Down the river

A gentle breeze hit Eric's face, momentarily dispelling the haze of confusion that had enveloped his mind. In front of him, a small stream flowed calmly, reflecting the sunlight that sparkled like millions of diamonds. The water was clear, revealing a riverbed filled with small stones and fish swimming happily, as if unconcerned with the world's problems.

Eric sat on the bank of the river, letting his now smaller feet soak in the cool refreshing water. He looked off into the distance, trying to make sense of this absurd situation. He, a twenty-two-year-old college student, was now trapped in the body of an eight-year-old elven child. A displacement from reality more fantastic than any science fiction he had ever read.

"What the hell happened?" she murmured, her voice drowning in the gurgling river water. "How did I end up here, in a world I don't recognize?"

Slowly, she began to recall the moment of the accident. It felt like just yesterday that she stepped out of her apartment, ready to face a day full of classes and organization meetings. Then, everything changed in an instant. The sound of screeching brakes, a loud crash, and then the darkness that obliterated everything. It was like she was sucked into a black hole, and when she opened her eyes, she was already here.

"Am I dead?" he thought. "Is this life after death? Or is it just a never-ending nightmare?"

Eric shook his head, trying to push those thoughts away. He felt his new body, Eryndor's body, so different from the one he knew. His small hands, the long hair that fell to his shoulders, and the pointed ears that felt strange every time they touched.

"This isn't a dream," she whispered to herself. "This is real."

She stared at her reflection in the water. A young face with large green eyes that were full of innocence but also held great depth. "I am Eryndor now," she said in a low voice, trying to convince herself. "I must accept this reality."

As a psychology student, Eric was always used to analyzing situations from a rational point of view. However, in this situation, his modern logic felt irrelevant. The world was full of wonders and horrors that he had never imagined. It felt like he was thrown into the most elaborate fantasy novel, and he was the protagonist who had to find his own way.

"There's no point in lamenting fate," he thought. "I should think about what I can do now."

She recalled the life of Eryndor that began to cross her mind. A peaceful village, a loving family, and then the tragedy that destroyed it all. The brutal human attacks, the fires that consumed the houses, and the sounds of screams that still ring in his ears.

"I have to find the survivors," she muttered, strengthening her resolve. "I can't just stay here."

With renewed determination, Eric-or Eryndor-began to devise a plan. He had knowledge from his previous life, an understanding of strategy and human psychology that he could utilize. This world may be fraught with danger, but he will not give up so easily.

"I will find them," he said in a voice full of confidence. "And I will protect them."

She rose from her seat, feeling a growing strength within her. The tranquil flow of the river seemed to give him a new spirit, flowing with energy that made him ready to face any challenges that would come.

As she stepped away from the riverbank, her thoughts returned to musing about this world. A world filled with racism, slave trade, and cruel politics. She felt sickened by these injustices, by the unnecessary suffering endured by many beings.

"With knowledge from the modern world, I can make a difference," she thought. "I can bring about real change."

He remembered the lessons about social revolution, about how great change often starts with one person who dares to dream and act. Perhaps in this world, he was that person. The person who will bring about change, who will lead the fight against injustice.

"It's not just about survival," he told himself. "It's about changing the world."

With that spirit, Eryndor continued his journey. Each step is filled with renewed determination, each breath carries the belief that he can make a difference. The world may be full of challenges, but he will not back down. He will fight, with all the strength and knowledge he has.

Her steady steps made their way through the forest, leaving the small stream behind. The sunlight that penetrated through the gaps in the leaves gave a sparkle of hope, as if nature itself was supporting his journey. And with every step he took, Eric became more convinced that his destiny was to change this world into a better place.

…

[Eric's Point of View]

"Ugh~... No matter how many times I try to walk, it's never ending," I sighed, each step feeling like the weight of the world was pressing down on my small shoulders. Sweat dripped from my temples, creating salty trails that blurred my vision. It's been nearly five hours since I've explored this riverbank, but I've yet to see any signs of life. The day is slipping away, hiding its yellow rays deep in the trees, as if to bare the emptiness of my heart.

"How come I can't find any life!" I grumbled, my blank gaze traveling along the seemingly endless flow of the river. There should have been signs of life here, but what the heck, only silence accompanied it.

"AH! FUCK!" I screamed, the burning frustration rushing out, scattering into the increasingly discolored sky, as if to voice the failure and confusion that overcame me.

