Calde moved through the forest with a careful, deliberate pace, each step heavy with the weight of uncertainty. The trees around her were towering and ancient, their roots twisting up from the ground like gnarled hands, their trunks thick and veiled in creeping vines. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and moss, but there was something almost suffocating about the stillness. It felt as though the forest itself was waiting, watching her.

The only sounds that broke the silence were the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind stirred through the trees, and the faint echo of her own breathing. There was no birdsong, no small animals skittering across the forest floor. It was as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for something.

For a long while, Calde wandered in this quiet, unsure of where she was headed. She didn’t know what to expect—didn’t know if there was a village, a town, or even any other people in this strange world. She had no destination, only the need to keep moving. The encounter with the beast still weighed heavily on her, and even now, she could feel the remnants of fear creeping under her skin. How long can I keep running like this?

Her fingers absently brushed against the moss on a tree as she walked, grounding herself with the simple act of feeling something familiar. She glanced up at the strange flora that surrounded her, the plants pulsing with an almost magical glow. Everything here was different, but there was a kind of beauty in it—unnerving, yes, but beautiful nonetheless.

Focus, Calde. One thing at a time.

Her stomach growled loudly, reminding her of her basic needs. She hadn't realized just how much time had passed since she’d last eaten. The bread she'd conjured earlier was long gone, and though she had the power to create more food, she was hesitant. Something about relying too much on her powers made her feel... vulnerable.

I need to find a shelter, she thought to herself. I can’t afford to wander forever.

As she continued walking, the weight of her situation pressed down on her chest. She had no direction, no allies, and a world full of dangers she couldn’t even begin to understand. The knowledge of her powers—Creation Magic, Space Magic, and Infinite Luck—gave her an edge, but it didn’t feel like enough. How could she navigate a world where even the trees seemed to watch her every move?

The forest seemed to stretch on endlessly, and just as Calde began to wonder if she was lost, a sudden movement caught her eye. Her heart leapt in her chest, and her hand instinctively went to her side, ready to summon her shield, her magic, or anything to protect herself. But she stopped when she saw who—or rather, what—was approaching.

A woman.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

She stepped from between the trees with quiet grace, her movements smooth and deliberate. Calde’s first instinct was to assume she was another threat, but something about the woman’s presence immediately put her on edge. She was tall and slender, her posture poised, yet there was a raw strength in her eyes. Her dark hair, braided tightly along her back, contrasted sharply with her pale skin. She wore simple, practical clothing—a tunic and pants, both well-worn but clearly built for travel.

The woman didn’t speak at first. She simply observed Calde with a level gaze, her eyes dark and sharp, as though reading her every thought. There was something strange and unsettling about the way the woman studied her, a knowingness that made Calde feel... exposed.

“Lost?” The woman’s voice was soft but firm, carrying a note of both curiosity and caution.

Calde gulped, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m... figuring things out.” Her words sounded flat even to her own ears, but there was no way she could hide the tremor in her voice. She wasn’t used to feeling vulnerable, not like this, but there was something about this woman’s presence that unnerved her.

The woman didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she stepped closer, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest, as though ensuring nothing else was lurking in the shadows. Then, she turned her gaze back to Calde, her expression unreadable.

“You’re not from here,” the woman stated flatly.

It wasn’t a question, but the way she said it made Calde feel like the truth had already been revealed, even before she’d arrived.

“No,” Calde answered, her voice firmer now. “I’m not.”

The woman studied her for a moment longer, before a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “I can tell.” There was a strange amusement in her voice. “You don’t have the scent of the forest.”

Calde frowned. “What do you mean?”

The woman’s smile grew slightly, but it wasn’t unkind. “The forest has a way of marking those who belong. You don’t belong yet.”

“I’m... trying to figure out how to belong,” Calde replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I’m not exactly sure what this place is, or how I got here. I’m just trying to survive.”

The woman nodded, as though that was exactly what she expected to hear. “Survival is a good instinct,” she said, her tone thoughtful. “But you’ll need more than that if you want to make it here.”

Calde’s stomach twisted. She knew that. Everyone knew that. But hearing it from this stranger somehow made the weight of her situation even more crushing.

“Why are you telling me this?” Calde asked, her voice quieter now, laced with suspicion. “What do you want from me?”

The woman’s eyes gleamed with something dangerous, but her voice remained calm. “I want nothing from you. But if you stay here alone, you’ll die. This world doesn’t take kindly to newcomers.” She paused, studying Calde’s reaction. “I’m offering you a chance to survive. A chance to learn what you need to know.”

Calde hesitated. The woman was offering something she desperately needed—guidance, answers. But something about her felt... off. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Was it the way the woman seemed so sure of herself, like she already knew everything Calde had yet to learn? Or was it the strange aura that surrounded her, an energy that felt both comforting and dangerous at the same time?

“I don’t need your charity,” Calde finally said, though she knew it wasn’t true. She was alone in a strange world with no idea how to survive. What did she have to lose?

The woman raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. “It’s not charity. It’s survival. And in this world, that’s something you’ll need help with.”

Calde took a deep breath, fighting the uncertainty clawing at her chest. The woman was right about one thing: she couldn’t do this alone. She had no choice but to trust her. For now.

“Fine,” Calde said finally, her voice steady. “What do I need to do?”

The woman’s smiles deepened. “Follow me. There’s much you need to learn. And the forest... is waiting.”

Without another word, the woman turned, her form blending seamlessly with the shadows of the forest. Calde stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the decision settling over her. This was her only chance. She couldn’t afford to be left behind. Taking a steadying breath, Calde followed her, stepping into the unknown once again.

END OF CHAPTER 3