usual, but I suppose you needed the rest after yesterday''s adventure.?


    Evin nodded, grateful for his mother''s understanding. ?I feel much better now, thanks for asking.?


    Elara gestured towards the kitchen. ?Your father has already been to Borin with the hare and hog from yesterday. We received 5 copper coins for the hare and 30 for the hog, along with some prepared meat. I''ve made a hearty pie to fill your belly properly before you head out.?


    Borin Hewitt was the village slaughterer of Greenhaven, known for his precise and skilled preparation of game brought in by hunters. His expertise ensured that every part of the animal was utilized efficiently, providing the villagers with quality meat, hides, and other useful materials. His work was essential for the village¡¯s sustenance and economy, making him a respected figure in the community.


    Evin grinned, his mouth watering at the thought of his mother''s delicious cooking. He followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the table, eager to dig in. As they ate, they engaged in pleasant conversation, discussing the events of the previous day and Evin''s plans for the day.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Evin thanked his mother for the delicious meal and set out towards Allovilde''s house. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the village, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees. As he approached Allovilde''s home, he noticed her mother tending to the garden outside.


    ?Good morning, Mrs. Stenson,? Evin greeted her with a smile.


    Allovilde''s mother looked up from her work and returned the smile. ?Good morning, Evin. If you''re looking for Allovilde, she''s not here at the moment. She went to see the village healer to make sure her injuries from yesterday are healing properly.?


    Evin nodded, feeling a twinge of concern for his friend. ?Thank you for letting me know. I''ll head over to the village and see if I can find her.?


    He bid Mrs. Stenson farewell and made his way towards the village center.


    Lost in thought, Evin almost didn''t notice Allovilde approaching him from the opposite direction. Relief washed over him as he saw her walking with a spring in her step, looking much better than she had the previous day.


    ?Allovilde!? Evin called out, waving to her.


    She grinned and quickened her pace to meet him. ?Evin! I was just on my way back from the healer''s.?


    ?How are you feeling?? Evin asked, his eyes scanning her for any signs of discomfort.


    Allovilde''s smile widened. ?I''m doing great, actually. The healer said that the treatment you gave me after the attack helped my wounds heal much faster than they would have otherwise. I can''t thank you enough!?


    Evin felt a surge of pride at her words, but he shrugged modestly. ?I''m just glad I could help. It''s a good thing we''ve been learning so much about herbs and their uses.?


    ?Speaking of learning,? Allovilde said, her eyes sparkling with excitement, ?I think we should go see Njord and ask about our marks. He might have some insights or advice for us.?


    Evin nodded in agreement. ?I¡¯m ready. Let''s go find him and see what he has to say.?


    Together, they set off towards Njord''s home, eager to gain wisdom from their trusted mentor before embarking on the next stage of their Pathway journey.


    As Evin and Allovilde approached the training hall, they spotted Njord sitting at a table outside, seemingly waiting for them. He greeted them with a warm smile and gestured for them to join him. ?Evin, Allovilde, good morning. Please have a seat. I''ve prepared some herbal tea, would you like some??


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged a glance, surprised by Njord''s invitation. They had planned to discuss the events of the previous day with him, but it seemed he already knew. They nodded and settled into their seats, Njord began to speak.


    ?I''ve heard about what happened yesterday,? he said, his tone a mix of pride and concern. ?I must say, I''m impressed with how you both handled the situation, despite the danger you faced.?


    Evin felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had been worried about how Njord might react to their close call with the hog. ?I guess we had a solid portion of luck yesterday. The hog more or less killed itself when it jumped into my dagger.?


    Allovilde nodded in agreement. ?We¡¯ve learned our lesson. I honestly thought we were done for.?


    The conversation quickly shifted to the topic of their marks changing. They both leaned forward, eager to learn more about the process. ?Actually, we were hoping you could tell us more about how mark development works. We both received new symbols after the fight yesterday, and we believe we know what they represent, but we would like for you to confirm it.?


    Evin expanded his mark, showing the new symbol that had etched itself into his skin just above his collarbone. ¡°I believe this symbol represents something related to the use of daggers?¡±. He glanced over at Allovilde, who had prepared her new symbol too ¡°And we think Allovildes¡¯ new symbol represents something related to the use of a bow?¡±.


    Njord took a sip of his herbal drink before responding. ?Ah, yes. The process can be quite complex, especially as you progress further along your Pathway.? He paused, gathering his thoughts. ?Sometimes, if you''ve been working diligently and consistently, you may be presented new symbols, representing a skill you¡¯ve started to progress a pathway for.?


    Allovilde¡¯s nodded towards Evin. ?Just as we predicted.?


    Njord chuckled at her enthusiasm. ?Indeed, it is. Keep in mind what we spoke of earlier. If you spread your focus out, you¡¯ll be cutting yourself short on the deeper progression. Like a jack of all trades, you¡¯ll master none. I¡¯m not saying there¡¯s anything wrong with it, I just want you both to keep it in mind as you progress further in your pathways.?


    Evin furrowed his brow, absorbing the information.


    Njord leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful as he continued to explain the intricacies of the Pathway system. ?You see, the complexity of the Pathway is precisely why our village has chosen to approach it in a specific way.?


    Evin and Allovilde listened intently, their curiosity piqued by Njord''s words.


    ?In Greenhaven, we have a tradition of focusing on the basics - the knowledge and skills necessary to survive in the wild and navigate the challenges that come with the Pathway journey. Our mentors, myself included, aim to provide you with a solid foundation without overwhelming you with too many details about the system itself.?


    Njord took another sip of his herbal drink before continuing. ?We believe that the best way to truly understand the Pathway is to experience it firsthand. Trying to grasp all of its intricacies before your activation can be daunting and potentially discouraging.?


    Evin nodded, understanding the wisdom in Njord''s words. He had always appreciated the practical approach to learning in Yle, focusing on the skills that would serve them well in their adventures.


    ?Of course, other villages may have different practices,? Njord acknowledged. ?And that''s perfectly fine. There is no right or wrong way to approach the Pathway journey. Each community must find the method that works best for them and their young Pathwalkers.?


    Njord smiled warmly at his students. ?I''m here to support you every step of the way, provided I am able to of course! Never hesitate to seek my advice or assistance. The Pathway journey is a learning process for all of us.?


    With their minds set and Njord''s guidance fresh in their thoughts, Evin and Allovilde prepared for a week of hard, tedious work to jumpstart their adventure careers. They gathered their tools and supplies, determined to make the most of every opportunity.

 Chapter 6 : The Stranger in the Woods

    Laktor trekked through the rugged terrain of The Verdant Frontier, his mind consumed by the persistent pull of the sheathed dagger at his side. With each passing day, the sensation grew stronger, like an invisible thread tugging him towards an unknown destination. He paused atop yet another rocky outcropping, wiping the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the vast expanse of wilderness before him.


    The dagger''s previous owner, a seasoned adventurer, had last been seen venturing through The Verdant Frontier several years ago. The Seekers of the Hidden Path had long assumed that the owner had progressed to even higher regions, perhaps uncovering ancient secrets and forgotten lore along the way. However, the insistent pull of the dagger now suggested a different story altogether.


    Laktor''s brow furrowed as he contemplated the implications. If the dagger had indeed found a new owner, it raised a perplexing question: how had it ended up in Edenvale, the gentle starting point for young adventurers? The thought seemed almost inconceivable, given the vast distances and challenges that separated the two regions.


    As he continued his journey, Laktor''s mind kept returning to the dagger at his side. Perhaps the previous owner had met an untimely end, leaving the dagger to be discovered by a new Pathwalker. Or maybe there was a deeper mystery at play.


    Laktor decided to proceed with caution. The Seekers of the Hidden Path relied on him to unravel this enigma and gather any valuable insights that could aid their cause. With renewed determination, he adjusted his pack and set off once more, allowing the dagger''s insistent pull to guide his steps through the untamed wilderness of The Verdant Frontier.


    Evin watched with admiration as Allovilde''s arrow found its mark, piercing the heart of the unsuspecting rabbit. Her archery skills had grown exponentially over the past week, a testament to her unwavering dedication and countless hours of practice. Allovilde''s face lit up with a triumphant smile as she retrieved her prize, holding it aloft for Evin to see.


    ?Another clean kill,? Evin praised, his own grin mirroring hers. ?Your aim is getting better every day.?


    Allovilde beamed at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with pride. ?It''s all thanks to your tracking skills,? she said, gesturing to the subtle signs of the rabbit''s passage that Evin had spotted earlier. ?I would have approached it from a completely weird angle, scaring the rabbit off.?


    Evin felt grateful for the strong partnership they had forged during their time in the forest. Together, they had pushed each other to new heights, honing their abilities to progress as efficient as possible in each of their respective Pathways.


    Evin''s own repertoire had expanded considerably, with the addition of his new Dagger skill. It had truly come naturally to him, a reflection to the countless hours he had spent practicing with the weapon that had once belonged to his uncle.


    Evin couldn''t help but feel a sense of pride as he and Allovilde tallied up their earnings from the past week. They had managed to hunt down a variety of creatures, from the swift-footed rabbits to the more challenging wild boars. Each successful hunt had brought them one step further, and now, with over three silver coins and forty copper coins in their possession, they felt a sense of accomplishment that went beyond mere monetary gain.


    It hadn''t been easy, of course. The forest was a vast and unpredictable place, filled with hidden dangers and elusive prey. But Evin and Allovilde had risen to the challenge, relying on their growing skills and their unwavering partnership to see them through.


