Elren sat still in the bushes, heart still racing from the encounter with the Silverstray Rabbit. The forest, though beautiful, was starting to feel more like a cage—he was lost, alone, and bruised, with no clear path forward.
"Elren," the system's gentle voice came through, calm yet firm. "To survive in this world, you must first understand that you are not truly alone. But survival requires more than just company—it requires strength, wisdom, and patience."
Elren furrowed his brow, his head swimming with confusion. "Strength, wisdom, patience… How do I even begin?"
The system paused, as though considering his question carefully.
"Survival is not just about fighting the battles in front of you. It is about knowing when to move, when to stay still, and when to trust your instincts. A wise warrior knows that to fight, they must first understand the battle."
Elren nodded, the words sinking in. He was beginning to understand that in this new life, he would need to rely not only on his body but on his mind and heart. But the idea of fighting in this unfamiliar world felt daunting.
"I'll help you," the system continued, its tone warm. "But you must walk this path with your own steps. I will guide you, but you must be the one to act."
A soft chime echoed in his mind, and suddenly, a light flickered in front of Elren. A shimmer of blue energy swirled into existence, coalescing into a small, elegant shortbow, its design simple but finely crafted. The wood was a dark, rich brown, with faint silver markings running along its length.
Elren blinked in surprise.
"This is your first gift," the system said, its voice tinged with pride. "A shortbow, perfectly suited for your current form. But its true strength lies not in its size, but in its power. You are granted unlimited arrows—one for every shot, no matter the distance or need."
Elren reached out, his fingers brushing the smooth wood. As soon as he touched it, the bow pulsed with energy, a soft hum filling the air. It felt light in his hands, balanced, ready to be drawn.
"Use it wisely," the system warned. "The arrow's power comes from your will, and once you've used it, you must be patient to call upon it again. In this world, even the smallest advantage can tip the scales."
Elren nodded again, a flicker of hope rising in his chest. He wasn't helpless after all. There was a way forward, even if the path was unclear.
"Thank you," he whispered, testing the bow's weight in his hands.
"You're welcome," the system responded softly. "Now, take the first step toward your future. The world awaits."
Elren stood in the clearing, the shortbow in his hands, still trying to adjust to the weight and balance of the weapon. His fingers traced the smooth string, feeling its tension, its promise of power.
"Alright, Elren," the system's voice came, warm and reassuring. "First, we'll start simple. Hold the bow steady. Place the string against your fingers, and draw it back gently. Don't rush. Focus on the target ahead."
Elren took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He didn't have a target yet, but the system's words were clear. He raised the bow, holding it steady in front of him. His hands were still trembling slightly, but he focused, just as the system had told him.
"Good," the system encouraged. "Now, pull the string back slowly. Aim with your eyes, not with your body. Trust your instincts. The arrow will follow your will."
Elren followed the instructions, his fingers curling around the string, pulling it back as he drew a breath. His eyes focused on a distant tree, a small mark on its bark.
"Remember, Elren," the system's voice was soft now, almost fatherly. "Every shot you take is a reflection of your resolve. Your power comes from within. Aim not just with your eyes, but with your heart. You'll know when the time is right to release."
Elren's fingers tingled as the string reached its fullest stretch. His heart beat in rhythm with the pulse of the bow, his breath steady, his focus sharper than before. He let out a soft exhale, releasing the string.
The arrow shot forward, piercing the air with a soft whoosh. It struck the tree with a satisfying thud, embedding itself into the bark.
"Well done," the system said, its tone proud. "You've got the hang of it. Remember, your power lies not in brute strength, but in the harmony between you and the bow. The arrow will follow your will, so trust yourself."
Elren lowered the bow, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The world around him was still and calm, as if the forest itself had been holding its breath.
The system paused for a moment, and then added with a more relaxed tone, "Alright, Elren, you've done well today. Let's take a break. It's important to rest after you've learned something new."
As Elren sat on the rock, his back against the cool stone, he allowed himself a brief moment of rest. The forest around him was alive with the sound of rustling leaves and distant calls of creatures hidden within the trees. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the peace of the surroundings soothe his mind.
High above, beyond the canopy of trees, the sky stretched in a vast expanse, painted with the soft hues of the setting sun. It was there, in that expanse, that something—someone—watched.
In the ethereal heights, where the clouds met the endless blue, an ancient presence lingered. A figure, neither fully seen nor fully felt, stood in the high heavens, gazing down at the young elf child below. The wind stirred around him, a celestial breeze that carried the weight of centuries, yet it was gentle, comforting.
The figure was an elf god, his long ears pointed elegantly, his eyes filled with both wisdom and compassion. His presence was a subtle force—unseen to Elren, but it surrounded him nonetheless, like a soft embrace from the very world itself. The god smiled down on Elren, a smile that was warm, kind, yet filled with the quiet sorrow of a father watching over his child.
"Elren..." the god murmured, his voice like a whisper on the wind. "Though you walk alone now, you are not abandoned. In your heart, there lies the strength of your past, and in your soul, there will grow the light of your future. The path ahead will be difficult, but I will guide you, as a father guides his child through the storm."
The words, though not heard by Elren, drifted through the ether, wrapping themselves around his spirit. They were not commands, but gentle assurances, like the soft murmur of a father's love, given without demand.
The figure in the sky watched, ever patient, ever present, waiting for the moment when Elren would fully awaken to his destiny. For now, the god could only observe, but soon, perhaps, their paths would cross.
"You will find your way, my child. I am with you, always."