Chapter 30: Gathering the First Ally
---
The first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, casting a golden glow over the village. The early morning mist lingered on the ground, rolling across the dirt roads like a soft blanket. Elric stood at the edge of the village, gazing at the distant forest where his grandfather had promised to take him. Today would be the beginning of something important—the first step in gathering the allies he would need to face the Unseen Hand.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady the anticipation bubbling in his chest. The weight of his new mission was heavier than he had expected, but it was also strangely liberating. He wasn't just protecting the village anymore—he was preparing for something much bigger. And the first step was earning the trust of those who could fight alongside him.
---
[System Alert: New Mission Available]
> Recruitment Begins – Travel to the Forest of Echoes to meet an old friend of your grandfather's. Prove your strength and trustworthiness to gain their alliance.
Reward: 5,000 XP, Access to New Skills
Note: This ally holds crucial knowledge and power. They will not join without being convinced.
---
Elric's eyes narrowed as he read the mission details. An old friend of his grandfather's? It was a good start, but this person wouldn't be easy to persuade. Nothing worth having ever was.
Turning back to the village, Elric spotted his grandfather walking toward him, a determined look on his face. He was dressed in his usual worn-out clothes, his belt adorned with a few weapons and tools, as if always ready for trouble.
"You ready, Elric?" his grandfather asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's a long walk to the Forest of Echoes. And I don't want you backing out halfway."
Elric smirked, feeling a wave of confidence wash over him. "I'm ready, Grandpa. Let's go."
---
As they left the village behind, the dense trees of the Forest of Echoes slowly came into view. The forest was known for its eerie silence. It was a place where even the birds seemed to hold their breath. Legends spoke of ancient creatures lurking in the depths, waiting for an unwary traveler to stray too far from the beaten path.
His grandfather walked beside him, keeping a steady pace. "The person we're meeting today isn't someone you can just charm with a smile. They don't trust easily—especially not outsiders. You'll have to prove yourself to them."
Elric nodded. He had expected as much. Earning the trust of powerful people wasn't going to be a simple task. The world was full of individuals who had learned the hard way not to place their trust in others.
As they entered the heart of the forest, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew colder, and the trees seemed to close in around them, their gnarled branches twisting like skeletal hands. The sunlight barely pierced through the canopy, casting strange shadows across the ground.
"Stay close," his grandfather warned, his voice lowered. "We're getting close."
They walked for what felt like hours, the silence growing deeper with each step. Elric's senses were on high alert, scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. His grandfather, however, seemed completely at ease, as if he had walked these paths a hundred times.
Finally, they reached a clearing. In the center, a large stone structure stood—a weathered, moss-covered ruin that looked ancient, as if it had been there for centuries. It was a strange sight amidst the otherwise untouched forest.
His grandfather led him toward the structure, stopping just before the large entrance. "This is where we meet them," he said quietly. "Be ready."
Elric stood still for a moment, feeling the weight of what was to come. The person inside could be the key to their survival—or they could turn out to be another obstacle. Either way, Elric had to succeed.
The stone doors creaked open slowly, revealing a dimly lit interior. Inside, the air smelled faintly of incense and old books. Elric's eyes adjusted to the dim light, and he saw the figure standing in the center of the room. It was a tall man, his face hidden in the shadows, but the outline of his silhouette was unmistakable.
"Ah, so you've finally brought the boy," the figure said in a low, gravelly voice. "I was wondering when you'd show up, old man."
His grandfather grunted in acknowledgment. "Don't get too comfortable, old friend. The world's a little different now. We need your help."
The man in the shadows stepped forward, his face now illuminated by the soft glow of the candles around them. He was an imposing figure, his sharp features and calculating eyes giving him an air of authority. He wore dark, weathered armor, and a large staff leaned against the wall beside him. There was a calm, almost eerie presence about him.
"Help, huh?" The man's lips curled into a slight smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "And what makes you think I'm interested in helping you, old man? Or your grandson, for that matter?"
Elric stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. "Because I need your help. And I'll prove I'm worth it."
The man's eyes flickered over to Elric, a subtle glint of curiosity sparking in them. "Prove yourself, huh? How do you plan on doing that?"
