Nation of Valdyrion. South region.

Osric Veynar fled, lungs burning, muscles exhausted, his body relying only on instinct and raw endurance. Behind him, the Duke’s hounds of war howled, their pursuit relentless. But in his desperation, he realized his mistake; he had entered the Dark Forest, a forbidden land. A place where monsters spawned endlessly, where even the strongest warriors met their end. Panting, wounded, and groaning, he hesitated only for a moment. Return and face execution at the Duke’s hands or go deeper and gamble on survival. With a bitter laugh, he chose the forest.

Suddenly, from the shadows between the trees, a figure appeared. It was Aldric Fenmor, one of Duke Kaelvor Draven's elite subordinates, smirking arrogantly.

Aldric Fenmor,“So you’d rather mingle with beasts than face us? Pathetic.”

Osric Veynar, panting and groaning, “One day… you’ll find yourself in my place too.”

Aldric Fenmor laughed. “Still don’t get it? Loyalty is meaningless without strength. Unlike you, commoner, I’ll continue to rise. You’re nothing but a tool the Duke discarded.”

“Do you really believe that others who are greater than you will come do think you’ll be safe then?” Osric replied. “This is a bigger game than you, kid. Don't think I don't know you're trying to buy time. I could just leave here in the dark forest to die, but there's a chance you might luckily escape, since you're not that deep, that might cause problems for me.”

“Please spare… I promise I'll…,” Osric began, but Aldric interrupted him. “Are you willing to beg the men who killed your brother?”

Osric's eyes widened in shock after hearing the devastating revelation that the man responsible for his brother's death was before him. “It was you,” Osric said, shouting with tears falling from his eyes. “How could you?” he screamed, charging towards Aldric, striking with his brother's blade that carried his anger.

Steel clashed. Despite his wounds, Osric fought back fiercely, shocking Aldric when he revealed he wasn’t just a mage but also a warrior with a little red aura coming from his blade. But even so, Aldric Fenmor’s strength overwhelmed him. Knocked him to his knees, he coughed blood. Osric was at the brink of death as Aldric pressed his glowing blade radiating magic energy against his throat.

“I'm surprised it seems your mercenary brother taught you a thing or two. Could you have asked him to teach you because you realized what trash of a low-class mage you were?” Aldric said, mocking him.

Rustle... Rustle. From the trees emerged hulking orcs, drawn by the battle’s noise. For a moment, hope flickered in Osric's eyes, seeing an opportunity to escape while Aldric was occupied with the orcs. But Aldric cut them down effortlessly, his attention still fixed on the wounded Osric.

The forest itself seemed to turn against them. A loud hiss echoed through the valley. From the abyssal cliffs ahead, a colossal serpent-like monster rose, its scales glistening in the moonlight. Its eyes burned with fury, and when its jaws opened, a torrent of poison flames spewed forth.

Aldric cursed, spinning to defend himself. Osric, half-conscious, crawled backward only to find himself at the cliff’s edge.

The monster’s flames roared past, engulfing Aldric, who was standing tall. His scream was brief; his body was incinerated instantly. Osric slipped, falling into the abyss. As he fell, he could see the length of the colossal serpent. Ugh…

He plunged into icy waters far below. Gasping, he surfaced in a vast underground valley, the serpent's nest. The serpent’s shadow writhing above. Terrified, he staggered toward a narrow cave entrance, his body shaking from wounds and exhaustion.

The serpent struck again. Poison flames filled the cavern, scorching the walls as Osric forced himself into the narrow tunnel. The fire seared his back, and he screamed as the heat pushed him deeper until he tumbled into darkness.

He landed in a hidden cave, a glimmering underground paradise stretched before him. Stalactites sparkled like stars, a crystal-clear pond glowing faintly with light. His body, blackened and burned, finally collapsed at the pond’s edge. His vision blurred.

“This is it…”

Darkness claimed him.

Deep within the Woods of Terror, a few miles into the dark forest, a pit infested with giant snake-like creatures spewed forth poisonous flames. In the valley, a narrow cave entrance served as Osric's desperate refuge, a place where he could escape the serpent that pursued him. Gravely injured by his former brethren of the Ashen Covenant, a secret faction under Duke Kaelvor Draven that committed evil and clandestine acts by the Duke's orders, Osric had stumbled upon this cave in a last-ditch attempt to save his life.

A Day Passed

A day had passed since Osric fell into a small pond within the mysterious cave. He had been fleeing for his life, and the fall had left him battered and bruised. As he slowly regained consciousness, Osric opened his eyes and lifted his upper body, looking around to grasp his surroundings.

"Where am I? What happened... my wounds?" Osric's voice was laced with confusion and pain.

"You are inside the belly of the mountain," a voice responded, echoing in Osric's mind.

"Who goes there? Who are you?" Osric's eyes scanned his surroundings, but he saw no one.

"I'm the one who saved your life," the voice replied.

