Eliara collapsed onto the ground between the roots of the trees, her small breaths filling the dark forest scene. Her shoulders trembled several times before she slowly opened her eyes, finding herself protected by a pair of strong hands… hands of a boy no older than thirteen.
She lifted her head and stood on her shaking feet, meeting a pair of sharp, cold eyes—yet they carried something different. Something she didn't expect: silent protection.
Arthur spoke with a low, steady voice: "Nothing will harm you now."
Eliara took a deep breath, as if his words were the remedy she needed after months of despair.
The system spoke in a cheerful—slightly annoying—tone: "Come on, tell me… didn't I tell you that heroes from outside the story can do miracles?"
Tears gathered in Eliara's eyes, but she didn't let them fall yet. "Who are you…?" she asked at last, looking at Arthur with fear and curiosity mixed together.
Arthur replied coldly: "I am… not important. Just know I won't let you fall again."
Eliara nodded, then took another deep breath, trying to regain her composure.
The system shouted again: "Alright, first lesson in the new world: every step here… could be between life and death! Are you two ready?"
Arthur answered calmly: "I will be ready. And I'll make sure you are as well."
The two began walking away from the tainted cave, while gray clouds rolled over the trees.
Suddenly, the ground shook violently, and a massive shadow appeared between the trees—a monster that wasn't from the usual category. Its huge body was deformed with black shadows, and its eyes glowed with unending rage.
The system spoke cautiously: [This… this is not an ordinary monster. One of your enemies has begun tracking you now, because you changed fate.]
Arthur raised his eyes toward the shadow, then looked at Eliara: "Stay behind me, and focus on running if you must."
But the system couldn't hold back: [Ooooh! I see things are getting more exciting… Get ready, Eliara, we're about to learn how to fight and change the world!]
Eliara trembled, but she felt something new growing inside her: a sense of safety… a sense of trust… a feeling she hadn't known in a long time— that someone would protect her no matter the cost.
Arthur refused to leave things to chance. He slowly raised his hand and activated his special skill: "Abyssal Insight."
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Ding • Eye of Insight — Level 1
Ability to analyze abilities, weaknesses, and possible paths of events.
[New] Support (I don't know what to call it)
[Description]
You can strengthen your companions and give them a power boost. The effect varies depending on what the person needs.
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Transparent lines of light appeared around Eliara, drawing the details of her body—her weak points, her internal energy balance, and the state of her mana.
The vision wasn't merely analysis; it allowed him to support her instantly. He directed gentle streams of mana into her body, calming her fear and enhancing her psychological and physical resilience.
Arthur told her in a steady voice: "Trust me… forget everything about that voice in the cave."
Eliara nodded with difficulty, suddenly feeling a strange strength flow through her limbs.
The system shouted with sarcastic enthusiasm: [Ooooh! This is amazing! He's using his skill on another target! Who said you can't control destiny, Arthur?]
Arthur stepped forward and focused again on the monster: "Let's go… we won't let the darkness take our place."
The huge shadow moved toward them, its steps filled with the threats of a dark world.
Arthur gave a small smile and whispered to the system: "Get ready, my friend. It seems the first lesson has just begun."
And inside Eliara's heart, a new feeling began to grow:
that she would no longer be a victim, and that someone would protect her no matter what hardships awaited.
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