The forest beyond Elderleaf always looked different in the morning. Mist curled between the tall pines, draping the woods in a veil of silver. The smell of damp earth, moss, and pine needles thickened the air, clinging to Alex's nose with every breath. Somewhere deeper, unseen streams whispered softly, carrying the chill of dawn with them.
Alex trailed behind his father, Eryndor, careful not to lose sight of the broad figure moving ahead. Unlike Kael, who barked instructions and demanded ferocious strikes, Eryndor carried a stillness about him. Each step seemed deliberate like the forest itself welcomed him, parting its silence to let him through.
Alex's small boots crunched over fallen leaves, too loud for his liking.
"Keep your steps lighter," Eryndor murmured without turning. His deep voice was calm, not scolding, but the words carried weight. "A warrior is not only one who swings a blade. He must understand the world he walks in. The ground beneath his feet. The wind above his head. The silence or the lack of it."
Alex nodded quickly, though his steps still betrayed him. His father's words made sense, but his feet did not obey.
Just then, a soft chime rang in his ears.
[System Notice: Survival Training Mission Activated!]
Quest: Follow Eryndor without being detected.
Requirement: Fewer than 3 noise alerts.
Reward: +15 EXP, +1 Agility.
Alex's eyes widened. Even here, even in the quiet shadow of the forest, the System was testing him. His jaw tightened, and he shifted his weight carefully, rolling his steps instead of stomping. Still, the occasional crunch of a twig made his heart leap.
[Noise Alert: 1/3.]
He winced. One mistake already. He breathed slowly through his nose, copying Eryndor's relaxed rhythm. Step, roll, pause. Step, roll, pause. Every sound of the forest seemed louder birdsong, rustle of leaves, his own heartbeat. Sweat trickled down his temple though the air was cool.
By the time they reached a small clearing, Alex had survived with only one more slip. The System chimed again.
[Quest Complete!]
Reward: +15 EXP, +1 Agility.
Alex's lips curved in a small smile, though he dared not make a sound. He had passed.
Eryndor crouched by a low bush and beckoned his son closer. Alex hurried over and knelt beside him. Eryndor brushed away the dew-slick leaves, revealing faint tracks pressed into the damp soil.
"Look closely. Tell me what you see."
Alex leaned forward, frowning. At first, the marks were only lines and dents to his eyes. Then the System flickered.
[System Scan Activated.]
Target: Animal Tracks — Deer (Fawn).
Age: ~30 minutes.
Direction: North-East.
Alex's mouth fell open slightly. "It's… deer tracks. A young one. It passed maybe half an hour ago. Going northeast."
Eryndor's sharp gaze shifted to him. The corners of his lips tilted faintly upward. "Correct."
That single word spoken with approval warmed Alex more than sunlight ever could. He beamed proudly, though he quickly wiped the smile when Eryndor rose.
They moved deeper into the woods. The air grew thicker, shadows stretching like watchful eyes. Suddenly, Eryndor raised a hand. Alex froze instantly. The forest around them hushed. A few birds burst from the branches above, wings flapping in panicked retreat.
Eryndor's voice lowered, almost blending with the whisper of the wind. "Danger always leaves signs. Use your eyes. What do you notice?"
Alex swallowed. His gaze darted from trunk to trunk. Every branch, every patch of grass seemed ordinary until the System shimmered.
[System Notice: Observation Trial.]
Objective: Spot the threat hidden in the forest.
Hint: Use details. Do not rush.
Reward: +20 EXP, +1 Perception.
Alex squinted harder. Then, he saw it. One tree's bark was scarred, four long gouges running deep into its surface. Fresh. Too deep for anything small.
"There," he whispered, pointing. "Claw marks. From something big. Maybe a bear."
The chime confirmed it.
[Quest Complete!]
+20 EXP. +1 Perception.
Eryndor followed his finger and gave a slow nod. "Good. That mark belongs to a forest bear. They are dangerous, especially when cornered. Awareness saves lives. Never forget that."
Alex shivered. His young mind pictured massive jaws snapping, claws tearing. But pride mingled with fear he had seen what his father wanted him to see.
