4 Chapter 4 : First Encounter

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange hue across the land, Draven emerged from the dense foliage of the Forest were he had spent the day exploring its mystical depths, honing his understanding of his magical abilities and observing the wonders that surrounded him. His senses heightened, Just as he emerged from the forest's embrace, his ears caught the sound of commotion nearby. Following the noise, he came across a group of village guards engaged in a fierce battle with a horde of goblins. Their armor dented and faces smeared with dirt, locked in a fierce battle with the ferocious goblins. The guards fought valiantly, but the goblins outnumbered them, and they were starting to falter.

Without a moment's hesitation, Draven rushed forward, his heart pounding with determination. Though his understanding of magic was still in its infancy, he knew he had to help. Concentrating his energy, he conjured a small flame in his palm, shaping it into a simple fireball.

With a swift motion, Draven hurled the fireball toward one of the goblins. The ball of flame crackled through the air, striking the creature's shoulder and sending it reeling in pain. Emboldened by his success, Draven cast another fire spell, engulfing the group of goblins in a burst of flames.

The guards, momentarily stunned by Draven's display of magic, seized the opportunity to regroup and launch a coordinated attack. They fought alongside him, their swords clashing against the goblins' crude weapons.

Soon, the last of the goblins lay defeated, their threat vanquished. The village guards, panting and bloodied, looked at Draven with gratitude and awe.

One of the guards, a burly man with a scarred face, approached Draven, extending a hand in gratitude. "Thank you, stranger. We would have been overwhelmed without your aid.

Draven, modest and humble, nodded appreciatively. "I'm glad I could be of assistance. It was the least I could do. Now, let's tend to the wounded and make sure everyone is safe." They tended to the injured guards, ensuring their wounds were treated and their spirits lifted. Once the chaos subsided,

one the guard approached Draven and said "Come, let me take you to our village chief.

He will want to meet the one who saved us from this goblin menace."

Draven accepted the guard's hand, clasping it firmly. "It was my pleasure to assist. Please lead the way."

As they walked back to the village, the guard introduced himself as Captain Marcus. He shared tales of the village's history, its name (Village of Aren), its struggles, and the courageous men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting it.

Arriving at the village square, Draven found himself standing before a humble abode, The doors carving is quaint with intricate design and the symbol of the village (Tree Leaf Clover with vines on eachside). Inside, seated upon an chair, was the village chief a wise and elderly man named Elderius.

Elderius as he welcomed Draven into his humble abode, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, He rose from his seat, his eyes filled with awe and gratitude. "Welcome, brave stranger. Captain Marcus speaks highly of your valor and skill. Tell me, what is your name?"

Draven bowed respectfully before the village chief. "My name is Draven Epsilon, Chief Elderius. I am but a traveler who stumbled upon this village and felt compelled to lend my aid. I am humbled by your words."

Elderius nodded, a smile gracing his weathered face. "Draven, your actions speak volumes of your character. It is not every day that we encounter someone with magic. Rest assured, your bravery will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. Our village owes you a great debt, because of you we avoided casualties among the guards."

As they sat around a wooden table, surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight. Elderius listened intently as Draven recounted his journey through the forest which leads to him to the village guards.

Draven admitted, with a touch of humility, that his grasp of magic was still in its infancy. He expressed his desire to learn more, to hone his abilities and protect the village from future threats. Elderius, wise and understanding, assured him that they would provide him with guidance and support on his journey.

As the evening wore on, Draven and Elderius delved into conversations about the village, its history, and the challenges they faced. The villagers gathered around, their faces filled with curiosity and admiration for the stranger who had come to their aid.

As the night grew darker, Draven couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. Despite his limited knowledge of the world he live in now, he knew he had found a place where his abilities could be nurtured and his desire to protect others could be fulfilled.

Little did he know that this encounter with the village guard and his subsequent introduction to the village chief would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey that would shape not only his destiny but also the fate of the village and the world beyond.