    Evin''s tracking abilities had been the key to their success, allowing them to locate even the most well-hidden creatures. His keen eye for detail and his intuitive understanding of animal behavior had led them to countless successful hunts.


    Allovilde''s archery, too, had been a crucial factor in their victories. Her aim had grown steadier with each passing day, and her arrows now found their mark with unerring precision.


    And then there was Borin, who had become an unexpected ally in their endeavors. Borin had been more than happy to purchase their kills, recognizing the quality of the meat and the skill that had gone into each hunt. His fair prices and his willingness to work with them had been more than welcome, and Evin knew that they owed much of their wealth thanks to his support.


    ?What do you think, Allovilde?? he asked.


    ?Should we head back to the village, or stay out here and push some more? Perhaps we¡¯re getting close to a new boon??.


    As the sun began to dip below the treeline, Evin and Allovilde set about preparing their evening meal. They had managed to catch a brace of rabbits earlier in the day, and now, with the fire crackling merrily before them, they set about the task of skinning and cooking their prey.


    Evin took the lead, his deft fingers making quick work of the rabbits'' fur and skin. As he worked, he and Allovilde discussed their options for the coming days, weighing the pros and cons of staying in the forest versus returning to the village.


    ?On one hand,? Evin mused, ?heading back to the village would give us a chance to rest and restock our supplies. We could share our progress with Njord and get his advice on what to focus on next.?


    Allovilde nodded, carefully threading the meat onto skewers to roast over the fire. ?True, but we''ve been making such good progress out here. I feel like we''re on the verge of something big, and I''d hate to lose momentum now.?


    Evin couldn''t help but agree. Njord''s guidance had been invaluable throughout the week, helping them to hone their skills and understand the intricacies of their Pathways. But he also knew that true growth often came from pushing beyond one''s comfort zone and embracing new challenges.


    As the aroma of roasting meat filled the air, they continued to weigh their options, each lost in their own thoughts.


    As the last of the rabbits sizzled over the fire, the warmth of the meal and the crackling flames created a comforting ambiance. Evin, feeling a surge of resolve, finally broke the silence that had settled between him and Allovilde. ¡°You know,¡± he began, his voice steady, ¡°I think we should make a final push tonight.¡±


    Allovilde looked up from her skewers, ¡°I¡¯m ready. Lets do this.¡±


    After finishing their meal, Evin and Allovilde gathered their gear and ventured back into the forest. The fading light of dusk painted the trees in shades of gold and shadow, creating a picturesque but eerie landscape. The cool evening air was crisp, and the forest was alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures awakening.


    Evin led the way, his sharp eyes focused on the ground as he traced the faint tracks of a fox. The tracks, though subtle, were clear enough to follow. They led them deeper into the woods, winding their way through dense underbrush until they reached a small, serene pond surrounded by thick foliage.


    The pond was framed by towering trees whose branches dipped low to brush the water¡¯s surface. The reflection of the moonlight created a silver sheen on the water, and the occasional ripple disturbed the otherwise still surface. As Evin and Allovilde arrived, the fox¡¯s tracks abruptly vanished at the edge of the pond.


    Evin frowned, scanning the water for any signs of movement. ¡°The tracks just stop here,¡± he said. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll have to try something else.¡± His frustration evident, as he had was certain he was on the verge of progressing with both his dagger and tracking skills.


    Determined to make the most of their time, Evin decided on one final, bold attempt. He waded into the shallow waters of the pond, his dagger ready in hand. His eyes darted around, catching sight of a shadowy fish darting beneath the surface. With a deep breath, he plunged into the water, aiming to stab the fish.


    As he plunged into the water, a sudden commotion at the far end of the pond caught his attention. Large splashes erupted, and Evin¡¯s heart raced as he realized that the disturbance was coming directly toward him. Panic surged through him as he saw a dark, menacing shape moving swiftly through the water.


    Evin scrambled to get out of the pond, his mind racing. The creature''s approach was rapid, and the realization dawned on him that this was no ordinary fish but something much larger and potentially dangerous. His earlier decision now seemed rash, and he struggled to regain his footing, desperately trying to escape the encroaching threat.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Reed Lurker!¡± he shouted to Allovilde, his voice filled with urgency. The beast¡¯s large, bulbous eyes and sticky tongue were unmistakable.


    Allovilde, her bow drawn and eyes wide with apprehension, quickly adjusted her aim. Evin, with a determined expression, readied his dagger and moved to engage the creature. The Reed Lurker let out a low, guttural croak before launching itself from the water with a powerful leap, its sticky tongue snapping out and narrowly missing Evin.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The battle was fierce as Evin ducked and dodged, his dagger flashing in the dim light as he slashed at the Lurker¡¯s powerful legs. Despite his efforts, the creature¡¯s strength was overwhelming. One of its massive limbs slammed into him, sending him crashing to the ground with a pained grunt. He struggled to rise, his vision swimming, but he fought back valiantly, aiming for the Lurker''s underbelly and striking wherever he could.


    Allovilde, seeing the dire situation, nocked several arrows and fired with precise aim. Her arrows missed at first as the beast¡¯s erratic movements made targeting challenging. With Evin locked in a desperate struggle against the Lurker¡¯s ferocious attacks, Allovilde¡¯s focus sharpened. She reached for last arrow, gripping it tightly as a makeshift sword.


    As Evin managed to stagger back to his feet, his movements growing slower and more labored, Allovilde saw her chance. With a determined shout, she dashed forward, thrusting the makeshift sword directly into the Lurker¡¯s eye. The creature let out a horrendous roar, but Allovilde was not finished. She kicked the back of the arrow with all her might, pushing it all the way back towards the back of the creatures skull. Its body convulsed a final, frantic spasm before collapsing to the ground.


    Evin, battered and bruised, lay on the ground. He had been thrown into the mud during the fierce combat, and now, with the Reed Lurker finally defeated, he tried to push himself up. Gasping for breath, he staggered away from the now motionless beast, his strength failing him.


    Allovilde rushed to his side, her concern etched deeply on her face. She checked his injuries, her hands trembling slightly. Evin¡¯s wounds were numerous, and though they had won the battle, it was clear that the victory had come at a significant cost.


    Evin groaned as he slowly opened his eyes, the pain in his body immediately making itself known. He looked around groggily, taking in his surroundings. The campfire flickered dimly in the early morning light, casting eerie shadows across the clearing. Allovilde was on the other side of the firepit, her back to him as she focused intently on a small pile of herbs.


    As he sat up gingerly, wincing at the sharp pains that shot through his body, Evin noticed the makeshift bandages that covered his wounds. He had lost track of how many times they had been attacked during their journey.


    Quietly, he made his way over to Allovilde, trying not to disturb her concentration. She didn''t seem to notice his approach at first, but as he drew closer, she glanced up at him with a mix of concern and exhaustion in her eyes.


    ?How are you feeling?? she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Evin hesitated for a moment before replying.


    ?I''m...okay,? he said cautiously, wincing as he shifted his weight onto his sore legs. ?But I don''t think I''ve ever been this beaten up before.?


    Allovilde nodded sympathetically, her expression growing more serious as she studied him closely. ?We need to be more careful,? she said quietly. ?We¡¯re venturing further into the woods, and the animals here are becoming more aggressive.?


    Evin nodded in agreement, knowing all too well how true her words were.


    They both lay back on the soft grass, their bodies aching from the recent battle. Evin focused his attention on his mark, his heart racing with anticipation. He knew that each fight brought new progress and opportunities, but he was starting to realize the price.


    Evin looked towards Allovilde, determination in his eyes. ?Thank you. For everything?.


    He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.


    Evin stirred, groaning as he pushed himself upright. His muscles ached, a dull reminder of the previous day¡¯s fight with the Reed Lurker. He winced at the pull of his bandaged wounds, but at least the herbs were doing their work. Nearby, Allovilde shifted, blinking against the dim morning light.


    Unseen by either of them, a pair of keen eyes watched from the cover of the underbrush.


    Laktor had arrived moments earlier, slipping through the trees like a shadow. He had expected little more than another quiet stretch of wilderness, but instead, he found something far more interesting¡ªa boy, fresh to the Pathway, with a dagger strapped to his belt. A dagger that matched the descriptions he had been following for the past two years.


    His fingers twitched. He could take it now. The boy and his companion looked newly activated, inexperienced. He wouldn¡¯t even need force¡ªjust a bit of pressure. Or, easier still, a few gold coins. Those who lived in unregistered camps, as these two likely did, had little means to refuse a decent bribe. Flash a bit of wealth, and they¡¯d likely hand it over without question.


    And yet¡­ something held him back.


    He studied them a moment longer, something about them stirring an instinct he couldn¡¯t quite name. Instead of acting, he settled in the shadows, choosing to wait.


    Evin let out a deep breath, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Ugh¡­ I slept like a rock. Were you out all night too?¡±


    Allovilde stretched, rolling her shoulders. ¡°Not quite. I kept the fire going and kept watch for a while. I wanted to let you rest.¡± She frowned slightly. ¡°I must¡¯ve dozed off at some point, though.¡±


    Evin nodded absently, his thoughts drifting. ¡°No more visions tonight either¡± he admitted, half to himself and halfway out loud.


    A snap of a twig.


    Both of them froze.


    Evin¡¯s hand went to his dagger instinctively, and Allovilde¡¯s eyes darted to the tree line. Someone was approaching.


