Chapter 6 – Childhood
The years passed swiftly. What for most infants was a blur of tears and laughter was, for Valdyn, a time of clarity.
By the age of six, he already stood tall for his age. His golden hair gleamed under the forest sun, his emerald eyes shone with intelligence far beyond his years.
To others, he appeared as only a child. But within him lived the soul of Adrian Cross, a man from another world who observed, learned, and prepared himself for the future as Valdyn Thalorian.
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By the age of two, Valdyn spoke fluently. The maids often froze in shock when he used words even older elves rarely spoke—phrases pulled from ancient dialects.
"This child... he is strange," one whispered.
"Not strange," corrected an elder. "He is exceptional. The Thalorian blood burns strong within him."
At four, he was already reading ancient elven scripts. Queen Serenea herself taught him, and he learned faster than she could have imagined. At times, he even corrected her pronunciation.
"Remarkable..." she whispered. "As though he carries the memory of our ancestors."
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When Valdyn turned five, the elders decreed that he should begin learning the two foundations of elven heritage: archery and magic.
In the courtyard beneath a great living tree, Valdyn held a small training bow. An old elf, once a soldier, stood at his side.
"Draw... hold... release."
The bowstring creaked, the arrow flew—landing far from the target.
Valdyn only smiled faintly. Archery will take time. This is only the beginning.
Later, he sat cross-legged as an elder guided him through meditation.
"Listen to the forest. Feel the spirits in the air."
Valdyn closed his eyes, breathing slowly. This practice was familiar to him—he had done it instinctively since infancy. Now he focused deeper, reaching for one element: wind.
Flowing... moving... light...
The leaves around him rustled. A small breeze swirled gently at his feet.
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[DING!!]
> Quest Complete: "Activate one basic element before age 5."
Reward: +10 Magic, +10 Intelligence.
Valdyn opened his eyes, satisfaction flickering within them. I did it... I've awakened an element.
His status panel shifted before his inner sight.
Updated Status:
Attack: 5
Vitality: 5
Magic: 25 (+10)
Intelligence: 22 (+10)
Endurance: 4
Magic Resistance: 8
Occupation: None
Passive Skills: Reproduction (S), Nature Magic (A)
Valdyn exhaled. Step by step... I will grow stronger. This is only the beginning.
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The elders who witnessed it stared in disbelief.
"He has mastered an element at only five years old?"
"Impossible... even the most gifted elves need decades to reach that."
"This... this must be the prophecy come true."
Queen Serenea, watching from behind, held back tears. "Valdyn... my son... you are truly the light of our people."
For a race on the brink of despair, it was the first genuine hope in eighty years.
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That night, Valdyn lay in his small bed, staring at the ceiling.
My first quest is complete. My stats have risen. I can feel the difference—my magic is clearer, my thoughts sharper.
He clenched his small fist. I must keep growing. I must become strong enough to protect Mother... and to rebuild our people.
The System chimed again, as though acknowledging his vow.
[DING!!]
> Hidden Condition Detected.
Determination +5%.
A faint smile crossed his lips. Though only six years old, within him burned the will of a man who had once died meaninglessly in another world. Now, every step mattered.
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Beneath the moonlight, a young boy stood at his window. The wind stirred gently around him, his golden hair shining, his eyes burning with resolve.
He was Valdyn Thalorian—the prodigy child who had already defied fate.
His first quest was complete. His stats had grown.
But the road to the revival of the elves had only just begun.
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