Chapter 8 – The First Danger
The news of Dire Wolves roaming near the forest cast a heavy shadow over the elven village. That night, the elders ordered extra watch, torches burned brighter than usual, and anxious whispers filled the air. Mothers held their children close while the few remaining warriors sharpened their arrows.
Valdyn sat beside his mother, his emerald eyes reflecting the firelight. Only seven years old, yet his mind was far from childish. The elders' words in the great hall still echoed in his head—about the Thalorian blood, about the prophecy.
But now, there was no time for stories. Danger had already arrived.
---
At dawn, mist rolled through the forest. A small patrol was sent out to confirm whether the Dire Wolves were hunting in packs, or if only a lone beast had strayed too close.
"Valdyn, you must stay in the village," Queen Serenea said, her voice firm but filled with worry.
Valdyn shook his head. "Mother, I can't keep hiding. If I'm to protect you and our people one day, I must learn what true danger feels like."
Serenea hesitated. The determination in her child's voice was not that of a stubborn boy, but of someone older—someone who understood what was at stake. At last, she gave a reluctant nod, ordering several warriors to guard him closely.
---
The patrol moved silently through the damp undergrowth. Birds that usually sang in the morning were absent. The forest felt tense, as though it, too, was holding its breath.
"Here," whispered one of the elves, pointing at the ground. Fresh claw marks gouged the mud, deep and sharp. A faint metallic scent of blood hung in the air.
"Dire Wolf passed this way..." muttered the old warrior grimly.
Valdyn tightened his grip on his small bow. This is no game. No training exercise. This is real.
---
The bushes ahead rustled violently. A low growl rumbled, primal and menacing.
Then it emerged—a Dire Wolf, massive as a horse, its matted black fur bristling, its crimson eyes glowing with hunger.
"Ready yourselves!" shouted the old warrior.
The beast lunged with terrifying speed. One young elf stumbled, dropping his arrow in panic.
Valdyn's body moved on instinct. He stepped forward, raising his small bow, string trembling in his hands.
Now or never...!
---
The arrow flew, but Valdyn knew it lacked the strength to pierce the creature's hide. So he summoned what he had practiced since infancy.
Wind... guide me.
A rush of air swirled around the arrow, sharpening its speed and force. It shot straight into the Dire Wolf's eye, piercing its brain.
The beast shrieked, convulsed, and collapsed heavily to the ground. Silence followed, broken only by the warriors' ragged breaths.
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The System Speaks
[DING!!]
> Hidden Quest Complete: First Kill
Reward: +5 Magic, +5 Vitality
Updated Status:
Attack: 5
Vitality: 15 (+5)
Magic: 40 (+5)
Intelligence: 27
Endurance: 4
Magic Resistance: 8
Occupation: None
Passive Skills: Reproduction (S), Nature Magic (A)
Valdyn's heart pounded. My stats... they increased. This system isn't an illusion. With every fight, I truly become stronger.
---
The warriors gathered around the beast's corpse, disbelief in their eyes.
"The boy... killed it... with a single arrow," one murmured.
"No—not just an arrow. Did you see? He combined wind magic with the bow... something even veterans struggle to do."
Their gazes shifted toward Valdyn—some in awe, some in fear.
The golden-haired boy stood still, breathing hard, but his emerald eyes gleamed with resolve. I've killed for the first time. This world is harsh, but I must adapt... for my people, and for myself.
---
The patrol returned, dragging the Dire Wolf's body to the village square. A hush fell as the elders and villagers gathered.
Elder Elrond stared long at the slain beast, then at Valdyn. His voice trembled as he whispered, "The golden-haired child... the prophecy begins to stir."
That night, the elders resolved to perform an ancient ritual at the roots of the withered World Tree, seeking answers from the remnants of its power.
Valdyn felt the weight of their stares. What are they hiding from me...? And why do I feel that everything is connected to me?
---
For the first time, Valdyn's hands were stained with blood—and the System proved itself real. Yet more terrifying than the Dire Wolf's fangs were the elders' eyes, now certain that he was the child of prophecy.
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