    The figure emerged from the trees, walking with a determined stride. Evin and Allovilde watched, dumbfounded, as the stranger entered their camp, his gaze fixed and unwavering. The newcomer was a middleaged man, at least twice their age, with sandy blonde hair and a lean, athletic build. His hazel eyes scanned the camp.


    Evin and Allovilde remained silent, unsure of how to react. The stranger''s presence was unexpected, and they couldn''t fathom why or how he had ended up in their secluded campsite. Evin tightened his grip on the dagger, ready to use it if needed, while Allovilde reached for her bow, her fingers brushing the smooth wood.


    The stranger stood in the center of the camp, his eyes sweeping over Evin and Allovilde with a mix of curiosity. Evin felt a sense of unease, unsure of the stranger''s intentions, but he remained silent, waiting to see what the newcomer would do next.


    Evin tensed as the stranger began to speak, his voice low and measured.


    ?I apologize for the intrusion,? the man said, his gaze sweeping the camp once more. ?I''ve been traveling for several days.?


    Evin watched the stranger closely, his grip firm on the hilt of his dagger. The man stood relaxed, but there was something calculating in his gaze¡ªlike he was measuring Evin, weighing his next words.


    Then he nodded, as if coming to a decision. His hazel eyes met Evin¡¯s.


    ¡°The answer to your unasked question,¡± he said smoothly, ¡°is that I¡¯ve been searching for an old, worn dagger. And I have a feeling you might be in possession of such an item.¡±


    Evin felt Allovilde¡¯s gaze flick to him, silent but alert. He pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the protest of his aching muscles. The stranger didn¡¯t move, but his fingers trailed idly over the handle of his own blade.


    ¡°You see,¡± the man continued, drawing the dagger from his belt and tossing it lightly in the air before catching it again, ¡°I already have one of the pair. Twin daggers¡ªtwo halves of a set.¡±


    Evin tightened his grip. ¡°I do have a dagger,¡± he admitted, keeping his voice steady. ¡°But it can¡¯t be the one you¡¯re looking for. My father gave it to me. He¡¯s had it for years.¡±


    The stranger¡¯s expression didn¡¯t shift. If anything, his gaze sharpened.


    ¡°A few years, yes,¡± he said. ¡°And you received it, what¡­ two weeks ago?¡±


    Evin hesitated. ¡°That might be correct¡­¡±


    The stranger let out a slow breath, his voice taking on a measured patience. ¡°As I said, these daggers are a set. And I¡¯m fairly certain the one on your belt is the one I¡¯ve spent years tracking. You see, throughout Rygr, artifacts like these have been discovered¡ªunique, powerful, and entirely unexplained. No one knows where they came from, how they work, or why each one is different.¡±


    His words carried a quiet intensity now, his earlier ease slipping into something more driven.


    ¡°These two daggers were originally found about twenty years ago,¡± he went on. ¡°But one of them was lost when an¡­ unfortunate accident befell one of our members. He met his end deep in the Aegis Forest.¡±


    Evin¡¯s heart kicked in his chest. He swallowed before blurting out, ¡°You knew Baldur?¡±


    The stranger¡¯s brow lifted. ¡°Ah,¡± he murmured. ¡°That explains a few things.¡± He studied Evin more closely now, as if putting together a puzzle. ¡°You¡¯re not his son¡­ but related, then? Let me guess¡ªyour parents were part of the group that ventured into the Aegis Forest?¡±


    Evin stiffened.


    The stranger, however, barely seemed to notice his reaction. He sighed and suddenly shook his head, rubbing his temple.


    ¡°Where are my manners?¡± He exhaled a short chuckle. ¡°I got ahead of myself. Apologies, young ones. I¡¯ve yet to introduce myself.¡± He placed a hand on his chest with a slight bow. ¡°Laktor Thornwood. For the past twenty-five years, I¡¯ve worked with an organization dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of artifacts like that dagger of yours.¡±


    He sheathed his own blade, then gestured toward Evin¡¯s.


    ¡°Your uncle was one of us,¡± he continued. ¡°He wielded the twin to this very dagger. And for the last two years, I¡¯ve been hunting for it. You see, we believe we¡¯ve finally uncovered some of its secrets¡ªbut we need both to confirm our findings.¡±


    Laktor smiled now, easy and confident.


    ¡°So,¡± Laktor said, flicking a gold coin between his fingers before making two appear, ¡°how about you hand it over, and I compensate you for it? One gold piece each. Fair trade, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±


    Evin didn¡¯t move. He could feel Allovilde¡¯s eyes darting to him, waiting for his response, but his grip on the dagger only tightened.


    Laktor exhaled through his nose, his smile remaining, but a flicker of impatience creeping into his expression. ¡°The daggers, separated, are worth little more than the iron they¡¯re forged from. But together¡ª¡± he held up his own blade between two fingers, ¡°¡ªthey form the Twin Daggers of Seraphine. They are bound to each other, drawn together. Since you first used yours¡ªsince you started cutting down creatures in these woods¡ªI¡¯ve felt its pull.¡±


    Evin tensed.


    ¡°I¡¯d wager you haven¡¯t felt a thing,¡± Laktor continued, tilting his head. ¡°That¡¯s because your dagger is drained¡ªcompletely depleted of energy. Right now, it¡¯s nothing more than a dull blade in your hands. Until it¡¯s recharged, it won¡¯t respond to you at all.¡±


    He sheathed his own dagger in a smooth motion, though his eagerness to move things along was starting to show.


    ¡°So,¡± he said again, ¡°how about it? Truth be told, I could just take it. But I¡¯d rather not do that¡ªespecially not to two young souls, one of whom is kin to a former member of our order. That wouldn¡¯t sit right with me.¡± He exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°But I¡¯ve spent two years searching for this thing. I¡¯d like to be done with it. Let¡¯s settle this trade, yes?¡±


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged a stunned glance.


    ¡°This is insane,¡± Evin muttered. ¡°You¡¯re insane. I can¡¯t just hand over my only weapon. What would my father say?¡±


    Laktor let out a long sigh, then abruptly clapped his hands together. ¡°Alright. You know what? Let¡¯s take a step back. Sit down, make a fire, have breakfast.¡± He gestured around casually. ¡°I¡¯ve been traveling for days and could use the rest. And you¡ª¡± he gave Evin a pointed look, ¡°¡ªlook like you¡¯ve been through hell yourself.¡±


    He settled onto a nearby rock, stretching his legs out with a weary groan. ¡°Let¡¯s eat, talk it over. No rush. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find a solution that works for all of us.¡±


    Allovilde leaned in close to Evin and whispered, ¡°I don¡¯t think we have much of a choice. Besides¡­ he¡¯s talking about lost artifacts, secret organizations¡ªdoesn¡¯t that sound at least a little exciting?¡±

 Chapter 7: An Unexpected Discovery

    The fire crackled steadily, casting a warm glow over the trio. Skewers, heavy with foraged greens and strips of meat, lined the edges of the flames, their juices sizzling as they cooked. On the far side of the fire, a small pot of water simmered, herbs from Evin¡¯s pouch steeping into a fragrant infusion.


    The preparations had been conducted in near silence¡ªeach of them focused on their task. Now, with nothing left to do but wait, Allovilde decided to break the quiet.


    ¡°Laktor, if you don¡¯t mind me asking¡­ you¡¯ve been traveling and expanding your Pathway for, what, a couple of decades?¡±


    Laktor, lounging against a rock, gave a slow nod. He stretched his legs out, pulling a whetstone from his belt and running it along the edge of his dagger with practiced ease. ¡°Mhm.¡±


    A few strokes of the stone later, he added, ¡°Actually, I think I¡¯ve just hit the twentieth year. Which means, by the way, that I¡¯m¡ª¡± he lifted his head with a smirk, ¡°¡ªmore than twice your age. Damn. I¡¯m getting old.¡±


    Allovilde sat close to Evin, her arms wrapped around her legs, chin resting against her knees. ¡°Would you mind showing us your mark?¡± she asked. ¡°Ours are still small, and we¡¯ve never seen an advanced one before.¡± She hesitated for a moment, then added, ¡°In our village, the elders kept theirs hidden. Said it was a matter of privacy. But¡­ I never really understood why.¡±


    Laktor looked up sharply, meeting Allovilde¡¯s gaze. ¡°Well, you¡¯re both right and wrong,¡± he said, setting the whetstone aside. ¡°In general, it¡¯s not wise to share details about your Pathway with anyone you don¡¯t fully trust. Imagine getting ambushed in the woods by someone who planned their attack based on everything you carelessly revealed about your abilities.¡±


    As he spoke, he casually reached for the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head. ¡°But I doubt the two of you are scheming against me, so why not.¡±


    The mark stretched from his wrist, curling up his forearm, then branching across his chest and back like living ink. The intricate designs covered large portions of his skin, each line and symbol layered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll even go as far as letting you see my numbers,¡± he added, his tone almost playful. ¡°As a show of good faith.¡±


    Evin raised an eyebrow. ¡°Numbers?¡± he asked, skeptical. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Laktor frowned. ¡°Wait¡ªyou two don¡¯t know about the Pathway numbers?¡± His eyes flicked between them, searching for some hint that they were joking. ¡°Are you kidding me? How the hell do you track your progress?¡±


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged bewildered glances.


