chapter 3

After the turmoil in the forest, I sought refuge in a hidden clearing, far from the village and the sounds still echoing in my mind. The recent events replayed in flashes, like a grotesque movie. Facing humans directly took more than physical effort; it was an emotional price I couldn't continue paying.

Sitting on a rock, I took a deep breath and invoked the system. The words projected in my mind flickered, cold and indifferent:

"Available points: 3."

Each number was a cruel reminder of what I had done, but it also represented the beginning of something new. A path that would take me away from the need to wield the blade with my own hands.

"I need someone efficient... someone who can hunt for me." My words came out firm, trying to mask the tension growing inside me.

I scanned the system. My attention was drawn to a simple, yet promising option:

**Archer Summon.**

Without hesitation, I confirmed. The energy around me began to distort. An intense green glow appeared, pulsing as if the forest itself was responding. Then, he appeared.

He rose with natural elegance, his eyes sharp, scanning the surroundings as if he already knew them. Tall and slender, his posture was impeccable, full of discipline. He wore light leather armor, reinforced in strategic points to offer protection without compromising his agility.

The colors of his garments — deep greens and earthy browns — allowed him to blend into the surroundings, like a living shadow. His bow was a masterpiece of elven wood, adorned with glowing runes that pulsed with power. On his back, a quiver full of deadly arrows. The tips gleamed menacingly, some made of elven steel, others of obsidian.

When his materialization finished, he gave a subtle bow. His clear eyes locked onto mine, calm but firm.

"What is your command, Your Majesty?" His voice echoed, deep as the murmur of a cave, carrying respect and loyalty.

For a moment, I hesitated. He seemed more than a mere summoning; there was life, presence. But I knew why I had called him.

"Patrol this forest. Identify human threats. No intervention without my order."

He nodded in agreement. Without another word, he turned and disappeared into the shadows with an almost supernatural grace.

As I watched him vanish into the forest, I felt the weight lift, even if only for a brief moment. I was no longer alone.

As I walked through the forest, I found a cave hidden among bushes and rocks. It wasn't large, but it was enough to protect me from the night's cold and the prying eyes of anyone who might be lurking. I entered, clearing some branches from the ground, and sat in a corner where the darkness embraced me.

Shortly after, my soldier appeared at the entrance, as if he had sensed my call. He approached, gave a slight bow, and waited for my orders.

"Your Majesty," he said, in a respectful tone.

I looked at him, firm yet direct: "Spy on that village. Discover their habits: when they leave, how many they are, what they do. I want to know everything before we act."

Without question, he simply nodded. "As you wish." And with swift, silent movements, he vanished into the shadows of the night, heading toward the village.

When the sun rose and its first rays illuminated the cave entrance, I awoke. The air was still fresh, carrying the humid scent of the forest. Outside, drops of dew slid down the leaves, reflecting the morning light like tiny crystals. The sound of birds filled the air, but there was also an underlying silence, as if the forest was waiting for something.

I left the cave, feeling the cold, damp ground beneath my feet. The morning mist still lingered among the trees, creating an almost dreamlike scene. It didn't take long for my soldier to return, emerging from the shadows with the same agility and grace I expected from an elf. He seemed to be part of the environment, as if the forest had shaped him to be invisible.

"Your Majesty," he began, bowing slightly. His voice sounded like a deep whisper, yet clear. "I spied on the village as you ordered. There are several hundred villagers in total. They usually hunt in groups, always armed, but not very organized. I didn't notice any patrol or signs of vigilance beyond that."

I paused for a moment, absorbing the information. The light wind stirred the tree tops, spreading dry leaves across the ground. A raven croaked in the distance, a sound that seemed to be an omen of what was to come.

"Would you be able to ambush these hunting groups?" I asked, my voice carrying a firm but low tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty," he answered without hesitation. His clear eyes conveyed confidence, and his upright posture showed he was ready to act. "I just need your command, and none of them will return to tell what happened."

I nodded in approval, a slight smile crossing my lips. "Good. Do it. Eliminate them. And make sure you leave no trace. I want it to be as if they never existed."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," he replied before disappearing again, silent as a shadow gliding across the ground. The sound of his steps quickly faded into the dense forest, leaving me alone once more.

I watched the horizon as the sun slowly climbed, bathing the landscape in golden hues. For a moment, I breathed deeply, trying to connect with the surroundings. This world wouldn't be kind to me. Every action was a move on a board where only the strongest would survive.