The First Reward
"Yes," I said, nodding firmly. "The beast is dead. It won't trouble your livestock—or your village—any longer."
Elder Daren's shoulders slumped in relief, and for a moment, he looked much older, as though the weight of the world had finally been lifted from him. "Thank the gods," he murmured, his voice trembling with emotion. "You've done us a great service, Darius. The village owes you a debt of gratitude."
The other villagers began to gather around us, their eyes wide with awe and gratitude. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and I could hear snippets of their conversation—words like "hero," "savior," and "warrior." It felt strange, hearing those words directed at me. I wasn't used to being seen as anything other than a failure or a disappointment.
But here, in this world, I had a chance to be something more.
"Please," Elder Daren said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Come with me to the village square. We'll see to it that you're rewarded properly for your efforts."
I nodded, allowing him to guide me through the growing crowd of villagers. As we walked, people reached out to touch my arm, murmuring their thanks and offering small tokens of appreciation—a loaf of bread, a simple charm, a fresh apple. It was humbling, and I found myself smiling despite the exhaustion that still clung to my bones.
When we reached the village square, Elder Daren led me to the well in the center and called for the attention of the villagers. They gathered around, their expressions filled with a mixture of relief and admiration.
"People of Westwood," Elder Daren began, his voice carrying over the crowd, "today, we are blessed. This young warrior, Darius, has rid us of the beast that has plagued our village for so long. Thanks to his courage and strength, our livestock—and our lives—are safe once more."
A cheer went up from the crowd, and I felt a warm flush of pride rise in my chest. It was a far cry from the mockery and scorn I had grown used to as Eldric Valen, the Copper-level prince who could barely hold a sword. Here, I was being recognized for my actions, for my abilities. It was a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time, and I couldn't help but bask in it.
Elder Daren turned to me, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Darius, on behalf of the village of Westwood, I offer you our deepest thanks. You have given us peace and safety, and for that, we are forever in your debt."
He gestured to a young woman who was standing nearby, holding a small wooden box. She stepped forward and handed the box to Elder Daren, who opened it and revealed its contents—a handful of gold coins and a beautifully crafted silver ring, engraved with intricate designs.
"This is a humble token of our appreciation," Elder Daren said, presenting the box to me. "It is not much, but we hope it will serve you well on your journey."
I accepted the box with a nod of gratitude, carefully placing the ring on my finger. The silver band felt cool against my skin, and I could feel a faint tingle of magic emanating from it. It was a simple enchantment, likely one that provided a minor boost to my abilities or protection, but it was more than I had expected.
"Thank you," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm honored to receive this, and I'm glad I could help."
The villagers cheered again, and I couldn't help but smile. This was a new beginning, a fresh start in a world where I could shape my own destiny. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was on the right path.
As the celebration in the square continued, I stepped aside to examine my new ring more closely. The system interface responded to my thoughts, and I brought up the details of the ring.
Item: Silver Ring of the Guardian
Type: Accessory
Rarity: Uncommon
Effect: Increases defense by +5 and grants a minor regeneration effect, restoring 2 HP every 10 seconds.
It wasn't the most powerful item, but at my current level, it was a welcome addition to my equipment. The increase in defense and the regeneration effect would be especially useful in prolonged battles, where every bit of endurance counted.
I equipped the ring, feeling its magic settle over me like a protective cloak. The small boost to my defense was almost imperceptible, but the knowledge that I was better prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead was reassuring.
As the festivities began to wind down, Elder Daren approached me again, this time with a more serious expression on his face. "Darius, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you," he said, his voice low. "Would you join me in the chapel?"
I nodded, curious about what he had to say. The two of us walked back to the chapel in silence, the evening light casting long shadows on the ground. Inside, the air was cool and still, the flickering candles on the altar providing the only illumination.
Elder Daren led me to a small wooden table near the front of the chapel, where he motioned for me to sit. He took a seat across from me, folding his hands on the table and fixing me with a steady gaze.
"Darius," he began, his voice measured, "I have lived in this village for many years, and I have seen many things. But I have never encountered a warrior like you. There is something… different about you."
I felt a knot form in my stomach. Was he onto me? Did he somehow sense that I wasn't from this world, that I didn't belong here? I forced myself to remain calm, to keep my expression neutral.
"What do you mean?" I asked, doing my best to sound casual.
Elder Daren studied me for a moment before speaking again. "When you faced that beast, you showed a level of skill and determination that I've rarely seen, especially in someone so young. And then there's the way you carry yourself—the way you speak. You're not just an ordinary warrior, are you?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. There was no way I could reveal the truth—not only would it be impossible to explain, but it could also put me in danger. I had to be careful, to give him just enough information without revealing too much.
"I've… had some training," I said carefully. "I've faced challenges before, and I've learned to adapt quickly. But I'm still new to this world, and I have a lot to learn."
Elder Daren nodded slowly, as if considering my words. "I see. Well, whatever your past may be, I believe you have a great future ahead of you. There is a strength in you, Darius—a strength that will serve you well in the days to come."
He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. "There is something I would like you to have," he said, sliding the box across the table to me. "It is an heirloom of this village, passed down through the generations. I believe it will help you on your journey."
I opened the box, revealing a small, polished stone set in a simple silver pendant. The stone was a deep, shimmering blue, and it seemed to pulse with a faint, internal light. The moment I touched it, I felt a surge of energy, a connection to something ancient and powerful.
Item: Pendant of the Azure Flame
Type: Accessory
Rarity: Rare
Effect: Increases fire resistance by +15% and enhances fire-based skills.
"This pendant has been in my family for as long as I can remember," Elder Daren explained. "It is said to be a relic of the old empire, imbued with the power of the Azure Flame—a force that once protected these lands. I believe it will aid you in your quest."
I held the pendant in my hand, feeling the warmth of its magic seep into my skin. This was no ordinary item—its power was tangible, a reminder that I was not alone in this world. There were forces at work here, forces that I could tap into if I was strong enough.
"Thank you," I said, slipping the pendant around my neck. "I'll make sure it's put to good use."
Elder Daren smiled, the lines of his face softening with relief. "I have no doubt you will, Darius. But remember—power is a tool, not an end in itself. Use it wisely, and it will guide you on the right path."
His words echoed in my mind as I left the chapel, the pendant resting against my chest. The night air was cool, the village quiet as the last of the daylight faded. I made my way back to the inn, my thoughts churning with everything that had happened.