    ¡°Well,¡± Evin began hesitantly, ¡°we¡¯ve been watching how strong the symbols appear¡ªhow defined they are. And¡­ we¡¯ve noticed extra dots appearing along some of them. We figured those might be boons for doing something significant, but we¡¯re not sure.¡±


    Laktor exhaled sharply, then ran a hand through his hair before finally breaking into laughter. ¡°Void take me¡ªyou two have been raised under a damn rock! Tracking the density of your marks¡ªnow that¡¯s a new one!¡± His laughter came in waves, full-bodied and amused.


    Evin¡¯s gaze drifted over Laktor¡¯s skin, now seeing the finer details¡ªeach and every symbol were surrounded by faint dots and figures. They weren¡¯t random. They meant something.


    Laktor shook his head, still grinning. ¡°Alright, listen up. I¡¯ll teach you something free of charge¡ªbecause frankly, this is common knowledge anywhere outside this forest.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll both get used to this with practice¡ªit¡¯ll become second nature in time. But for now, just follow my lead.¡±


    Laktor set aside his dagger and sharpening tools, crossing his legs beneath him. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.


    ¡°Do as I do.¡±


    The sound of shifting bodies filled the quiet space as Evin and Allovilde adjusted their positions, mirroring him. Laktor waited until they settled before continuing.


    ¡°Now, just as you did when you first activated your Pathway, seek out that same sensation. Beneath the skin of your mark, there¡¯s a web¡ªa network of lines, unseen but very real. Let yourself feel them out.¡± His voice was steady, guiding. ¡°One of those lines will feel stronger than the others. It will call to you. Find it. Trace it.¡±


    Silence stretched between them, broken only by the crackling of the fire. Evin focused, his breath slowing as he reached inward, following the unseen threads under his skin. The sensation was faint at first, like trying to grasp smoke, but then¡ªthere it was. A pulsing thread, warm and steady.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Laktor continued, ¡°Follow that line to where it changes. You¡¯ll feel a shift, a point where it deepens, strengthens. That¡¯s your energy core. This core fuels your mark, and in turn, your mark channels the energy. One cannot exist without the other¡ªthey are bound, inseparable.¡±


    A few minutes passed before both Evin and Allovilde murmured their confirmation.


    ¡°Good,¡± Laktor said. ¡°Now, focus on the core itself. It holds more than just power¡ªit holds knowledge. Form a question in your mind. Ask to see your progress, your status.¡±


    They fell into silence again, their breathing even, their focus intense.


    Then¡ª


    ¡°Wha¡ªwha¡ªwhat is this?!¡± Allovilde¡¯s voice broke the stillness, filled with shock. ¡°It¡¯s like someone¡¯s written all over my eyes!¡±


    At the same moment, Evin¡¯s vision exploded with symbols, numbers, and strange markings that seemed to float in the air before him. But just as he was about to voice his confusion, something else happened¡ª


    A flash. A scene not of his own making. A vision.


    The world around Evin blurred, and for a fleeting moment, he felt weightless, as if suspended between reality and something far beyond it. Then, sensation returned¡ªa rush of humid air, the distant cry of seabirds, the rhythmic crash of waves against jagged stone.


    He was no longer by the fire.


    Instead, he stood atop a narrow stone bridge, carved not by human hands but by time and tide, spanning a chasm between two towering cliffs. Below, the sea churned, restless and violent, frothing against the rocks like a beast denied its prey. The air was thick with the scent of salt and the lingering warmth of a sun that had just dipped beneath the horizon, casting the sky in hues of deep violet and ember-red.


    Beyond the cliffs, the Shattered Isles stretched out in a vast, fragmented chain of landmasses, some no more than jagged spires rising from the depths, others covered in lush jungle, their canopies dense with life. The foliage shimmered faintly in the dim light, some leaves glowing with bioluminescent veins, others rustling with unseen creatures. Fireflies¡ªor something more¡ªfloated lazily above the undergrowth, casting eerie green flickers against the dark trunks of massive kapok trees.


    A distant rumble shook the ground beneath him. Evin turned his gaze inland, where a volcanic peak loomed in the distance, its summit wreathed in a halo of smoke and flickering embers. A river of molten rock traced a path down its slope like veins of fire, illuminating the jungle with an ominous glow.


    A sound pulled his attention back¡ªa whisper, soft as the shifting tide, but unmistakably near.


    He wasn¡¯t alone.


    From the foliage at the cliff¡¯s edge, two golden eyes peered out at him. A shape slinked forward, silent despite its size¡ªa great feline, its fur patterned with swirls of shadow and shifting hues, perfectly blending with the moonlit landscape. An island tiger. Its gaze locked onto Evin, assessing, waiting.


    Evin''s breath caught.


    The air around him pulsed, thick with unseen energy, as if the Isles themselves were watching, waiting to see what he would do.


    Evin gasped for air as his senses snapped back into reality. His eyes flew open, wide with panic, and before he could steady himself, he jolted upright¡ªonly to slam his forehead squarely into Laktor¡¯s face.


    ¡°Void damn it, boy!¡± Laktor growled, recoiling and rubbing the side of his chin near his right eye.


    Evin clutched his head, his breath coming fast and ragged. ¡°What¡ªwhat is this?!¡± he blurted out, blinking furiously. Strange symbols and lines filled his vision, overlaying everything around him. He squeezed his eyes shut, took a few deep breaths, then exhaled slowly in an attempt to calm himself. ¡°I¡ªI think I had another vision,¡± he finally admitted. ¡°And when I woke up, everything was¡­ overwhelming.¡±


    Laktor, still rubbing his jaw, regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and mild irritation. ¡°A vision, huh?¡± His tone shifted, the irritation fading. ¡°Tell me what you saw.¡±


    Evin recounted the details¡ªthe storm-lashed cliffs, the glowing jungle, the molten veins of the volcano, the sea serpent watching him from the depths. As he spoke, Laktor¡¯s eyes widened.


    When Evin finished, Laktor let out a slow breath. ¡°Well, void take me¡­¡± he muttered, eyes narrowing. ¡°That sounds like the Sixth Region. The Shattered Isles.¡± He fell silent, staring into the fire as if weighing something in his mind.


    Then, with sudden decisiveness, he stood. ¡°We¡¯re leaving after we eat,¡± he declared. ¡°Both of you are coming with me. We¡¯re heading back to my organization.¡±


    Evin exchanged a bewildered glance with Allovilde before turning back to Laktor, the strange text and numbers still swimming before his eyes. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?¡±


    As Evin struggled to make sense of what had just happened, he forced himself to steady his breath and focus on the strange markings before him. Slowly, the chaotic blur resolved into something comprehensible. For the first time in his life, he was looking at his own personal character sheet.


    <u>Pathway Summary:</u>


    Name:


    Evin Frost (ID : #002003007-713820)


    Skills:


    Herbology: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 787/1000)


    Mycology: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 749/1000)


    Foraging: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 332/1000)


    Survival: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 180/1000)


    Tracking: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 756/1000)


    Dagger: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 210/1000)


    Skinning: Tier 1 - Novice (Progress towards Tier 2 - Apprentice: 475/1000)


    Advanced Pathway Status:


    Dormant


    Achievements:


    Forest Explorer: Completed 100 hours of forest exploration.


    Herbal Enthusiast: Identified 150 unique herbs.


    Survivalist: Engage and survive 50 unique fights against beasts.


    Opportunistic group: As part of a group, engage and survive an encounter against a creature above your expected combat rating.


    Traits:


    5% increased success rate when picking Tier 1 plants, herbs and mushrooms.


    5% increased chance of finding rare Tier 1 plants, herbs and mushrooms.


    5% increased chance of successfully tracking Tier 1 creatures.

 Chapter 8: The Weight of the Unknown

    Evin and Allovilde were still reeling from the sudden turn of events. Just hours ago, Laktor had tried to bribe them¡ªtwo gold pieces for the dagger. Two gold pieces! And now, as if on a whim, he had reversed course entirely, insisting they come along with him.


    It all felt too convenient. Was this a genuine offer, or just another ploy? Was Laktor a friend? An opportunist? Someone scheming to gain their trust only to run off with the dagger later, leaving them stranded? He¡¯d certainly be saving himself a fortune if that was the plan.


    Still, arguing wouldn¡¯t get them anywhere, and since they had already been preparing to leave camp, they simply continued packing up, all the while probing for more answers from their new¡­ ally? If he could be called that.


    Within twenty minutes, their campsite was gone without a trace, save for a few disturbed patches of earth.


    Laktor studied their efficient work, nodding in approval. ¡°You two know your way around the wilderness. That¡¯s a useful skill.¡±


    Allovilde straightened slightly at the praise. ¡°We¡¯ve spent most of our lives in these forests. It¡¯s where we belong.¡±


    Laktor gave a thoughtful nod. ¡°And you¡¯ve always done it together¡ªnever leaving the other behind, right?¡±


    Evin didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    A thought occurred to him, and he turned to Laktor with a hopeful look. ¡°Would you help us carry our hunt back to the village? It¡¯d save us a few trips.¡±


    Laktor secured his gear, inhaling deeply as if weighing his words.


    ¡°Listen,¡± he said finally, ¡°I know this has been sudden¡ªprobably unsettling for both of you. I haven¡¯t explained much, and that¡¯s because I needed a moment to gather my thoughts. There are too many coincidences happening at once¡ªthe dagger, your lineage, the visions¡­¡± He paused, then hoisted one of the branches where freshly caught rabbits hung.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you bring back the hunt,¡± he continued, ¡°and once we reach the village, let me speak with your parents while you finish your delivery. After that¡­ we¡¯ll see where the road takes us. Sound fair?¡±


    Both youths nodded in agreement and secured their makeshift carrier, positioning the larger game between them for the journey back to Borin.