Osric's eyes narrowed. "Show yourself. Why resort to telepathy? Do you wish to hide your identity, benefactor?"

"Don't be alarmed. I am a noble spirit, a divine consciousness dwelling inside your body," the voice explained.

Osric's eyes widened in alarm. "What?! How did you take possession of me? Leave my body this instant!"

The voice remained calm. "Calm yourself. This was the only way to save your half-dead self. I had to enter your vessel. Now, we are one. I harbor no hostility towards you, nor will I take possession of your flesh."

Osric took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation. "I... I apologize for being hostile. I give my gratitude for saving me, benefactor. But where... how do we leave this place?"

"There are two ways to exit this place. The first is the one you came flying in. Another is that path you see there. I don't suppose you'd choose the first, since it almost claimed your life by whatever ferocious beast is up there. The second may lead to an elf territory. There is an elf that visits this place often to bathe and relax in the pond," said the voice. "Assume that there are more of them in that direction. Last time I remember, your races were at odds."

Osric's eyes widened in surprise. "Elves?! That's impossible. They were eradicated thousands of years ago. They're basically a myth."

The voice remained calm. "I do not lie. Moreover, she could feel my presence. The fairy attempted to reach out to me countless times, but this noble spirit had no interest. I dwelt in that pond, which is why I was able to enter your body without trouble. I suggest you make haste to leave this place if you wish to survive."

Osric's mind reeled. "Elves that can't be... Wait, I have no time to wonder. I need to start planning my revenge, but first, I must survive." He picked up his worn-out sword, noticing that his other destroyed belongings were no longer usable. He stood half-naked, trying to open a magic storage to retrieve a robe, but failed.

"Huh, what's going on? Why won't my magic work?" Osric's frustration grew.

The voice responded, "That is what I meant when I said I healed and purified you. Your mana, attributes, and talent have been reset. You're no different from a newborn who has yet to awaken their talent."

Osric's eyes widened in shock. "What... how is that?! Tch, I don't believe it. Things can't get any worse. How am I supposed to have my revenge, never mind survive? I happen to be in the Dark Forest of all places. Ugh, damn it!"

The frustrated Osric started walking to exit that might potentially lead to an enemy territory, with a frowned look on his face, as if he has vowed. It was obvious in his face that the determination to grow strong and avenge himself did not fade despite being powerless; he was simply grateful for being alive, and as long as he lived, he would not let go of his resentment.

As he walked, the path started getting dark, with few crystals lighting his way. At a distance, he hears footsteps. Osric stops, as he cannot see further into the dark, standing in place that was still faintly lit by crystals. He holds tight his sword, nervous. The figure that approached reached the light in a rush, as if it sensed his presence. It was being he has never seen in his life only heard about in stories and history books. A beautiful elf with platinum hair,violet eyes she immediately took a fighting stance wary of the intruder . upon seeing this handsome Osric Who was her kin’s enemy fury in her eyes."A human” said the Elf in great shock.

Osric met her glare, his own eyes steady despite his powerless state.his heart pounded but his stance was unyielding.The silence stretched between them,wary of each other,the fate of their meeting hanging by a thread.

And thus within the heart of the dark forest, the last descendant of veynar and a mysterious elf stood face to face,A fateful encounter destined to reshape their worlds

Osric encountered a beautiful but fierce elf on his way out. The frequent owner of the cave returned, pointing her fangs at the weak and fragile Osric.

"A human," she said, shouting as she used her incredible speed to close the distance. To Osric, it seemed like she vanished and reappeared in front of him, delivering four rapid strikes to his abdomen in a second. Osric flew backward, spitting blood and being heavily injured.

The elf quickly closed the gap, pointing a dagger made of ice at the heavily wounded Osric. "How weak," she thought to herself.

"Who are you, and how did you find this place?" she spoke harshly, stepping on Osric. For the first time, Osric didn't feel fear for his life or a need to submit to the elf's interrogation. Instead, a bold look on his face, showcasing great pride and stubbornness.

With an arrogant look on his frowned face, covered in his own blood, Osric said, "I do not answer to you." The furious elf pressed her foot on his chest and swung her right hand, attempting to sever Osric's arm.

However, the elf suddenly stopped and withdrew her weapon. She quickly knelt to heal Osric's wounds with a concerned yet excited look on her face.

Osric thought to himself, "What hell? What's wrong? Is she planning to toy with me by healing and harming me continuously?"

The mysterious voice spoke up, "This is good. It can buy you some time. Find a chance to play dead if harmed again. I'll heal you when she's gone, and you'll escape."

The elf said, "Forgive me, oh mighty spirit of the cave. I greatly wronged you. My ignorant eyes failed to notice you. Now that you took a human form, please punish this elf for this unruly behavior."

Osric was confused and speechless, with a look on his face as if his eyes were going to pop out. "What is happening here?" he thought to himself.

