Chapter 18 - The Path Forward
Elric stood there in silence, the letter from his mother still clutched in his hands. The wind rustled through the trees around him, but all he could hear was the steady beat of his heart. The eagle had flown off, leaving him with more questions than answers. Yet, there was something reassuring about the letter. His mother had been watching over him. She had never forgotten him.
But now, it seemed the time had come for him to step forward into the unknown.
The weight of the letter seemed to press down on him, not just physically but emotionally. His mind was filled with thoughts of his mother — who she was, what she had been through, and why she had left him in the first place. But for now, there was no time for those questions. The world was calling him, and he couldn't afford to stay idle.
"Elric, you're here." A voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see Grandpa walking toward him, his eyes sharp despite his old age. The gruff man had been a steady presence in his life, though Elric had never fully understood just how much power Grandpa held.
Grandpa's gaze flicked down to the letter in Elric's hands. "What's that you're holding?"
Elric hesitated for a moment before handing it over. Grandpa studied it, his eyes narrowing as he ran his fingers over the delicate elven symbols. "Your mother?" he muttered under his breath. He didn't need to ask more — Elric could see the faint sadness in his eyes.
"She's not here, but… she's always been close." Grandpa finally said, folding the letter and tucking it into his coat. "And now, you must make your way."
"What do you mean?" Elric asked, his curiosity piqued.
Grandpa's expression hardened. "There's a change coming, Elric. You're not just any boy. You've been chosen for something greater, whether you like it or not. The village won't be safe forever. The beasts are already coming, and more will follow."
Elric nodded. He had felt it — the tension in the air, the unease that had settled in the village. But until now, he hadn't fully understood why. The threat was looming, but it wasn't just about the animals; something darker was at play.
Grandpa placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip surprisingly strong for a man of his age. "It's time for you to start training, Elric. You've got more potential than you know. It's not just about survival anymore. You're going to need strength, and you'll find it in places you don't expect."
Elric's heart raced. It was a lot to take in, but he couldn't deny that something had changed. His mother's message, the letter from Cran, and Grandpa's warning — it all pointed to one thing: the world outside the village was a dangerous place, and he was about to be thrust into it.
For the next few weeks, Elric began his training in earnest. Grandpa taught him the basics of combat, but it wasn't like anything Elric had imagined. They weren't just swinging swords for fun — every movement was a lesson, a preparation for something greater.
One evening, after a long day of training, Grandpa sat down beside him by the fire. "Elric, there's something you should know."
Elric looked up, exhausted but eager to hear more. "What is it, Grandpa?"
Grandpa's gaze softened, and he gave a heavy sigh. "I've been keeping something from you. Something important."
Elric's eyes widened, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
"You were born into something special, Elric. Your father—he was more than just a soldier. He was part of something much larger, a force that no one outside this village can comprehend. I didn't want you to know this until you were ready. But you're not just my grandson."
Elric blinked, his mind racing. "What are you saying, Grandpa?"
Grandpa's face grew serious, the firelight flickering in his eyes. "You come from a long line of warriors, Elric. Your family was part of a group that protected this world. Your father—he was one of the greatest. But something happened. He went missing, and we've been keeping this secret to protect you."
The weight of Grandpa's words sank in. Elric felt a strange mixture of pride and fear. His father had been a protector, a warrior. And now, it seemed, that legacy was about to be passed on to him.
He didn't have all the answers, but one thing was clear: the world was changing, and Elric was no longer a helpless child. His training would soon become more than just survival — it would be about taking up his father's mantle.
As the weeks passed, the village grew more and more tense. The forest around them seemed to grow darker, the air filled with a foreboding stillness. Elric felt the pull of destiny calling to him, the weight of his mother's words still echoing in his mind.
The time was drawing near. He was ready to face whatever came next.
Chapter 19 - The Beast's Roar
The air was thick with tension in the village. Elric had been training rigorously under Grandpa's watchful eye, his muscles sore from the daily sparring and drills. But despite the fatigue, there was a sense of anticipation that kept him on edge. The villagers had grown increasingly uneasy, whispers of the beasts in the forest reaching their ears, and the air itself seemed charged with an unsettling energy.
One evening, as Elric was finishing his training, the sky overhead darkened, the sun dipping below the horizon faster than usual. The winds had picked up, howling through the trees, bending them unnaturally. It was almost as if the land itself was holding its breath.
Grandpa appeared beside him, his face grim. "It's starting."