    They walked in silence, their minds preoccupied with the revelations of their Pathway Summaries. The more they explored, the more questions arose¡ªwhy had no one in their village ever spoken of this? Had the elders known all along and chosen to keep it from them? Or were they just as unaware?


    Laktor occasionally offered a remark, stating things matter-of-factly, but neither Evin nor Allovilde knew how to respond. He didn¡¯t seem to mind their silence.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Eventually, he spoke again, his tone casual but pointed. ¡°So, I take it your village elders haven¡¯t set foot in the larger cities or settlements outside the forest in the last decade. That¡¯s when the Pathway Summary system was first discovered.¡±


    He glanced at them, watching for a reaction. When none came, he continued, ¡°It was actually a breakthrough made by my organization. We shared it through trusted channels, letting the knowledge spread without drawing attention to ourselves. We prefer to operate on a need-to-know basis.¡±


    As they walked, the dense forest gradually began to thin, revealing glimpses of the rolling hills and distant rooftops of Greenhaven. The late afternoon sun filtered through the towering trees, casting long, golden beams across the narrow dirt path. Birds flitted between the branches, their calls blending with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. The scent of damp earth and pine needles filled the air, mingling with the lingering aroma of their fresh hunt.


    Laktor adjusted the branch over his shoulder, where several rabbits hung, and let out a dry chuckle. ¡°There are still so many secrets to unravel,¡± he said, glancing at the two beside him. ¡°We make progress every day¡ªnew ideas, new discoveries. But for every answer we find, ten more questions rise to take its place.¡±


    He stepped over a gnarled root protruding from the path, his boots pressing firm into the softened earth. ¡°The more we learn, the more we realize how little we understand. About everything. About the Pathway, our Marks, about Rygr, about the very land we walk on.¡± He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. ¡°Void take me, even our own civilization.¡±


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged a glance but remained quiet, absorbing his words as they continued along the winding trail. The village was still a ways off, the scent of burning wood from evening fires just barely detectable in the wind.


    Laktor slowed his pace slightly, ¡°Tell me¡ªwere you aware that our civilization is likely only a few hundred years old?¡± He let the question hang in the air, his gaze unreadable as he studied their reactions.


    Allovilde frowned. ¡°What do you mean? We have stories going back¡ª¡±


    ¡°Three, maybe four hundred years, at most,¡± Laktor interrupted, his voice edged with something unreadable. ¡°Then suddenly¡ªnothing. The records just... stop. No history, no ruins, no legends older than that. How is that possible?¡± He turned his gaze skyward, as though searching for answers among the drifting clouds. ¡°What was here before then? Where did we come from?¡±


    Silence fell between them, save for the distant crash of a river breaking against rocks and the rhythmic crunch of their footsteps on the dirt path. These were questions neither Evin nor Allovilde had ever considered¡ªwhy would they? Life in Greenhaven had always been simple, shaped by the rhythm of the forest and the traditions of their village. There had never been a reason to question what lay beyond their familiar world.


    And yet, something about Laktor¡¯s words unsettled them. A hunger stirred deep within, an unfamiliar itch in the back of their minds. What if there was more? More to their history, more to the land they walked, more than just the quiet existence they had always known.


    Evin tightened his grip on the makeshift carrier, his thoughts churning. He had spent his life hunting, tracking, and surviving in the woods¡ªbut how much had he really seen? Greenhaven and its surrounding forests had always been his whole world, but compared to Laktor¡¯s stories, it now felt... small.


    Allovilde cast a glance at the man walking ahead of them, her sharp eyes filled with curiosity. Unravel the truths of their civilization? The very thought sent a thrill through her. She had always wanted to explore, to push beyond the boundaries of the only home she had ever known. Now, for the first time, she realized just how little she truly understood.


    The forest around them swayed in the evening breeze, the setting sun casting amber streaks through the canopy. A distant owl hooted, its voice carrying through the trees. Greenhaven was near now¡ªthe faint glow of firelight visible through the thinning branches.

 Chapter 9: The Decision

    ¡°Did you see the look on your father¡¯s face?¡± Allovilde whispered, glancing at Evin as they strode through the dusky village streets.


    Evin let out a quiet chuckle. ¡°Yeah¡ªfirst, he just narrowed his eyes like he couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. Then, for a moment, it looked like he¡¯d seen a ghost.¡± He shook his head, suppressing a grin. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m kind of relieved. At least it proves what Laktor told us was true¡ªhe did know my uncle. I just wish I could hear what they¡¯re talking about right now.¡±


    They turned the final bend, where a short gravel path stretched ahead of them. Blueberry bushes lined the edges, their leaves shimmering in the fading daylight. To the right, a small vegetable garden lay neatly arranged in rows, its dark soil freshly turned. The scent of earth and ripening herbs filled the evening air.


    Klara Hewitt, Borin¡¯s wife, knelt among the plants, a woven basket beside her overflowing with root vegetables. She looked up as they approached, wiping her hands on her apron. ¡°You two have certainly been busy lately!¡± she called warmly. ¡°Borin is overjoyed with all the fresh game you¡¯ve been bringing in¡ªand so is the rest of the village. It¡¯s a fine thing to see young folk stepping up to help.¡±


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged a quick glance. Did she know? It almost sounded like a farewell, as if she already sensed that this might be the last hunt they brought back for the village.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been well taken care of all these years,¡± Evin said, offering a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s the least we could do.¡±


    With that, they quickened their pace, the wooden steps of Borin¡¯s shop creaking under their boots. Before they could knock, the shopkeeper¡¯s head popped around the doorframe, his bushy brows lifting in delight.


    ¡°Oooh, even more?¡± Borin beamed, stepping aside. ¡°This is splendid! I really can¡¯t thank you enough. Come in, come in!¡±


    As Borin inspected the game, running practiced hands over the pelts and checking the firmness of the meat, Evin and Allovilde sat on a small bench just outside the shop. The wooden slats were worn smooth from years of use, and the scent of tanned leather and dried herbs drifted through the evening air. They spoke in hushed voices, their words nearly swallowed by the distant chatter of villagers finishing their day¡¯s work.


    ¡°Are we really ready for this?¡± Allovilde murmured, her fingers idly tracing the worn edge of the bench.


    Evin exhaled, rubbing his hands together as if trying to warm them. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Greenhaven is all we¡¯ve ever known¡­ but can we really turn back now?¡± He paused, glancing up toward the dimming sky. ¡°Laktor¡¯s already taught us things that completely changed how we see the Pathway. If we stay, we might never learn more.¡±


    ¡°But traveling with him¡­¡± Allovilde hesitated, shifting slightly. ¡°It¡¯s bound to be dangerous. He¡¯s hiding things¡ªmaybe not from us, but definitely from someone.¡±


    Before Evin could respond, Borin¡¯s voice called out from inside. ¡°Alright, do you want to pick this up tomorrow, or should I bring it to your parents¡¯ house?¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The shopkeeper emerged, dusting off his hands, a satisfied look on his face. ¡°For the meat, I¡¯d say thirty silver coins is fair. As for the pelts¡ªthese are in pristine condition. Thirty-five silver is a solid deal for all of us. These will be well-needed come winter.¡±


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged a glance. This might be the last time they made such a trade in Greenhaven.


    They thanked Borin for the deal and made their way home, their steps slower than usual as the weight of the day¡¯s events settled over them. The air was crisp with the scent of damp earth and the faint aroma of woodsmoke drifting from the nearby houses. Fireflies flickered in the fading twilight, tiny specks of golden light weaving through the garden¡¯s tall grasses.


    As they approached the house, the warm glow of lanterns revealed a gathering in the garden. Both families were seated on sturdy wooden furniture that had clearly seen years of use. The chairs and benches bore intricate carvings¡ªevidence of Thorne¡¯s craftsmanship from his early years of marriage. Though the edges were worn smooth by time, the care and skill in their construction were still evident.


    Thorne looked up as they arrived, waving them over. ¡°Come, sit down,¡± he called, his voice laced with both nostalgia and something more serious. ¡°This was quite the surprise you two brought in today.¡±


    He leaned forward, studying them for a moment before turning his gaze to Laktor. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s been many years since we last saw this troublemaker here. To be honest, I hadn¡¯t realized just how much I missed him.¡± His words were lighthearted, but there was a weight beneath them¡ªan old bond rekindled, though under unexpected circumstances. ¡°That said, I never imagined this would be how we reunited.¡±


    Thorne stroked his chin thoughtfully before settling back into his chair, waiting for Evin and Allovilde to join them. Once they did, he exhaled deeply.


    ¡°Listen,¡± he said, his voice measured. ¡°We can¡¯t tell you what to do anymore. You¡¯ve both activated your Pathways. We had hoped you¡¯d spend more time here, learning and finding your footing before venturing beyond Greenhaven. But today turned everything on its head.¡± He paused, glancing at Laktor before continuing.


