A Mysterious stranger

"Oh, quite an interesting story," said Julius.

"Do you think it's true or not?" asked Elric.

"I'm not sure about its authenticity. There's no cover, no author name. The world is a mystery, and so is this library. But we are getting late for dinner. Look outside, it's already sunset," Julius replied.

The story seemed unbelievable, but Elric couldn't forget the mystery of the book. After days of research, they found nothing else. One day, Elric remembered a story his mother used to tell him on one night packing all the stuff Elric swiftly leaved the city and went on a journey again so for Julius help he just can't leave so he decided to leave a note for Julius:

I am extremely grateful for your help. I am leaving this letter because, in a short period of time, you have become a very close friend of mine. It's not easy to say goodbye, so I'll leave quietly.The fact is that I remember something from my early childhood from which I believe I can find my answers in the western mountains. It's just a hunch, but life is all about hope.

~Elric

"Oh, I forgot to bring enough food. It looks like it will be a long walk, but what can I do? I have to just go on. I need to find shelter and some fruits or anything I can eat before sunset," Elric thought.

After walking toward his destination, Elric finally found some fruits and a quiet place above the ground to stay away from wild animals. But the night was not as quiet as he thought. He heard the roars of wild animals and suddenly noticed movement around the bushes. In a fearful manner, he asked, "Who... who is there?"

Suddenly, a long shadow appeared and said, "Are those fruits fresh?"

"Oh, you are a man! You just scared the crap out of me," said Elric.

"Sorry to scare you, but I got lost in this forest. I have been wandering for a long time and became hungry. Will you give me something to eat?" asked the man.

"Sure, you can eat it," replied Elric.

"You're so generous. Thank you. Anyway, I can help you, just let me know," said the man.

Elric smiled and said, "How can a man who is himself lost in the forest and relies on a stranger for food help me?"

The man sadly said, "You are right, but I am taller, stronger, and have survival experience in the forest. If you get lost, you can rely on me." said the man.

"I will keep that in mind, but I know where I am going, so I am not going to get lost," said Elric.

"By the way, where are you going, and from where did you come from?" asked the man.

"I am coming from the City of Knowledge and going to the village located west of the mountain," replied Elric.

"Oh, if I tell you something, you might not believe it. The west of the mountain is one day away from here. You are going in the wrong direction," said the man.

"How? Ummm, now I see, you might be right. The City of Knowledge is located near the mountain, but I am in the forest. I have been walking for a day; I should be there before sunset. But how can I believe you that it's in the other direction? You yourself are lost here," said Elric.

"Because I saw that village in the western part of the mountain. See, I can help you," said the man.

"What can I do? I have no choice but to rely on you. Let's just sleep. Tomorrow is a long day. Make yourself at home. Good night, mister," said Elric.

The next day, they both started walking toward the western mountain. They shared their opinions, journey stories, and childhood memories. The man told many interesting stories. Elric thought of him as a very old man, but he didn't look old. Sometimes, Elric thought he was making up stories, but he enjoyed them, so he flattered the man with compliments, encouraging him to talk more. As they walked and rested, they crossed halfway. The man shared a story:

"In a village, Lyren, torn between his father's call for battle over land and his mother's plea for peace, sought the wisdom of Sage Aeliana. She told him a story of two brothers, Eamon and Cael, who inherited land. Eamon shared his land with the villagers, fostering harmony, while Cael sought profit, causing division. A traveler gave each a seed, promising that the tree bearing the best fruit would determine the village's path. Eamon's tree thrived with nourishing fruit, while Cael's bore bitter fruit. The village chose Eamon's path of generosity, and Cael learned the value of community. Aeliana then asked Lyren what kind of tree he would plant: one that divides or one that nourishes. With this question, Lyren understood that the true measure of right and wrong lay in the long-term harmony and well-being of his people. He left, knowing the choice was his to make."

Then he asked Elric, "What do you understand from this?"

"Easy, plant the seed which nourishes which means not to fight," replied Elric.

"That's what everyone thinks, but there was a man I met long ago who said, 'True wisdom lies not in the answers we seek, but in the understanding that our choices shape the world beyond our comprehension.' It took me many days to understand what he meant. What a great man he is," said the man.

"What did he mean by that? Tell me," asked Elric.

The man, with a smile, said, "Look, there's the village, as I said. I have paid my debt by guiding you. As for the words, you will realize their meaning someday. Now, go to your destination."

"Thanks for your help, but I forgot to ask your name. What is your name, mister?" asked Elric.

"I am no one special to be known, but you can call me Dasos," replied the man.