Elric didn't hesitate. He knew what needed to be done. "I'm no stranger to danger. I've faced things that most people wouldn't survive. I've learned the hard way that only strength and trust can see you through. If you're willing to trust me, I can promise you this: I won't let you down."
The man studied Elric for a long moment, as if weighing his words. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But being bold doesn't make you trustworthy. And it certainly doesn't make you powerful."
"I'm not asking for your trust just yet," Elric replied. "I'm asking for a chance to prove myself."
The man's eyes narrowed, and he took a slow step toward Elric, the tension in the air thickening. "You're going to have to do more than talk to get what you want."
A moment passed in silence before the man finally spoke again. "Fine. I'll give you a chance, boy. But remember this: nothing comes for free. If you fail, there's no second chance."
Elric nodded, his determination solidifying within him. "I understand."
The man stepped back, crossing his arms over his chest. "Then let's see what you're made of. You'll have to face something that's been haunting this forest for decades. Show me you're worth my time."
Elric swallowed, his heart pounding in his chest. This was the moment. He had to prove himself.
"Lead the way," Elric said, his voice unwavering.
---
[System Alert: New Mission Available]
> Test of Strength – Face the creature lurking in the Forest of Echoes. Prove your strength to earn the ally's trust and secure their help.
Reward: 10,000 XP, Access to Unique Combat Skill
Note: The creature is formidable. Do not underestimate it.
---
Elric took a deep breath, summoning the strength within him. This was just the beginning, but he would not fail. Not now.
Chapter 31: The Beast of Echoes
---
The clearing in the Forest of Echoes was eerily quiet. The only sounds that broke the silence were the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft creak of tree branches swaying in the breeze. The air felt thick with tension, as if the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
Elric stood at the center of the clearing, his body tense, his senses stretched to their limits. Across from him, the tall man—his grandfather's old friend—watched with cold, calculating eyes. His grandfather stood slightly behind Elric, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable.
Elric's heart was racing, but his mind was clear. This was the moment that would decide everything. This creature, the one that had haunted the forest for decades, would test him in ways he hadn't experienced before. If he failed, there would be no second chances. Not with this man, and certainly not with the world they were preparing to face.
"Are you ready, boy?" the man asked, his voice gravelly and cold.
Elric nodded. "I'm ready."
The man's eyes flickered with something like approval, but it was gone in an instant. "Then let's begin."
A deep growl rumbled from the shadows, and Elric's gaze snapped toward the source of the sound. From the darkened forest emerged a massive, hulking creature—its body a mix of thick, matted fur and jagged armor-like plates. Its eyes glowed a bright, unnatural red, and its breath came in heavy, ragged huffs. The creature's teeth were sharp, its claws long and curved, capable of ripping through stone with ease. It was the very definition of a beast—the kind of monster that made even the bravest warriors hesitate.
The man stepped back, giving Elric the space to fight. "You wanted a chance, boy. Now show me what you can do."
---
[System Alert: New Combat Challenge Available]
> Defeat the Beast of Echoes – Prove your strength by taking down the creature that has terrorized the forest for years.
Reward: 10,000 XP, Access to Unique Combat Skill
Note: The Beast of Echoes is a powerful adversary. Its strength lies in speed and relentless aggression. Find its weakness and exploit it.
---
Elric's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, his breath coming in shallow bursts. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him. This wasn't just about surviving; it was about proving that he was worthy of the trust this man, this potential ally, would place in him.
The beast's red eyes locked onto him, and without warning, it lunged forward with terrifying speed. Elric barely had time to react, but his instincts kicked in, and he sidestepped just in time to avoid the creature's massive jaws snapping shut where his head had been only a second before.
The ground trembled as the beast crashed into the earth beside him, sending a shockwave through the air. Elric didn't hesitate. He spun, bringing his sword down in a quick arc toward the creature's exposed flank. The blade hit its armor with a resounding clang, but the creature's thick hide barely seemed to register the strike.
Elric cursed under his breath. This thing wasn't going to go down easily.
He quickly analyzed his surroundings. The clearing was surrounded by large boulders, which could potentially give him some leverage. The beast was fast, but it was also heavy—its massive bulk would make it slow to maneuver in tighter spaces. He needed to use its size against it.