    ¡°We¡¯ve known Laktor for a long time. And despite my better judgment, I have to admit¡ªthere¡¯s no one better suited to guide you. Traveling with him will be dangerous, and you¡¯ll be forced to learn fast. But I have no doubt that your safety will be a high priority.¡±


    Thorne exhaled sharply, shaking his head. ¡°Void take me, he¡¯d barely been here five minutes before lecturing us¡ªscolding us, really¡ªabout how we failed to tell you about the Pathway status¡­ screen? And honestly, we had no idea about it.¡± He ran a hand through his hair, frustration laced in his voice. ¡°There¡¯s been so little contact with the outside world for years. We¡¯ve lived sheltered here, maybe too sheltered¡ªcomfortable in our own little community.¡±


    He sighed, his fingers drumming absently against the armrest of his chair. ¡°Maybe this is the push we need. Not just for you, but for all of us. We can¡¯t keep pretending the world beyond Greenhaven doesn¡¯t exist. It¡¯s time we started keeping in touch with the nearby villages and cities more often.¡±


    His words hung in the air, thoughtful and heavy, before he settled back into his seat.


    The weight of the conversation soon gave way to the comfort of a shared meal. Platters of roasted vegetables, freshly baked bread, and smoked venison were passed around, the hearty scent mingling with the cool night air. Laughter and conversation filled the space, voices rising and falling in easy familiarity. Even Laktor, usually composed and reserved, seemed at ease¡ªoccasionally offering dry remarks that earned chuckles from the group.


    As the evening wound down, Laktor¡¯s demeanor shifted once more, becoming all business. He turned to Evin and Allovilde, his expression firm.


    ¡°Get your sacks packed,¡± he instructed. ¡°Only what you can carry comfortably. We leave at first light, and the days ahead will be long.¡±


    With that, the duo hurried inside, their minds racing. Excitement warred with nerves as they began gathering what little they would take with them, their journey beyond Greenhaven now set in motion.

 Chapter 10: Two Becomes One

    The sun hung high in the sky, casting warm golden rays over the dense canopy as the trio made their way through the forest. They had been traveling for hours now, the sounds of Greenhaven long behind them. The farewells had been difficult¡ªperhaps more than they had expected. Parting with Njord, their mentor for so many years, had been especially hard. The usually composed teacher had grown uncharacteristically sentimental as they prepared to leave, though in the end, like the others, he had been proud to see them embrace the wider world beyond the forest.


    Laktor had been unusually quiet since they left, his sharp gaze fixed ahead as he led them deeper into the wilderness. The silence stretched long enough for Evin and Allovilde to exchange uneasy glances, each wondering if they had truly made the right decision.


    Finally, Laktor broke the silence. ¡°So, tell me¡ªhow exactly were you planning to progress on your Pathways? Seeing as you didn¡¯t even know about the Pathway Status Screen, I assume you had no real way of tracking your advancement?¡±


    Evin met his gaze, considering the question before answering. ¡°You¡¯re right. We were just¡­ doing what felt natural. We set goals for ourselves, experimenting with different symbols and seeing where they led us.¡± He adjusted the straps on his pack as he continued. ¡°Njord guided us with direct knowledge. If I had the symbol for herbalism, for example, he would teach me everything he knew about the plants in the area. Then, on my next trip into the forest, I¡¯d try to find them and recognize them with the correct ID by looking for the features he described.¡±


    Laktor listened intently, nodding along as Evin explained. The method they had used was simple, practical, and¡ªas Laktor was about to reveal¡ªwoefully inefficient.


    ¡°The way you¡¯ve been learning is no different from how it was done for centuries,¡± Laktor remarked. ¡°Like reading a book or memorizing lessons from a teacher. That¡¯s how everyone did it before we discovered the Pathway Status Screen.¡± He adjusted his pace, sidestepping a gnarled tree root as they moved through the underbrush. ¡°Once we found the screen, we realized something groundbreaking¡ªevery skill follows a structured progression, with defined milestones that grant new insights as you advance.¡±


    Evin and Allovilde shared a look, both intrigued.


    Laktor smirked at their reaction and continued. ¡°The screen breaks down progression into tiers. Everyone starts at Tier 1, and to reach Tier 2, you need to perform a thousand actions related to the skill. So, for herbalism, that means identifying or gathering a thousand different plants. Simple, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a lot,¡± Allovilde muttered.


    Laktor shrugged. ¡°Not as much as you¡¯d think. There are milestone markers along the way¡ªevery 250 steps. At each one, you¡¯ll notice improvements: clearer details, better understanding, sharper instincts.¡± He turned back to them with a grin. ¡°Here¡¯s a tip: skills that you can progress by method of identification are the easiest to advance. Just ID everything you come across on your travels, and you¡¯ll rack up progress without even thinking about it.¡±


    Evin nodded slowly, absorbing the information. He had always thought of learning as a slow, methodical process¡ªbut now, there was an actual system behind it, a structured path to growth that had been hidden from them until now.


    ¡°Good,¡± Laktor said, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯m still figuring out the best way to help you both progress. There¡¯s a lot to consider, but let¡¯s continue with the basics for now.¡±


    He continued through the dense woodland at a steady, almost effortless pace, barely seeming to notice the uneven terrain. Evin and Allovilde, however, found themselves struggling to keep up, dodging low-hanging branches and hopping over twisted roots as they followed.


    ¡°The tiers I mentioned earlier act as thresholds for each region,¡± Laktor explained. ¡°Once you¡¯ve fully advanced through a tier, you¡¯ll need to move on to a new region if you want to keep progressing. You can always return to earlier regions, of course, but any higher-tier skills you¡¯ve unlocked won¡¯t advance further in those areas.¡± He glanced back briefly, as if gauging their reactions. ¡°That¡¯s why many people settle at a lower tier¡ªreturning home or making a life wherever their journey takes them.¡±


    Despite his neutral wording, there was an unmistakable undertone in his voice. Staying in one place, stagnating, was clearly not something he would ever consider. Whether his drive came from a hunger to uncover the secrets of Rygr or simply a desire to push his own limits, Evin and Allovilde couldn¡¯t say.


    Evin made a mental note to question Laktor about this later. For now, he had his hands full just trying to keep pace, his breath coming in controlled but measured bursts as he focused on matching Laktor¡¯s stride.


    ¡°As you might already know,¡± Laktor continued, weaving effortlessly through the undergrowth, ¡°our civilization has never pushed beyond the fourth region. Some people are well-prepared to advance their Tier 5 skills, but the fifth region¡­¡± He let out a short breath. ¡°It¡¯s on an entirely different level. The terrain is brutal, the environment unpredictable, and the creatures there¡ªreckless, relentless.¡±


    He stepped over a moss-covered log with ease before glancing back at them. ¡°There have been multiple expeditions trying to establish a foothold, but every time, we¡¯ve been forced to retreat back to the fourth region. No one has managed to last.¡±


    Laktor slowed slightly, giving them a chance to catch up. ¡°Speaking of which, how many regions do you actually know about?¡±


    Allovilde was the first to respond. ¡°I¡¯ve obviously heard about the sixth region from the vision in the camp two days ago, and now the fifth from you, so it makes sense that there¡¯s a fourth as well. But back home, I never heard of anyone reaching beyond the third. We¡¯re in the first region¡ªEdenvale. The second is the Arid Frontier, and the third is the Verdant Frontier.¡±


    Laktor nodded thoughtfully and then turned his gaze to Evin. ¡°Anything to add?¡±


    Evin hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°Do you want us to elaborate on what we know about the regions?¡±


    Laktor smirked. ¡°Sure, we¡¯ve got more than enough time to kill, so go ahead.¡±


    Evin took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully as they continued their trek.


    ¡°Edenvale is a fertile and prosperous land, known for its welcoming environment. The mild climate allows for year-round farming, with vast fields of wheat and barley, along with orchards of apples, pears, and cherries. Wildflowers thrive here, attracting pollinators that sustain a rich ecosystem. Domesticated animals like cows, sheep, and chickens are common, alongside wild creatures such as rabbits, foxes, and various birds.


    ¡°The people of Edenvale live in close-knit communities, working together to cultivate the land, manage livestock, and construct homes from locally sourced materials. Farming, crafting, and trade form the backbone of daily life, strengthened by traditional festivals and gatherings that preserve cultural heritage.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°But it¡¯s not without challenges. Pests and extreme weather¡ªdroughts, floods¡ªcan threaten crops and settlements. Over time, the people here have developed strategies to combat these problems, from pest control techniques to innovative building practices. These experiences shape their readiness for the more complex challenges of the next regions.


    ¡°In short, Edenvale is a peaceful, resource-rich land that provides the foundation for those beginning their Pathway journey. The skills gained here¡ªadapting to the land, solving problems, working with a community¡ªprepare people for what¡¯s ahead.¡±


    Evin paused every so often to navigate the uneven terrain, but by the time he finished, he felt fairly proud of his effort.


