Neil moved cautiously through the forest, his body still recovering from the strain of recent events. His muscles ached, and his energy felt unstable—like a wild current he had not yet learned to control. The surge of power he had absorbed was immense, but it left him drained and unsteady. He knew that rushing forward recklessly would only make things worse.
Still, Neil refused to rest for too long. He needed to regain his strength and sharpen his control. He focused on fine-tuning the skills he already had, practicing slow, deliberate energy flow, and learning to sense even the faintest movements of power around him. Patience was the only way to master what had come too quickly.
His priority was clear: find the elves. They were the first beings he had met in this world who showed any sign of friendship. He did not feel strong personal emotions toward them, no deep bond had formed in such a short time. But he wanted to help them because it was right. Helping them meant survival—not just for them but for himself as well. They had trusted him enough to travel together, and he owed them that much.
Neil slowed his pace and settled in a clearing to extend his sensing ability. He lowered his core energy, making it calm and precise. Slowly, he spread his awareness, filtering through the forest's chaotic hum to detect the distinct energy patterns of elves. Their presence was subtle but different from the wild beasts—lighter, sharper, carrying traces of magic and spirit.
Following the faint trails, Neil moved carefully, piecing together scattered energy signatures left behind over time. Some traces were weak, almost fading, but he was patient. He adjusted his focus again and again, refusing to miss a single clue.
After some time, Neil reached a quiet clearing where the earth had clearly been disturbed. No markers or signs had been left behind. The elves did not mark their graves—they trusted the natural cycle of life and death to hold their memory.
About twenty sets of remains rested here beneath the soil, their presence faint but undeniable in the lingering energy. Neil felt a pang of guilt. He had told Elara he would be away for just a few days, but here, weeks had passed since these elves were laid to rest.
He did not allow himself to dwell on sorrow or guilt, but he made a firm promise. He would find those who were still alive. He would do what was necessary to help them. This was not about emotion or loss—it was about responsibility and doing what was right.
The world around him was changing. Neil noticed stronger beasts moving through the forests. Once rare, creatures at muscle sinew level were becoming more common. Something patrolled high in the sky—vast and powerful, watching silently. These creatures were no gods, but they were close to Neil's own level, and he knew the wilderness was growing more dangerous by the day.
In the distance, the green dome glimmered faintly on the horizon. It was getting closer. Maybe just a few months of travel would bring him there. But Neil's first task was clear. Find the elves. Keep the promise he made. Protect what was left.
He breathed in deeply and kept moving forward, steady and cautious, determined to face whatever lay ahead with clear purpose and careful resolve.