They walked on until the trees thinned. Patches of sunlight broke through, glowing across bushes dotted with red berries. Eryndor plucked one carefully and held it out between two fingers.
"Tell me, Alex. Safe, or poison?"
Alex leaned close. The berry's skin glistened, releasing a faint sweet-sharp scent. The System blinked to life.
[System Scan — Plant Identified.]
Name: Sunberry.
Edibility: Safe. Restores 2 HP.
Effect: Minor Energy Boost.
Alex grinned. "Safe. They're called Sunberries. They even give a little energy back."
Eryndor's brow arched. "You know their name?"
Alex froze. He couldn't explain the System. His mouth opened, searching for an excuse, but Eryndor only chuckled softly. "No matter. You are correct. Eat."
Relieved, Alex plucked one and popped it into his mouth. Sweet juice burst across his tongue, and a faint warmth spread through his chest.
[Sunberry Consumed. +2 HP Restored.]
For hours they moved through the forest, lesson after lesson.
Eryndor showed him how to follow broken branches and disturbed soil to track animals. Alex stumbled, guessed wrong twice, but corrected himself with the System's help.
He learned to feel the wind, holding a feather to watch how it shifted direction. "Always know the wind," Eryndor instructed. "Whether for scent, for arrows, or for fire it is a constant ally or enemy."
He learned silence: walking across roots without snapping twigs, holding his breath to blend into the sounds of the forest. His calves ached, his arms trembled from drawing practice bows, but he pushed on.
The System rewarded him in small bursts.
[Mini Quest Complete: Track Animal Trail.]
+10 EXP, +1 Perception.
[Mini Quest Complete: Maintain Silent Step for 1 Minute.]
+5 EXP, +1 Agility.
[Skill Progress — Tracking Lv.1: 27%.]
The sun dipped slowly, spilling golden light across the treetops. Alex was drenched in sweat, his small body weary, but his heart thrummed with pride.
At last, Eryndor placed a steady hand on his shoulder. "Enough for today." His tone was calm, yet approval glimmered beneath it. "You did well. Remember: the sword may fail you, but the forest will not. Learn it. Respect it. It will keep you alive when steel cannot."
The System chimed once more.
[Daily Survival Training Complete!]
Reward: +40 EXP, +1 Endurance.
New Skill Unlocked: Tracking Lv.1.
New Class Progress: Survivalist Lv.1 (12%).
Alex blinked in awe. Another path? Not only Swordmaster, but now Survivalist. His world was expanding faster than he ever imagined.
That night, the family gathered at their wooden table. Kael boasted about his own sparring matches, Hana listened patiently, Lyanna clung to Alex's arm with wide eyes.
"You saw bear claws?" she gasped, her little face pale.
Alex chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Don't worry. Father kept me safe."
Kael laughed heartily. "So you're learning the woods now, too? Maybe you'll track deer while I slay them!"
Eryndor only gave a faint nod, but that nod carried the weight of mountains.
Later, when Alex collapsed into bed, exhaustion pressed on his limbs, but excitement kept his eyes wide. He whispered: "Status."
The screen unfolded.
[Status — Alex]
Race: Half-Elf
Age: 7
Level: 3
EXP: 85/100
HP: 42/42
MP: 22/22
Strength: 7
Vitality: 9
Agility: 8 (+1)
Intelligence: 6
Perception: 7 (+1)
Charisma: 10
Swordmaster: Lv.1 (61%)
Survivalist: Lv.1 (12%)
He grinned. Two paths—blade and survival woven together. Both shaping him.
The System shimmered again.
[Next Mission Preview: Father's Trial.]
Objective: Track and gather food for your family without help.
Reward: +50 EXP, +2 Perception. Bonus: Survivalist Lv.1 Progress +15%.
Alex's small chest swelled. Tomorrow, he would have to stand on his own. His father would not guide him. But with Kael's strength, Lyanna's cheer, Hana's warmth, and Eryndor's wisdom echoing in his heart he felt ready.
As sleep claimed him, the forest still whispered in his mind, every rustle and track calling him to grow.
And so, the son of Eryndor stepped into his second path, not just a swordsman but a survivor.