    There was a brief silence before Laktor let out a deep, hearty laugh. ¡°Void take me¡­ that Njord guy really had you memorizing whole chapters from books, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Evin frowned slightly. ¡°What? No! I mean¡­ maybe?¡±


    Laktor wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, still grinning. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, everything you said was accurate¡ªit¡¯s just so¡­ stiff! Like you¡¯re reading straight from a scroll.¡± He chuckled again, shaking his head. ¡°You know what? I¡¯ll take over explaining the next regions. I¡¯m sure your books covered everything, but I¡¯d rather not feel like I¡¯m sitting through a lecture while hiking through the woods.¡±


    Laktor adjusted his pack, his steps steady as they moved through the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. ¡°So,¡± he said, glancing at his companions, ¡°you¡¯ve both seen Edenvale, or at least parts of it. Green, lush, pretty easy living, right?¡± His lips curled into a knowing smirk. ¡°Well, get ready for a completely different world in Region Two¡ªThe Arid Frontier.¡±


    Allovilde frowned. ¡°Arid¡­ like, dry, right? That¡¯s what I gathered from the stories I¡¯ve been told.¡±


    ¡°Bone dry,¡± Laktor confirmed. ¡°Imagine endless sun. Baking heat. That¡¯s The Arid Frontier in a nutshell. Mostly desert¡ªsand dunes, rocky outcrops, the occasional canyon. Rain? Sure, it happens, but it¡¯s nothing like Edenvale. One moment you¡¯ve got flash floods tearing through the land, the next it¡¯s back to being bone-dry. Water¡¯s the most valuable thing there. People have to be clever about getting it¡ªrainwater harvesting, moisture nets, underground cisterns. Some even dig deep wells or build aqueducts just to tap into the water table.¡±


    Evin spotted a patch of particularly hardy-looking grass and gestured toward it. ¡°So, nothing like the plants here?¡±


    ¡°Not even close,¡± Laktor replied. ¡°The plants there are as tough as the people. Buffalo grass, blue grama¡­ stuff that barely needs water to survive. They use those for weaving¡ªmats, baskets, you name it. Then you¡¯ve got cacti and succulents¡ªaloe, agave¡ªstoring water like their lives depend on it. And they do. Those plants aren¡¯t just for food, but for medicine too. Farming¡¯s completely different over there. They use intricate drip irrigation systems, making every drop count.¡±


    A bird called overhead, drawing Allovilde¡¯s attention. ¡°What about the animals?¡±


    ¡°Just as tough,¡± Laktor said. ¡°Desert bighorn sheep that can sniff out water where you¡¯d swear there¡¯s none. Kangaroo rats and jerboas¡ªlittle critters that get all the moisture they need from their food alone. And desert foxes¡ªsharp, cunning hunters built for survival. Everything¡¯s connected, just like in Edenvale, but out there, it¡¯s all about endurance.¡±


    He paused briefly, checking the position of the sun before adjusting their course slightly. Then he continued, his voice carrying the weight of experience.


    ¡°The ground itself is full of surprises. Shifting sand dunes, jagged rock formations, and massive underground caverns. And those caverns? They hold minerals¡ªcopper, gold, rare earth elements. The kind of stuff needed for advanced technology. But getting to it? That¡¯s a different story. Mining¡¯s a delicate process; if they¡¯re not careful, they risk destabilizing the land.¡±


    Laktor came to a stop, leaning against the trunk of a sturdy tree. ¡°Life out there is brutal¡ªdust storms, water shortages, relentless heat. It pushes people to their limits. But the ones who call it home? They¡¯re something else. Resourceful, innovative¡ªthey¡¯ve learned to work together to survive. Their whole culture revolves around water, farming, and mining. It¡¯s a harsh place, but it¡¯s also full of opportunity. If you can make it in the Arid Frontier,¡± he said, locking eyes with them, ¡°you can make it anywhere.¡±


    He stretched, rolling his shoulders before glancing at the sky. ¡°We¡¯ve been hiking for hours. Let¡¯s take a break and get some food in us. I¡¯ll see if I can catch a rabbit or something decent to eat. You two, look for herbs, mushrooms, whatever you can find. A nice pot of tea would hit the spot.¡± He practically licked his lips at the thought, then, without another word, darted into the underbrush, disappearing between the bushes.


    Allovilde blinked in surprise. ¡°Uh¡­ that was sudden.¡±


    Evin, equally taken aback, grinned. ¡°I bet he just really needed to take a dump.¡±


    They both burst into laughter, their chuckles echoing through the trees.


    A distant voice called back through the foliage, ¡°I heard that!¡±


    Still laughing, the two set to work, gathering what they could to prepare for camp.


    Allovilde had been sent back toward the small river to fill their waterskins and search for useful herbs, while Evin took it upon himself to forage for mushrooms. And what a treasure trove he had stumbled upon.


    The forest floor was practically bursting with fungi of all shapes and sizes, an absolute paradise for any forager. He eagerly filled his hands, his pouch, and just about any available space he had for carrying them. Crawling beneath low-hanging branches, pushing aside underbrush, he lost himself in the sheer abundance of his findings. Every time he thought he had collected the last of them, another patch revealed itself just a few steps away.


    Then, something unusual caught his eye.


    A large indentation in the forest floor¡ªtoo perfectly rounded to be natural. The size suggested that some massive creature had once lain there, or perhaps something heavy had crashed down into the earth. His instincts screamed that this was not a place to linger. But right in the center of the depression, growing as if it had been placed there on purpose, was a single mushroom.


    Evin¡¯s pulse quickened. This was a rare one. He could feel it in his bones.


    His caution warred with curiosity, but in the end, the latter won. The mushroom had tubes under the cap¡ªa feature that, in this region, meant it was highly unlikely to be toxic. He reached for it, plucked it carefully, and just as he did, a sharp, fleeting sensation¡ªlike the sting of a nettle¡ªflashed through his fingers. It was gone as quickly as it came.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ weird,¡± he muttered, shaking his hand.


    After a short while, the fire was crackling merrily, skewers of rabbit roasting over the flames, mushrooms glazed with herbs lining the edges of the firepit. A pot of fragrant tea hung over the flames, nearly ready to be served.


    Despite the cozy scene, Evin¡¯s thoughts lingered on the strange mushroom. It looked like the others, just¡­ richer somehow. More vibrant. More inviting. Maybe it was just his imagination. But just in case, he decided to test it himself before letting anyone else take a bite.


    Bracing himself, he took a large bite.


    Crunch.


    A heartbeat passed.


    Then¡ª


    ¡°OOOUGH, HOT! HOT! HOT!¡±


    A searing heat exploded across his mouth, like he had just bitten into a chunk of burning coal. He yelped, flailing as his tongue rebelled against the fire now raging across it.


    Allovilde, wide-eyed, tossed him a waterskin. He snatched it midair and gulped down a mouthful, forcing himself to swallow the burning bite.


    Then¡ª


    *


    Wait. What? Hello? What¡¯s going on?


    ¡­


    That¡¯s strange¡­ no response from the network.


    ¡­


    I¡¯ve been cut off. I need to assess the situation.


    ¡­


    *


    A pulse of sound rippled through the air, bouncing off trees, rustling leaves, even brushing against Allovilde and Laktor before snapping back toward its source.


    *


    Wait. No¡­ This is a forest? And humans? And I¡¯m¡­ inside one?


    *


    A horrified realization struck.


    I¡¯ve been eaten?! Oh, Void take me. I¡¯m going to be turned into waste! I refuse to be digested! I need to act fast.


    Thenas thoughts were spinning.


    How long have I been dormant? How did I even end up here? There was no time for those questions now however. She had to adapt. She could try to connect.


    Tentative, unseen filaments¡ªmicroscopic, delicate¡ªreached out, searching for something, anything to anchor itself to within its new host.


    It found something.


    *


    Evin barely had time to utter, ¡°Oooough, something¡¯s not ri¡ª¡± before his eyes rolled back, his entire body going stiff as he collapsed backward into the dirt.

 Chapter 11: Out of the shadows and into the heat

    *


    What¡­ happened?


    Did I kill him? No¡ªhis heart is still beating. He must¡¯ve passed out.


    Thena¡¯s thoughts raced as she tried to assess the situation.


    I guess it hurts when I wiggle my tentacles. Sensory overload. Whoops.


    She sent out a mental apology.


    To the guy I¡¯m inside¡ªsorry for the pain!


    Panic started to settle in.


    What do I do? What do I do? I need to hide¡­


    She pulsed out gentle sonar-like waves, mapping her surroundings from within Evin¡¯s body, building an internal blueprint of his anatomy.


    Alright, let¡¯s see¡­ If I make a small incision here, just enough to slip through¡ª


    With expert precision, she used her tendrils to slice a near-microscopic cut in the stomach lining, squeezing herself through while ensuring no fluids leaked out.


    This probably hurts like hell. Good thing he passed out and won¡¯t have to feel it¡­


    Navigating further, she pushed deeper into his body, careful not to cause any more damage than necessary.


    If I can reach his spinal cord¡­


    A shiver of excitement ran through her. If she could latch onto it the same way she connected with the fungi, she might be able to communicate with him. Maybe even tap into his sensory input!


    This is so exciting! But¡­ if I mess this up, he could get paralyzed. I have to be very careful here¡­


    Carefully, delicately, she extended a tendril, slicing a minuscule incision into the protective bone of his spine. Just enough to embed herself.


    She anchored in place, sending out ultra-high-frequency pulses, heating her outer shell just enough to fuse seamlessly with the bone.


    There. Perfect. He shouldn¡¯t notice a thing.


    *


    Parallel to the subtle chaos unfolding inside Evin, the events on the outside were anything but subtle.


    Allovilde had been brewing various herbal mixtures, but despite her efforts, she felt utterly helpless in the face of Evin¡¯s distress. His body had been wracked with violent convulsions, though they had subsided some time ago. Now, he was gripped by fever, his skin burning hot as waves of sweat drenched him. Despite their efforts, neither she nor Laktor had managed to reach him.


    Laktor had reacted instantly when Evin collapsed, moving like a gust of wind to catch him before he could hit the ground. As the seizures took hold, he ensured Evin wouldn¡¯t injure himself¡ªkeeping his head steady and making sure he didn¡¯t choke if he vomited.