The mysterious voice said, "I see this young maiden must have sensed my presence and thinks I took on a human form. This is good. Quickly pretend to be me." Osric, a little confused, said to the elf, "Mmh... How dare a lowly elf like you lay her hand on me? Is this what elves have become?"

The elf had a sincere expression. "Please forgive, cave spirit. I shall truly reflect on my actions. If my spirit guides did not tell me in time, I could have committed a grave act."

Rising from the ground, Osric's wounds were healed completely. "I shall forget this matter," Osric said with a grin on his face. "Little one, I am a noble spirit. I have used forbidden arts to form a vessel out of a corpse of a human who died in the dark forest. I need time to recover my power, therefore I shall give you the privilege to serve me. I greatly reward you."

The elf replied, "I, Eira Der Vere, daughter of Krain Der Vere, would be honored to serve you, oh noble spirit. I seek nothing in return. You have healed my wounds countless times in that pond. I'm grateful. I always yearned to speak with you."

Osric thought, "Huh?" The mysterious voice whispered, "Well, I did heal her, but I had no interest in conversing with her. I mostly ignore her since I have no interest in serving people's selfish desires."

Osric thought, "Huh? That makes no sense. Why did you involve yourself with me then?" The voice replied, "I saved your life out of goodwill. I'm stuck with you until death. There's no special reason if you're looking for one."

Eira thought to herself, "Lord Osric is spacing out. Could it be my beauty? No, just ridiculous. A noble wouldn't covet my beauty."

Eira said, "My lord, please allow me to escort you to the capital, to the palace. You will surely be treated great..." Eira thought to herself, "I must also get given a reward by the high palace for bringing a manifested high spirit that bestows blessings and heals all wounds."

Osric said, "What? No... Little one, you should keep my existence a secret. It might spoil my plans for the future until I gain my strength. Keep my presence here to yourself and aid me, Ms. Eira. All you have to do is deliver me food and drinks,I will be content."

Eira bowed. "I understand what I have to do, my lord. I shall do as asked. If my lord doesn't mind, would you kindly share his plans for the future?" Osric replied, "It's far too early to relay them to you, little one."

"I will now leave, my lord. Please do not leave the hidden cave. The passage through here leads to our city, which we have taken refuge in for over a thousand years while hiding from the wicked humans. It would be bad if you were seen in that human form. The moment you set foot outside the cave, the city defense system extends far and will detect any foreign presence, especially humans," Eira explained.

"I will heed your warning, Eira. I shall stay put until I've recovered," said Osric.

"Farewell, my lord. I shall deliver what I promised," said Eira, as she bowed and walked out the passage towards the exit.

Judging by your expression, you don't trust her," said the voice. "Naturally... but I don't have a choice. I will have to gamble and use her to deliver me food while I try to train and increase my mana, then try to escape," said Osric.

"You seem to have forgotten you haven't awakened it. It won't be that easy, though there is a way to quickly awaken," said the voice.

"Damn, I shouldn't try any tricks. It would be bad if I mess up my awakening and awaken and don't get talent," said Osric.

"You should let people finish when they are talking. I'm aware of that, which is why I was going to suggest an ancient method used and monopolized by great families a long time ago. They would teach their offsprings to meditate and cultivate their mana, circulating it to their developing minds while using various visualizing methods at the same time. This technique increases the probability of getting a desired talent, which is imprinted in the subconscious mind. When they reach the age of 10 and older, they are likely to manifest a desired talent at their awakening, some even awaken before time but those are rare geniuses," the voice explained.

Surprised, Osric said, "I understand, but I'm not a child, you possession spirit."

"Who are you calling a possession spirit?" said the voice, yelling. "Ahem... Call me Master Aurion," said the voice.

"Master my ass. It's my body. Shouldn't you call me master instead?" said Osric.

"I wonder who will heal you when you're wounded," said Aurion. "Hehe... master, don't joke like that. “Keep in mind that I can only heal once a day for critical injuries, so be cautious. You should be immune to many curses," said Aurion.

Aurion explains, "Regarding your talent, since you haven't awakened and your stats are like that of a newborn, if you meditate and focus on circulating your mana to your brain directly to your pineal gland while burning the image of talent you seek with correct breathwork, you might trigger the awakening quickly."

"Sir Aurion, how long will that take?" he asks with a face filled with hope.

"Well you are an adult now. That will depend on your effort. It should take a few months minimum. Your chances are high. Do not worry, you have my blessing after all. How do you think you survived that elf's attack with that fragile body?" said Aurion.

"Let me show you your attributes," said Aurion.

Clin... Clin...

Surprised, Osric jumped back a few steps, trying to comprehend the screen that appeared before his eyes. It was like it was attached to him like a shadow, moving with him as he backed away, saying, "Ahh, the hell... this..."

"Calm yourself. This is what I call a status window, visible only to your eyes. I have shown stats and information about yourself in this way, which you can comprehend," said Aurion.