The cool forest wind brushed against Daniel's face as he walked among towering trunks and thick ferns. Slung over his shoulder was a small pouch to collect the medicinal herbs, and in his hand, he held the mission map, marking the areas where the plants were most abundant.
He walked slowly, carefully observing every corner. Alright… I'm registered, I know how the currencies and rewards work… but my skills? I still don't really know them… he thought, recalling his battles in the forest when his powers had first awakened. The flashes of energy he had used, the way he had dodged and attacked… all of it came back to him vividly.
Pausing, Daniel sat on a stump, crossed his legs, and tried to concentrate. In the anime he had watched, heroes could summon a system interface to see their stats and abilities. He closed his eyes and imagined a holographic screen appearing before him, detailing his health points, magical energy, attack, and defense stats.
But nothing happened. Not a single flicker, not a single number floating in the air. Daniel opened his eyes, slightly disappointed. Maybe I need to be in a special place… or I need to progress further… he muttered. He stood up and resumed walking, determination unwavering, though curiosity burned inside him.
Suddenly, a rustle in the foliage caught his attention. He turned his head and saw a figure gliding gracefully between the trees. Her hair was a luminous blonde, almost silver under the sunlight filtering through the canopy, and her green eyes sparkled with a mysterious depth. Her slightly pointed ears revealed her elven nature, and every movement radiated elegance and majesty, as if each gesture were perfectly calculated.
Daniel felt his heart race. He froze for a moment, captivated by her beauty and presence. Wow… she's… incredible… he thought, his cheeks tinged with color. The elf stopped in front of him and, in a soft, melodic voice, asked:
"Are you… an adventurer from the guild? What brings you so far into the forest?"
Daniel took a deep breath, regaining his usual calm, and replied politely, though his excitement was barely contained: "I… I'm here on a mission. I have to gather medicinal herbs."
The elf tilted her head slightly, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips. "I see… then perhaps we could help each other. But be careful… the forest is not always welcoming to novices."
Daniel nodded, his heart still pounding, aware that he had just met someone extraordinary in this new world—and that this encounter would mark the beginning of new adventures.
Daniel's heart was still racing after that first encounter. The elf stood there, graceful and majestic, her green eyes fixed on him with a calm intensity. For the first time, he felt that mix of awe and nervousness he had seen so many times in anime: finally, a beautiful waifu, real, standing before him.
Summoning his courage, he stepped forward and asked in a calm voice, "May I… know your name?"
The elf tilted her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips, and replied softly, "My name is Élise. I am an adventurer affiliated with the guild… and at the moment, I am on a mission."
Daniel froze for a moment, silently admiring her but keeping his composure. He hadn't expected such a direct and simple answer. She's… so perfect… he thought, his breath catching slightly.
Élise studied him for a few seconds, her posture both elegant and cautious. She seemed to be evaluating the young man carefully, her hands slightly raised in a defensive stance while maintaining firm eye contact. Her expression conveyed both vigilance and curiosity.
After a brief pause, Daniel regained his composure and responded politely, "My name is Daniel. My rank is… E, the lowest for now."
Élise nodded, her small smile still present. "Pleased to meet you, Daniel of rank E. Be careful—this forest can be dangerous for a novice, even for a simple mission."
Daniel felt a surge of excitement within him. He watched Élise for a few more moments, aware that he had just crossed paths with someone extraordinary in this fantastical world. And so… this is the beginning of something great… he thought, a slight smile forming on his lips.
Daniel's inner excitement did not wane as he watched Élise. He felt a mix of nervousness and admiration, but this time, he took the initiative. "Would you… allow me to accompany you on your mission?" he asked, his voice calm but hopeful.
Élise regarded him for a moment, weighing his request, then gave a small smile. "Very well. But know this—I do not tolerate unnecessary distractions."
Daniel nodded, understanding the importance of discipline and focus in the situation. He couldn't help but ask, a hint of curiosity in his voice, "And you, Élise… what mission were you assigned?"
The elf slightly narrowed her eyes and replied confidently, "I'm here to eliminate a particular serpent… a Rombi Armored Serpent. It has been reported in this area and threatens both travelers and the forest itself."
A shiver ran down Daniel's spine. The Rombi Armored Serpent was a formidable creature, with scales as hard as metal and eyes glinting with cunning. He had heard stories of these serpents from guild adventurers—they were fast, intelligent, and difficult to defeat. Yet he did not let his fear show. Impressive… but I'll learn a lot by being by her side… he thought.
They began to move through the forest together, Daniel collecting the medicinal herbs for his own quest, while Élise guided him to areas where the plants were most abundant. Their movements were synchronized, and a friendly tension naturally arose between them: each tested the other's limits, learning to observe and respect the skills of their partner.
"You know, Daniel," Élise said, crouching to pick a plant, "even simple missions have their dangers. But with a good strategy and a reliable partner, anything can be overcome."
Daniel nodded, gathering herbs beside her, aware that this first experience would allow him to forge a bond with Élise, while continuing his own growth in this fantastical world.