Elric didn't need any further explanation. He could feel it too — the pulse in the air, the sense that something was coming. He glanced at Grandpa, who looked as steady as ever, but there was something in his eyes that made Elric uneasy.
"What's happening, Grandpa?" Elric asked, his voice tight.
"The beasts. They've been gathering." Grandpa said, his voice low. "And I suspect the pack isn't all they are. Something more dangerous is coming."
The distant howls of wolves echoed through the village, sending a chill through Elric's spine. But these were no ordinary wolves. These sounds were deeper, more primal, like the call of something ancient — something that had been waiting for the right moment to strike.
Grandpa's expression hardened. "The pack is just the beginning. Get inside the house, Elric. You're not ready for this. Not yet."
But Elric's blood was running hot. He wasn't about to run and hide. He had been training for weeks, and he could feel the power inside him stirring. The Shepherd class had granted him strange new abilities — the connection to nature, the subtle communication with the land and beasts. But what good was it if he couldn't defend the people he cared about?
"No." Elric said firmly, shaking his head. "I'm not hiding. I'll fight."
Grandpa regarded him silently for a moment, and then nodded grimly. "You're stubborn, just like your father. Fine. But you're staying close to me. And keep your wits about you. These beasts are more than just animals."
Elric's heart raced as they made their way through the village, moving swiftly and silently. The distant howls grew louder, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to vibrate with the approaching threat. The village was built to withstand attacks, but this… this felt different.
As they reached the outskirts, the first of the beasts appeared from the tree line — massive wolves, their fur matted and filthy, eyes glowing with an unnatural red hue. But they were not alone. Behind them, a larger, more fearsome creature stalked through the trees — a monstrous ape, its eyes burning with a cruel intelligence.
Grandpa's hand was firm on Elric's shoulder. "Stay behind me. These are no ordinary beasts."
The wolves howled again, and the pack surged forward, attacking without hesitation. The villagers, armed with weapons, rushed to meet them, but Elric's gaze was fixed on the monstrous ape. It was unlike anything he had ever seen, a towering brute, its muscles rippling beneath its thick fur.
The fight broke out in an instant, chaos erupting around them. Elric instinctively reached for the connection to his Shepherd abilities, feeling the pulse of life in the creatures around him. It was strange, almost overwhelming, but he focused, calling on his power. The world seemed to slow as he felt the energy surge within him.
"Come to me." Elric whispered, his voice barely audible over the noise of the battle.
From the shadows of the forest, a massive bear lumbered forward, its fur thick and wild, eyes bright with an almost intelligent gleam. It was followed by several smaller creatures — wolves, foxes, and even a lynx. They gathered around Elric, drawn to him like a beacon.
The beasts of the pack hesitated, confused by the sudden appearance of the creatures Elric had summoned. It was clear that these were not ordinary beasts. They were his allies, creatures that he could control, at least for now.
With the creatures by his side, Elric advanced, his heart pounding in his chest. He wasn't sure how much control he had over them, but he was determined to fight. He stepped forward, his eyes locked on the ape, and called out to his summoned creatures.
"Attack!" he shouted, and his beasts surged forward, charging into the fray.
The battle raged on, and Elric found himself in the thick of it. His summoned creatures fought valiantly, but the wolves were relentless, and the ape was a true monster. Every swing of its massive fists sent villagers flying, and the wolves tore through defenses with frightening precision.
But Elric's power wasn't enough to tip the scales. The pack was vast, and the ape's strength was overwhelming. It became clear that they were outmatched, and Elric knew they couldn't keep this up for much longer.
"Grandpa!" Elric shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
Grandpa's face was stoic as he fought off a wolf. "Get back, Elric! I'll hold them off."
But Elric couldn't just stand by and watch. He felt his power surge once again, and this time, it was different. His connection to the beasts felt deeper, more visceral. He reached out to them, calling on everything he had. The creatures at his side howled, their energies resonating with his.
"You're not alone. Fight for your home!" Elric roared.
The battle wasn't over yet, but Elric had tapped into something powerful. The wolves faltered, and for a brief moment, the pack was thrown into disarray.
But then, the ape let out an earth-shattering roar, its fury filling the air. It was far from o
Chapter 20 - The Gathering of Family
The aftermath of the battle against the beast tide had left the village in a somber mood. Despite their victory, there were injuries to tend to, and the bodies of the fallen beasts had been cleared away. The air was thick with the scent of blood and the acrid remnants of battle.