The creature roared in frustration and turned to face him again, its claws slashing through the air in a wide arc. Elric ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the attack, but the force of the strike kicked up dirt and debris, momentarily blinding him.
For a split second, everything went dark. Elric's breath hitched as the world seemed to slow down around him. He could hear his heartbeat, thumping in his ears, and the echoing growl of the creature. His instincts screamed at him to move, but his mind was racing.
He had to think. This beast was fast and strong, but it was also predictable. Every time it struck, it gave him an opening. He needed to exploit that.
Shaking the momentary panic from his mind, Elric pushed himself to his feet. His hands gripped the sword tightly as he turned to face the beast again. He could do this. He had to.
With a deep breath, Elric charged forward. This time, he didn't aim for the beast's side or legs. Instead, he aimed for its eyes. It was a risky move, but it was the only way to disable the creature's ability to track him.
The beast lunged at him again, and Elric slid under its swipe, just barely missing the claws that would have sliced through him like paper. In one fluid motion, he thrust his sword upward, aiming directly for the creature's glowing red eye.
His blade connected.
The beast howled in pain, staggering back, its massive body thrashing wildly. The creature's glowing eye exploded in a burst of light, and Elric felt a surge of satisfaction flood through him. He had hit its weak spot.
But the battle wasn't over. The beast was enraged now, its body thrashing uncontrollably. It let out a deafening roar, causing the very ground beneath Elric's feet to tremble. With a roar of his own, Elric planted his feet and prepared for the next strike.
The creature lunged again, but this time Elric was ready. He sidestepped, using the momentum of the beast's charge against it. As the creature's body passed by him, Elric brought his sword down with all his strength, plunging it deep into the creature's side.
The beast let out a final, guttural roar before it collapsed to the ground with a thunderous crash. Elric stepped back, his breath heavy, his heart pounding in his chest. The battle was over.
---
[System Alert: Challenge Completed]
> Beast of Echoes Defeated – Congratulations, you have defeated the Beast of Echoes and proven your strength.
Rewards:
10,000 XP
Unique Combat Skill: Beast Slayer's Fury
New Ally: The Hermit of Echoes
---
Elric stood over the fallen beast, his chest heaving as the adrenaline slowly began to fade. He looked toward the tall man and his grandfather, who were watching him with a mix of surprise and approval.
The man stepped forward, his eyes narrowed with assessment. "You've done it. You actually managed to kill it."
Elric wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. "I told you I would."
His grandfather gave him a rare, approving smile. "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all."
The man turned to his grandfather. "I'll keep my end of the bargain. The boy's got potential. He's not like the others."
With that, the man gestured toward the fallen beast. "But there's one more thing. A test of trust. Clean up the mess."
---
[System Alert: New Mission Available]
> Clean Up the Beast's Body – Show your worth by disposing of the creature's remains. This will prove your resolve and cement your position with your new ally.
Reward: 5,000 XP, Access to Unique Resources
---
Elric nodded and knelt beside the beast's body. This was just the beginning of his journey, but he was ready. His strength had earned him an ally, and with that ally, he could start building the power he needed to protect everything he held dear.
---
Chapter 32: The Hermit's Secrets
---
The sun dipped low on the horizon as Elric finished tending to the remains of the Beast of Echoes. The air was thick with the scent of blood and forest dew, and though his body ached with exhaustion, his mind hummed with satisfaction. His hands were calloused and stained, but his heart beat stronger than ever.
The tall man, now revealed to be the reclusive Hermit of Echoes, watched Elric with sharp eyes. There was a flicker of something almost like pride in them, though the man's expression remained largely unreadable.
"You didn't complain," the Hermit said after a long silence. "Not once. Most boys your age would be crying or vomiting by now."
Elric glanced up, brushing dirt off his pants. "I was raised by an old bandit. Crying was never an option."
From behind, his grandfather let out a loud snort of amusement. "Damn right. Crying never fixed anything except for getting more chores."
The Hermit gave a grunt, turning toward a narrow path that disappeared into a thicket. "Come. I have something to show you. You earned a glimpse of what lies ahead."
---
The path twisted and dipped between mossy stones and tree roots, as if the forest itself had grown to protect something ancient. With every step, the air grew colder, the wind whispering through the trees in a tongue Elric couldn't quite understand. Shadows moved where there should be none.
