Heavy, thunderous footsteps sent the birds scattering into the sky in a frantic panic.
This morning was far from peaceful. Dark clouds hung low overhead, and an ominous tension filled the air. What approached us wasn't the warmth of sunlight—but a Wargwood—a colossal beast that shook the earth with every step it took.
"Yaaawn..." I stretched and opened my eyes slowly.
Beside me, Elfea was still sound asleep. Her face looked so peaceful that I almost felt guilty waking her. But the rumble in the distance triggered my instincts to stay alert. The birds flying wildly earlier were no good sign.
When I turned my gaze forward, my breath caught in my throat.
A Wargwood—a towering green, furry giant—was lifting an enormous tree, tearing it from the ground as if it were nothing but a twig.
My face went pale. "Elfea, wake up, now!" I shouted in a panic, shaking her shoulders.
She opened her eyes slowly, rubbing them while offering a faint smile. "Good morning, Rey..."
"This isn't your usual morning, Elfea! We're under attack!"
My shout snapped her to attention. She instinctively dodged as the Wargwood hurled the massive tree toward us.
Luckily, the attack missed us by a hair.
I hurriedly grabbed my backpack, searching for anything I could use to defend ourselves. But all I found inside was bread, a pouch of water, a map, a scrap of paper... and a kitchen knife. My hand wrapped around the kitchen knife—our only weapon.
"A kitchen knife...? Seriously?" I almost wanted to laugh at the absurdity. "Oh, this is ridiculous..."
With what little courage I had, I stood up and raised the knife toward the Wargwood. "Hey, you big green bear! Over here!"
To my surprise, the beast actually noticed me. It started stepping toward me, one heavy footfall at a time, making the earth tremble.
"Well... I guess today is the day I die a fool," I muttered under my breath. "Sorry, Mom... looks like I'll be joining you soon. Elixiran... that dream will never come true."
Once again, the Wargwood hurled the massive tree at me like a missile. My body froze. There was no time to dodge.
But just before the tree could crush me, a torrent of fire in the form of a dragon roared from the side, burning the entire tree to ash.
"Dragon Fire...?"
I didn't recognize that spell. But there was no doubt—it had to be Elfea. She was now standing tall, her hair flowing in the wind, her eyes blazing with resolve.
"Fight him, Elfea!!" I shouted to cheer her on.
I may have been useless in battle. My skills were nothing more than cooking and farming. But I wouldn't just sit back and do nothing!
Elfea gave me a faint smile and nodded. She dashed forward, leaping high into the air with her fist raised. But then, she hesitated—not sure what spell to use.
The Wargwood didn't waste the opportunity. Its massive blow struck Elfea, sending her body flying through the air.
"Elfeaaaa!!" I screamed in panic.
Thick smoke cloaked the battlefield. I couldn't see her. My heart clung to the hope that she was still alive.
Fueled by pure emotion, I hurled my kitchen knife at the Wargwood.
"Look over here again, you stupid bear!"
The beast grew even angrier. Its breath ragged, its bloodshot eyes burning with fury.
But Elfea emerged again from the mist. She flipped her hair back and, with a mocking tone, said, "Is that all you've got, monster?"
The Wargwood roared and charged at her. But Elfea stood her ground, moving both her hands, aiming them at the beast, and chanting a spell with unwavering determination:
"Dragon Fire!!"
The spell burst from her hands, taking the form of a ferocious dragon made of flames. The Wargwood shrieked as its body slowly melted within the fiery inferno.
"Amazing... such powerful flames..." I stood frozen, awestruck by Elfea's strength.
As the fire subsided, I noticed something glowing amid the remains of the melting Wargwood—a bright green stone.
I rushed over and picked it up. "What is this...? Looks valuable." I rubbed it against my shirt, cleaning it off.
Elfea chuckled softly behind me. "Fufufu... You're quite funny, Rey."
"I'm just... well, I'm no warrior like you, Elfea. I came to the Moniyan Kingdom with nothing but my life and this kitchen knife," I said with a bitter laugh.
Elfea only smiled. But that smile was comforting. Even if I wasn't a hero on the battlefield, at least I could still stand... and keep moving forward with Elfea.
The sky slowly began to clear, revealing the sunlight that had been hidden behind the grim clouds. The birds that had flown off in terror now returned to the trees, as if realizing the threat had passed.
I tucked the green stone into my backpack. I wasn't sure what it was, but my instincts told me it was no ordinary rock. It felt warm... almost as if it had a pulse.
"Elfea, we need to get out of here," I said, turning to her.
Elfea nodded. She still looked exhausted, but her gaze remained firm. "The Alvarian Forest is no longer safe. If there was one Wargwood, there could be more nearby."
I glanced around. The towering trees that once seemed enchanting now looked menacing. The scent of smoke and magic still hung in the air. We had to leave the forest—immediately.
We hurried along a narrow dirt path, surrounded by the thick roots and leaves still wet with morning dew. Every snapping twig and rustling leaf made my heart race. But no more roars came. At least for now, we were safe.
Along the way, I glanced at Elfea. She walked ahead of me, her silver hair glowing softly under the morning sun. I couldn't shake the image of her shielding me, burning that massive tree with her Dragon Fire.
"Hey... Elfea."
"Hm?"
"Thank you... for earlier." I lowered my head slightly. "I might not be anyone special, but... if it weren't for you, I'd be nothing more than a crushed loaf of bread back there."
I felt a little embarrassed admitting that.
Elfea turned to me with a gentle smile. "Didn't you save me, too? You shouted, threw your knife... even if it was just a kitchen knife, your spirit was strong enough to distract the Wargwood."
I could only laugh softly. "A kitchen knife... that can't even cut frozen meat."
We kept walking until we finally found a gap between the trees—the exit from the Alvarian Forest.
As we passed through it, the full sunlight welcomed us. In the distance, rolling hills and sprawling meadows stretched out like a green carpet. A gentle breeze brushed my face, as if whispering, "You survived today."
"Rey... where are we headed next?"
I gazed into the distance, checking the map I carried, then replied calmly, "We need to head to the Orland Valley."
Elfea nodded. Somehow, I felt like this was just the beginning of a long journey. This stone... Elfea... and all the mysteries yet to be uncovered. But at least, our steps had finally left behind the darkness of the Alvarian Forest.
I looked back at the map again and was slightly surprised to see that after crossing Orland Valley, we'd reach the Moniyan Kingdom.
I folded the map and stuffed it back into my backpack.
And for the first time, I realized... the real battle was only just beginning. The world beyond was vast—far bigger than I had ever imagined. It felt like there was still so much I didn't know.