Elric, though exhausted, couldn't shake the surge of power he'd felt during the fight. It was unlike anything he had experienced before. The connection to his summoned creatures, the way they had fought alongside him—he could feel it growing stronger with each passing day. But that power came with a responsibility he hadn't fully realized yet.
As the villagers continued their recovery efforts, Elric found himself deep in thought, standing at the edge of the forest. His mind raced with questions about his abilities, about the mysterious world he had been born into, and about his purpose. The events had triggered something inside him—something deeper than his role as a Shepherd.
"Elric!"
The voice pulled him from his thoughts, and he turned to see Grandpa approaching, his face calm despite the chaos around them.
"It's time, Elric. Your uncle is here." Grandpa's words were filled with meaning, a quiet authority that demanded respect. "And so are others. The family is gathering."
Elric raised an eyebrow. "Uncle?"
Grandpa's gaze softened. "Yes. Your mother's brother. He's one of the strongest warriors of the east. He's coming with his family. You'll finally meet them. It's time you know your lineage."
As Elric followed Grandpa back to the village, he felt a strange sense of anticipation. He had heard little about his mother's side of the family—his father, the world champion, had been the focus of most of his upbringing, and his grandfather had always kept the past shrouded in mystery. But now, the pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place.
The village had been bustling with activity as the news of the gathering spread. People from neighboring villages had come to assist with the repairs, and a small crowd had gathered near the village's central square. Among them, Elric saw the unmistakable figure of a tall, broad-shouldered man standing with a group of individuals.
The man's presence was imposing—his dark hair and sharp features marked him as a warrior, his very stance radiating strength. Beside him stood a woman with striking silver eyes and long, flowing black hair. She carried herself with the grace of someone well-versed in the arts of combat, and Elric could sense an aura of power emanating from her.
But it was the child beside them that caught his attention. A boy, roughly his own age, with curious eyes that seemed to gleam with intelligence far beyond his years. Elric's heart skipped a beat as he realized the boy's resemblance to himself—perhaps it was the family resemblance, or maybe it was the way they both stood, silently assessing everything around them.
Grandpa placed a hand on Elric's shoulder and nodded in the direction of the group. "That's your uncle, your aunt, and your cousin. They've been away for a long time. Now, they're here to help."
Elric nodded silently, but there was a whirlwind of thoughts in his mind. What was this family of his like?
As they walked toward the gathering, the man with the dark hair turned to them, his expression stern but warm. He eyed Elric with a knowing gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the young boy's appearance.
"You must be Elric." The man's voice was deep and commanding, but there was a warmth to it that made Elric feel at ease despite the man's imposing presence. "I'm Darius, your uncle. It's been a long time."
Elric nodded, unsure of how to respond. The sheer strength radiating from his uncle was overwhelming. He had heard stories of his mother's family, but seeing it in person was a whole different experience.
"This is your aunt, Seraphina," Darius continued, gesturing to the woman beside him. "And this is your cousin, Cael."
Seraphina offered a kind smile, her silver eyes studying Elric with an unreadable expression. She was beautiful, but there was a hardness to her demeanor that suggested she was no stranger to battle.
Cael, Elric's cousin, stood a little taller than him, his expression one of quiet confidence. The boy looked to be around Elric's age, but there was a maturity in his gaze that made Elric feel both awed and cautious. The two exchanged a brief, almost challenging glance before Cael spoke.
"So you're the one Grandpa's been training." His voice was calm, but there was a trace of amusement in his words. "I heard you were quite the fighter."
Elric was taken aback by his cousin's directness, but he quickly masked his surprise. "I'm getting there." He shrugged. "It's not like I'm fighting alone, though."
Cael's smile widened. "Good. You'll need all the help you can get." His words were playful, but Elric could sense that there was something deeper behind them.
As the group exchanged greetings and pleasantries, Grandpa stepped forward. "It's been a long time since the family has been together. We've fought battles, survived wars, but the true enemy lies elsewhere."
Darius's eyes darkened at Grandpa's words, and Seraphina's lips tightened into a thin line. Cael remained silent, his gaze now focused on Elric, as though waiting for something.
"Elric, you need to understand." Darius spoke again, his tone serious. "The world is changing. The beasts, the pack you fought—this is just the beginning. There are greater threats looming on the horizon. The family is gathering because we need to stand united. And you, Elric, will play a role in all of this."