Eventually, the forest opened up to a secluded hollow. At the center stood a crumbling stone structure—more ruin than home, yet humming with hidden power. Vines crept along the edges, and strange markings glowed faintly on the moss-covered stones.
The Hermit gestured. "Welcome to my sanctuary. Few know of it. Fewer are allowed inside."
Elric stepped forward, his eyes scanning the etched runes. They felt… familiar. Not from memory, but from instinct. The System inside him stirred.
---
[System Notification]
> You have discovered: Sanctuary of the Echoes
Hidden Location – Bound to lost knowledge and forbidden magic
Status: Dormant
Requirement to Activate: Resonance with Beastbond or Summoning Core
---
The runes shimmered for a moment beneath Elric's feet before fading. The Hermit raised an eyebrow. "Huh. So you really do have something unusual running through your blood."
Elric didn't answer right away. Instead, he looked around the ruins, the sense of ancient power curling around him like smoke.
"You were watching me all along, weren't you?" Elric finally asked.
The Hermit gave a slow nod. "I've watched every kid that came near the edge of this forest for the last twenty years. Most come and go. Some die. You're the first one who walked straight into the heart and came out stronger."
Elric studied the Hermit. "Why? Why live like this? Alone, surrounded by monsters?"
The old man stepped forward, placing a hand on one of the glowing stones. "Because this world forgets. It forgets the wars, the gods, the summoners who bled this land dry. And in that forgetting, it repeats the same mistakes. I've seen it happen too many times. So I wait… for someone who might change things."
"I'm not trying to save the world," Elric said quietly. "I just want to grow stronger. Protect the people I care about."
The Hermit smiled faintly. "That's where all heroes begin, boy. Not with grand ideals—but with someone they refuse to lose."
---
Inside the ruins, the Hermit led Elric down a staircase carved into the earth. Torches along the walls flared to life on their own as they descended. The hallway opened into a chamber filled with ancient relics—cracked crystal orbs, fragments of armor, and stone tablets inscribed with forgotten beast languages.
But at the center of it all stood a single pedestal. Upon it sat a small, silver whistle carved in the shape of a wolf's head.
---
[System Alert: Unique Item Detected]
> Beastcaller's Whistle –
An artifact forged to summon the spirit of a forgotten beast. Only those bound by genuine loyalty may wield it.
Requires Bond Level: True Trust with at least three beasts.
Current Bonded Beasts: 2 – Sheep (Wooly), Dog (Bark), Unknown Fledgling
---
Elric's eyes widened. "Is this… for me?"
The Hermit nodded. "It won't respond yet. But I see it already—it wants to. Keep growing your pack. Form real bonds, not just control. When your loyalty is proven, this whistle will call something ancient back to your side."
Elric approached the pedestal slowly. The whistle shimmered faintly as he drew near, its surface pulsing with hidden life. He didn't reach out to take it. Not yet.
"I'll come back for it," Elric said. "When I'm ready."
The Hermit's eyes twinkled. "Good. You're learning patience. That's rarer than talent."
---
The walk back to camp was quieter.
Grandpa elbowed Elric lightly. "So, secret ruins, glowing artifacts, and ancient hermits who test you with monsters. You're having more fun than I did at your age."
Elric grinned. "You say that like you didn't ask to come along."
"Of course I asked!" Grandpa huffed. "Do you know how boring the village is without me? I had to make sure you weren't getting soft out here."
They reached the edge of the forest just as night fell, the stars blinking into view one by one above them. Bark and Wooly ran to meet Elric, their tails wagging and hooves tapping with joy. Elric knelt and hugged both of them tightly.
He could feel it—something was beginning to shift. Slowly, yes. Quietly. But his world was changing. The ruins, the Hermit, the bond forming with his beasts… it was all part of something larger.
And he wasn't afraid.
---
Chapter 33: The Hermit's Trials
---
The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon when Elric arrived back at the Sanctuary of the Echoes. Mist clung to the ground like a heavy blanket, and the forest was eerily quiet—almost like it was holding its breath.
Bark trotted by his side, alert but relaxed, while Wooly plodded behind, chewing lazily on something she probably shouldn't have found. Elric had left early, before his family even woke, scribbling a quick note for Grandpa so he wouldn't worry—or follow him.