I felt tired and exhausted, this body seemed heavy to me. I needed a place to rest, and my eyes fell on a rather large tree nearby. With staggering steps, I crawled towards the tree, seeking some comfort under its shade. The cool air greeted my face, giving some relief to the body that had been exposed to the heat of the sun all day. I sat under the tree, trying to catch my breath and replenish my drained stamina.

Suddenly, however, hunger seized my stomach. I realized that my body hadn't eaten anything since this morning. "Damn it, I should go hunting," I muttered, feeling frustrated with this increasingly difficult situation. I searched around for a branch tall enough to use as an improvised spear. Quickly, I retrieved the rope I had gotten from the ruins of the village earlier, and sharpened the blunt knife I had gotten. With those simple materials, I managed to make a small spear that was enough to deal with wild animals.

…

However, as I took a step forward, my mind was suddenly filled with a haunting worry. "Ah damn it, I forgot that this is a fantasy world," I whispered to myself, anxiety filling my mind. What would happen if monsters appeared before me? Would I, with my now limited strength and skills, be able to fight monsters like the ones I used to see in my old life?

The fear welled up in my chest, eating away at the courage I previously possessed. How could I, an eight-year-old child in this body, face the great threats that lurked in this world? Every shadow that moved behind those trees made me jump in fear, every sound of crunching leaves sent chills down my spine.

But, if I allow fear to rule over me, wouldn't that be insulting all the courage I once admired? I, a man known for being brave and fearless, must not be humbled by the fear that haunts my heart now. No, I must face it, I must challenge it, just as I have always done in the past.

My steps kept pacing around the tree where I was resting, while my mind was adrift in a sea of doubt and worry. I looked down, and suddenly, I accidentally nudged a plant that looked like a yam. An unexpected light touch, yet enough to provoke the curiosity stirring within me.

I stared at the plant attentively, trying to understand whether or not this was something safe to touch. My mind raced with memories of fantasy movies I'd seen, where scary plants like the Mandrake were often the source of fear and danger.

But I couldn't help but be curious. I wanted to know what was behind this apparition. I wanted to pull it out and see what would happen. But then, I remembered that I was in a fantasy world full of unexpected surprises and dangers. Would I dare to take the risk? Or would I give in to fear and let this opportunity pass me by?

A feeling of confusion swept through my mind. But, I can't just give up. I had to act, I had to face my fear and challenge it. With a pounding heart, I tried to calm myself down and grabbed the plant gently, watching every move I made, ready to face the consequences.

The hand reached out slowly, touching the plant with a gentle touch. And as my fingers felt its soft, smooth surface, a sense of relief swept through my heart. The plant did not react in any way, no intimidating signs of life or danger.

'Thank goodness if it's just a wild yam,' I thought with relief, as I pulled it out without worry and confirmed my suspicions. The plant was just a wild yam, nothing more. A small piece of luck that made my heart feel light.

I felt the hunger pangs growing in my stomach, and I was thankful that I found a source of food that was enough to fill my empty stomach. In that case, this yam would be my meal, but how to cook it?

With my mind focused on the looming hunger, I began to plan my next move. Gathering dry twigs to serve as a burning medium, and to lure the fire, I had to find a way that I could do that. Although I know that this world is ruled by magic that can create fire just by imagining it, I'm not able to do that yet. I was still too young in this life, and my regained memories only gave me limited knowledge.

But, as I always say, there is a solution to every problem. I may not be able to start a fire with magic, but I know how to make one from the survival videos I often watch in my spare time.

I chose some branches that were pliable and sturdy enough to make a small bow. Carefully, I cut and shaped them into a bow that was good enough to use. Once the bow was finished, I picked up the wood chips I had collected earlier and arranged them under the twigs that I would use as bowstrings.

With a mixed feeling of curiosity and nervousness, I held the bow tip and the wood chip that was to be shaken. I recalled the instructions from the survival video I'd watched, and I tried to carefully mimic their movements. I swung my small bow gently, trying to make the right movements so that the wood chip could spin quickly.

After a few tries, I started to feel the movement really being effective. The wood chips began to heat up from the friction with the twigs underneath. Small flames began to appear, small and fragile, but enough to give me hope that I had succeeded in making fire.

I looked at my small fire with a feeling of awe. This was my first fire in this world, a fire I had made with my own hands using the knowledge I had gained from my previous life. It felt like a miracle happening before me, reminding me that in this world, anything is possible if we have enough determination and knowledge.

With a heart full of pride, I began to place larger pieces of wood on my small fire. It grew, radiating light and warmth around the area I was in. I felt relieved, finally able to warm myself up and cook the wild yam that would be my meal tonight.