Elric felt a shiver run down his spine. His heart thudded in his chest. The world was changing, and it seemed that the coming storm would test him in ways he hadn't imagined. But as he looked around at the family gathered before him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of solidarity, of belonging. They were more than just powerful warriors—they were his blood, his kin.
And with them by his side, perhaps he stood a chance.
Chapter 21 - A New Bond, A New Threat
The day had passed in a haze of introductions, explanations, and subtle tensions. As the evening settled over the village, the fireflies began to light up the quiet night, their gentle glow casting an ethereal light over the land. Elric stood at the edge of the village, overlooking the fields and the distant forest. His mind was racing with the whirlwind of events—the appearance of his powerful family, the shared history, and the mention of looming threats.
He was not alone.
Beside him stood Cael, his cousin, who had a quiet presence despite his earlier bravado. Elric glanced at him, finding the boy lost in thought as well. The silence between them was comfortable, but it was clear that the two were sizing each other up. Both were strong, both were young, and both had a stake in the upcoming battles.
"You know, you look like your mother." Cael spoke suddenly, his tone surprisingly soft. "Your eyes. There's something in them."
Elric blinked, surprised by the words. "My mother?"
Cael nodded, his gaze focused on the horizon. "I didn't know her well. But she was... different. A true elf warrior. Not many like her left."
The mention of his mother, someone Elric barely remembered, sent a strange sensation through him. His mother had always been a distant figure—an elven warrior with stories whispered in the wind. Now, with this new information, he realized there was a whole other side of his lineage he had yet to uncover.
"And your father?" Elric asked, curiosity bubbling up. "I heard stories about him being a champion of the world."
Cael's smile turned bittersweet. "He was. But he's not what people think. There's a reason our family has been hidden for so long. Our enemies aren't just the beasts. There are forces beyond that. Things that no one really talks about."
Elric's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Before Cael could respond, the sound of footsteps interrupted their conversation. Darius, Elric's uncle, approached them, his expression hard as steel. Behind him, Seraphina stood, her eyes scanning the landscape as if expecting something to jump out of the shadows.
"We need to talk." Darius's voice was grave, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Elric turned toward his uncle, heart pounding in his chest. "About what?"
Darius's eyes flickered toward the village, his lips set in a firm line. "The beasts were just the beginning. There's a larger force at play here. Something's stirring in the east. Something ancient. We've already felt its influence in the air. The energy around this village… it's not just from the monsters. Something darker is pushing its way through."
Elric's stomach churned at the thought. The world he had known had already changed so much. Now, his family was talking about even greater dangers looming on the horizon.
"What do you want me to do?" Elric asked, his voice unwavering despite the growing sense of dread.
Darius looked at him for a long moment, then nodded. "You have the potential to be more than just a Shepherd, Elric. But you're not ready yet. Your powers are still raw. We'll need to train you, teach you how to harness them. But the time for training is short. The enemy moves faster than we can predict."
Seraphina stepped forward, her voice cool and commanding. "Your bond with the beasts you've summoned, with your pack—they will be key. But you need to trust them. You need to grow stronger, faster than you've ever imagined."
Elric nodded, understanding the weight of her words. Trust. The pack. His beasts. All of them were a part of him, but the thought of relying on them so deeply unsettled him. He wasn't sure if he was ready to shoulder such a responsibility.
Darius looked back toward the village. "We've arranged for the family to stay for a while. We'll help the villagers rebuild, but we need to stay vigilant. The enemy will come from all directions. We won't be safe until we're united—and even then, it'll be a fight for survival."
Just as Darius finished speaking, the ground beneath their feet trembled slightly. A low growl echoed through the trees in the distance, sending a ripple of unease through the group. It was faint at first, but it grew louder, more insistent.
"They're coming." Seraphina's voice was filled with deadly calm.
Cael's hand went to the hilt of his sword, his posture shifting as if he were already preparing for battle. Elric's heart raced. He knew this moment had come faster than anyone had expected.
"Elric, stay close." Darius said, his voice low but commanding. "This is just the first wave. We'll fight, but you need to protect the village and your pack. Make no mistake—the war has begun."
Elric's hand went to his side, where his makeshift weapon—a simple blade—rested. He wasn't ready, but neither was anyone else. And as the growls grew louder, he knew one thing for certain: whatever lay ahead, he was no longer just a child. He had a role to play.
The family would fight. Elric would fight.
And they would stand together.
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