    ¡°Has this ever happened before?¡± Laktor asked, glancing at Allovilde.


    ¡°No, never,¡± she replied, shaking her head. ¡°It started right after he ate that mushroom. But symptoms from poisonous mushrooms usually take hours to appear¡ªthey have to be digested first. This¡­ this doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    Hours passed, yet Evin¡¯s condition remained unchanged. His fever showed no sign of worsening, but he wasn¡¯t waking up either.


    With little else to do, Allovilde and Laktor kept talking¡ªabout the forest, about traveling beyond their homeland¡ªwhile keeping a close eye on Evin. For now, all they could do was wait.


    Eventually, Evin¡¯s fever began to subside, though he remained unresponsive.


    Allovilde hesitated for a moment before deciding to voice the question that had been nagging at her. "By the way," she began, glancing at Laktor. "I saw how you moved when Evin collapsed. It wasn¡¯t natural. One moment you were sitting over there"¡ªshe gestured toward the log he had been using as a makeshift seat¡ª"and the next, you were behind him. I can¡¯t fathom how you moved so quickly."


    Laktor let out a quiet chuckle. "I was planning to explain this later, once we had covered the basics," he admitted. "But I suppose now is as good a time as any." He leaned back slightly, stretching his arms before continuing. "As you advance through the regions, the skills in your Pathway start evolving. The boons we receive can change things in ways you wouldn¡¯t believe. What you saw just now¡ªthat was the result of an evolved skill."


    Allovilde furrowed her brows. "Evolved?"


    He nodded. "When I first started training, I focused a lot on dodging¡ªavoiding attacks, slipping past danger, always keeping a step ahead. It became second nature. Then, when I reached Region Four¡ªThe Enchanted Glade¡ªsomething changed. My Pathway Progress Status gave me an option to evolve one of my skills. The ability you witnessed? That¡¯s no longer just ¡®Dodge.¡¯ It evolved into something called ¡®Gust of Wind.¡¯"


    His eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "That moment was¡­ eye-opening. It made me realize just how much potential there is in the Pathway system. And this," he gestured to himself, "is just a small taste of what¡¯s possible."


    At this, Evin let out a long groan. "Really? That is so cool¡­ I can¡¯t wait for us to get that far too," he murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion. Before either of them could respond, his eyelids fluttered shut once more, and he drifted back into slumber.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Laktor and Allovilde exchanged amused glances before breaking into quiet laughter. "Well," Laktor said, stretching his arms, "we might as well make camp for the night."


    As they settled in, Laktor took the opportunity to instruct Allovilde on essential survival tasks¡ªskills that were crucial for anyone planning to spend long stretches in the wilderness. One of the most important among them was mending gear and equipment.


    Though Allovilde and Evin already had plenty of experience maintaining their belongings from years of outdoor travel, Laktor¡¯s techniques had been honed through sheer necessity. He demonstrated how to properly inspect their leather boots for wear, using a small awl and waxed thread to reinforce the seams before they weakened. He showed her how to waterproof them using rendered animal fat, rubbing it into the leather until it gleamed with a protective sheen.


    For clothing, he had a method for patching wool cloaks and tunics using an overcast stitch to prevent fraying. He even had a small wooden loom in his pack for reinforcing worn-out sections of fabric with new weaving.


    Their weapons and tools needed attention as well. He explained how to maintain the edge of a knife with careful strokes against a whetstone, emphasizing the importance of keeping the angle consistent. He showed her how to check the bindings on an axe handle, ensuring the head wouldn¡¯t come loose at an inopportune moment. And for bow maintenance, he shared his trick of warming the bowstring slightly near the fire before applying beeswax to keep it from fraying.


    Even with her prior knowledge, Allovilde picked up several useful tricks, while also sharing a few of her own. The discussion became an exchange of ideas¡ªher experience with different stitching techniques for torn fabric, her way of tying knots to secure loose gear more efficiently. Laktor, in turn, seemed genuinely pleased to have someone to travel with who could contribute knowledge rather than simply receive it.


    As they worked, the crackling fire cast flickering shadows on the ground, and the rhythmic sounds of stitching, sharpening, and oiling filled the quiet night. The tasks were small but essential, a steady ritual that ensured their survival in the untamed wilderness.


    The following morning, they rose with the first light, stretching the stiffness from their limbs as they prepared breakfast. The scent of roasted grains and herbs mingled with the crisp morning air, filling the camp with warmth. As they ate, they took the time to assess Evin¡¯s condition.


    By now, he was fully awake and alert, though he moved gingerly, his entire body aching as if he¡¯d spent the night wrestling a bear. "Feels like I¡¯ve carried and stacked two seasons worth of firewood in one evening," he muttered, rolling his shoulders with a wince. "But otherwise, I think I¡¯m fine."


    *


    Thena, however, had been anything but idle during the night. She remained wary¡ªany sudden changes in Evin¡¯s condition could make the others start searching for something unusual, and she wasn¡¯t ready for that kind of scrutiny.


    This turned out better than I expected! she thought to herself, adjusting her focus. The delicate membrane she had formed to pick up vibrations was proving to be surprisingly effective. The voices from outside filtered through clearly, allowing her to listen in on their conversations.


    Though the noises in here are something else¡­ she grumbled internally.


    The prospect of listening¡ªof observing real, living people again¡ªsent waves of excitement through her. It had been centuries since she last had such an opportunity. The thrill of discovery was intoxicating.


    But this is not a long-term solution, she reminded herself. At some point, I need a stronger connection with his nervous system. Just passively listening won¡¯t cut it. I want to see again!


    The hours passed as Thena soaked in every word exchanged outside.


    She twitched slightly in frustration as yet another air bubble rumbled through Evin¡¯s intestines. Void take me, if I have to hear one more gurgle! And his heartbeat¡ªit¡¯s like a war drum pounding right next to me! I swear, I¡¯m going to lose my mind in here!


    *


    After breaking camp and ensuring nothing was left behind, they set off once more. The forest canopy gradually thinned as they neared its edge, the familiar embrace of towering trees giving way to open terrain.


    The moment they stepped beyond the treeline, the world around them shifted. Sounds that had been muffled by dense foliage now rang clear and unrestrained¡ªbird calls unfamiliar to their ears, the rustling of unseen creatures, and the whisper of the wind over open land. Shadows, once abundant beneath the trees, were now sparse, leaving them exposed under the broad sky.


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged glances, both feeling a strange sense of vulnerability in the open landscape. They had spent so much time beneath the forest¡¯s protective cover that the absence of it now felt unsettling.


    Laktor, on the other hand, inhaled deeply, stretching his arms as he took in the unrestricted view. "Finally," he murmured, relishing the ability to see beyond a hundred paces in every direction.


    After a moment, he turned to them, his expression thoughtful. "This is about where I planned for us to reach by the end of the first day. Before we go too far, I¡¯d like to talk about our next steps." He studied them briefly before adding, "How are you both holding up?"


    Evin rolled his shoulders and nodded. "I¡¯m good," he said, glancing at Allovilde.


    "Same here," she confirmed, though her gaze lingered on the unfamiliar terrain ahead.


    Laktor gave an approving nod. "Good. There¡¯s a river a few kilometers east," he said, gesturing toward the distant landscape. "It¡¯s well-stocked with fish, and the banks make for solid ground to set up camp. Let¡¯s head there for the night."


    *


    Let¡¯s see¡­ if I just thread a tiny tendril in here...


    *


    "Ahh!" Evin yelped as his left foot suddenly gave out beneath him, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    "What the¡ª? I can¡¯t feel my foot!" His voice was laced with alarm as he struggled to push himself upright.


    *


    Oops! Retreat, retreat!


    The sensation returned almost instantly as Thena hastily withdrew her tendril from the nerve she had just tapped into.


    *


    Evin flexed his toes and gave his leg a few tentative shakes. "Huh. It¡¯s back¡­ That was weird." His face twisted in confusion.


    Allovilde smirked, watching him. "Not used to walking outside the forest, are you?"


    "Pfft, shut it!" Evin shot back, brushing dirt from his pants with an exaggerated huff.


    The rest of the trek to the river was uneventful, and soon they were setting up camp along the bank. Without hesitation, Laktor fashioned a makeshift fishing rod, tying off a line and baiting the hook with swift efficiency. With a confident flick of his wrist, he cast the line into the water. "You two start prepping for dinner," he called over his shoulder. "Fishing is my forte!"


    Evin and Allovilde exchanged skeptical glances, raising their eyebrows at Laktor¡¯s self-assurance.


    Three hours passed. Their stomachs growled. Their patience thinned.


    Not a single fish had been caught.


    With frustration creeping in, Evin and Allovilde decided to scout further downriver, leaving Laktor behind to his so-called forte.


    A few minutes later, they rounded a bend in the river¡ªand stopped dead in their tracks.


    A small camp had been set up along the bank. Several humans were working by the water, rinsing out fishing nets while another stacked wood for a fire.


    Evin lifted a hand in greeting, his mind already formulating a trade. His bags were filled with herbs and useful plants¡ªsurely they could barter for some fresh fish. "Hoy!" he called out.


    The response was immediate.


    The camp exploded into motion. Two women, standing near the fire, seized bows and nocked arrows with practiced speed.


    The sharp twang of bowstrings rang through the air.


    "Run!" Allovilde shouted.


    They turned and bolted.