The Hermit was already waiting outside, seated cross-legged on a stone with his eyes closed.
"You're late," he muttered without opening them.
Elric raised an eyebrow. "The sun isn't even up yet."
"You're still late."
Elric grumbled, but didn't argue further. This man had a strange sense of time and a stranger sense of humor. He stepped into the circular clearing where the Hermit had drawn a ring of glowing runes in the dirt.
The Hermit finally opened one eye. "Today, we test your bond. Not just your strength."
---
Trial One: Trust
Elric stood in the middle of the ring, eyes narrowed as the Hermit whispered to the wind. A strange fog rolled in from the forest edge, thick and blinding.
Suddenly, Elric couldn't see. Not Bark. Not Wooly. Not even the Hermit's voice.
"Bark?" Elric called out, his voice steady despite the racing of his heart.
Nothing.
"Wooly?"
Still nothing.
Then—a rustle. A low growl echoed to his right. Bark. But not his Bark. It was deeper, rougher. Then a familiar bleat—but twisted, like Wooly in pain.
Elric froze. The fog was messing with his senses. With his connection.
He closed his eyes, slowed his breath, and focused on what truly mattered—not sound or sight, but bond.
"Come to me," he whispered.
And from the fog—they came.
Bark burst from the haze first, flinging himself at Elric and growling at the phantom sounds. Wooly followed moments later, pushing herself between Elric and the mist like a shield.
The fog cleared instantly.
The Hermit was watching from a nearby branch, nodding slowly. "First trial passed. Your beasts trust you enough to find you even in illusion."
Elric exhaled and scratched behind Bark's ears. "Next?"
---
Trial Two: Leadership
This one was harder.
A new beast was released from a hidden chamber below the ruins—one Elric hadn't seen before.
A sleek, panther-like creature, pure white with glowing blue eyes and claws that shimmered like crystal. The Hermit called it a Frost Fang—a young but aggressive beast with no master.
"You will not tame it," the Hermit said coldly. "You must convince it. Through action. Through presence."
The beast hissed and leapt forward, not at Elric—but at Bark.
Elric didn't hesitate. He lunged between them, arms wide. "Stop!"
His shout echoed with more than just voice. Something deeper. A pulse from within.
The Frost Fang froze mid-strike. Its glowing eyes narrowed as it sniffed the air.
Bark and Wooly stood behind Elric, forming a triangle with him at the center. The panther slowly backed away and let out a soft purring growl before circling them once, then lying down nearby—not submission, but acknowledgment.
The Hermit clapped once. "Rare. You didn't dominate. You led. That's true Shepherd energy."
Elric blinked. "That's what this class means?"
The Hermit smirked. "Did you think Shepherds only led sheep?"
---
Trial Three: Control
This one nearly broke him.
The Hermit summoned three wild beasts, illusions and projections of real ones Elric hadn't yet met: a Steelhorn Ox, a Flame Hare, and a Shadow Lizard.
He had to direct his own beasts in real time to disable them, not kill them. Wooly had to tank the Ox. Bark had to outsmart the Lizard. The Frost Fang had to chase the Hare.
It was chaos.
Elric shouted commands, shifted tactics, and used every bit of instinct and memory to adjust. Bark got scratched. Wooly stumbled once. The Frost Fang almost lost control—but Elric pulled it back with a single whistle he hadn't realized he'd learned.
When it ended, Elric collapsed to his knees, panting. His beasts stood around him, proud but tired.
The Hermit approached with a rare smile. "You've grown."
Elric chuckled. "I feel like I died five times."
"You probably did. But that's good."
---
That evening, as they sat by the old ruins and roasted some rabbit, the Hermit finally opened up.
"You'll meet others like you soon. Summoners. Shepherds. Tamers. And not all will be kind. Some will want your beasts. Some will want you dead."
Elric poked the fire. "I'll protect them. I won't give them up."
"Good," the Hermit said. "Because the world doesn't need another hero who saves everyone. It needs someone who remembers what it's like to protect just one thing—and fight like hell for it."
Elric looked down at his three beasts—loyal, tired, but still watching over him.
"I won't forget."
-