As the morning light filtered through the dense canopy of my cave’s entrance, casting patterns of light and shadow across the earthen floor, I stirred from my slumber, a sense of anticipation thrumming through me. Today wasn’t just another day, I felt the excitement of adventure and exploration like never before. I was ready to step into the vast unknown beyond the familiar embrace of the forest.

With a final check to ensure I had everything I might need, I grabbed my trusted satchel, which I had created from vines and large leaves. I put together a small amount of fruits, as well as three healroots for every emergency. Satisfied, I threw it over my shoulder, feeling its familiar weight dangling from my chest.

After gathering myself and taking one final look at my hoard, I exited the cave. I found Tom perched near the entrance, his form flickering slightly in the early sunlight.

"Tom," I began, failing to hide my excitement, "I’m ready.”

He gently hopped off his branch and approached me. “It appears you are… be careful out there, I will watch over our home.”

As I heard him mention “our home” for the first time, I felt a deep sense of belonging and pride in what we had accomplished. Tom was now my friend, and I was going to make sure to come back here every once in a while.

I took a deep breath and nodded. I felt a hint of sorrow threatening the edge of my thoughts.

“I will be careful, friend.” I said, holding back my tears. “See you soon!”

I perked up and started walking towards the underbrush.

Towards unknown territories and adventures!

“Juniper, wait.”

Tom’s voice rang behind me, interrupting my glorious journey before it even started. I turned to face him and saw him approach me with a very serious gaze.

“Do you even know where you are headed?”

I almost fell from the embarrassment at his remark. I had absolutely no idea where I was going.

“Seriously…" The cat continued, seeing the panic in my eyes. "There are settlements south of the forest. I've observed various beings, some like you, others vastly different, coming from and going in that direction. It’s beyond the forest's edge, a world unfamiliar to me, but it’s there.”

I nodded, digesting this information. Good, now I knew where to go. With renewed motivation, once again I stepped towards the unknown. I took a few more steps until I abruptly stopped before the edge of the underbrush.

I turned to look at the cat, who was sitting right where I last saw him, seemingly knowing what words I was about to speak.

Snarky cat.

I considered just leaving without asking, but after a pause, a slightly awkward question escaped my lips, "Um, which way is south?"

Tom's glowing eyes seemed to widen a fraction before a gentle, knowing chuckle filled the air. "Look where the sun rises, Juniper. South will be to your right."

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself, a flush of embarrassment warming my cheeks. "Of course, right. I knew that!"

Then, like the icing over my cake of embarrassment, he continued. “Do you wish for me to accompany you to the edge of the forest?”

I didn’t even consider his words for a second longer. “Absolutely not! I’ll have you know I can take good care of myself! Now I have to go, see you!”

“Be cautious, Juniper. I shall be waiting for your return.”

I nodded and picked up my pace before any more stupid doubts could fill my mind.

As I disappeared into the thicket I shouted behind me.

“I’ll be back before you know it!”

I picked up my pace. I didn’t exactly know how far I needed to travel, but my excitement prompted me to speed up. With each step, the thrill of exploration coursed through me. The forest seemed to watch over me as I made my way beneath its verdant canopy, and as the familiar sights of my home faded behind me, a world of possibilities lay ahead, waiting to be discovered.

Continuing south, I made sure to keep the sun's position behind me, now at its zenith, a natural compass guiding my journey. The day wore on, and with each passing hour, I could feel the subtle changes in the landscape around me. The dense underbrush that had been my constant companion began to thin, the lush, vibrant greens of the familiar forest gradually giving way to a less dense, more traditional woodland. The air seemed lighter here, the canopy less oppressive, allowing more sunlight to filter through the leaves and dapple the forest floor.

Trailblazer - Level up!

I slowed down as the notification appeared at the edge of my vision.

Another level huh… Guess I have been using it constantly after all.

I mentally willed the notification to expand, and the ability’s panel came into view.

Class

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Explorer

Rarity

Common

Chart the uncharted, mapping out the mysteries of the land with a keen eye for detail and a knack for getting out of sticky situations.

Abilities

Trailblazer [3]

* Slight increase in speed on natural paths and the ability to identify common safe routes.

* Improved efficiency in moving through difficult terrain such as forests or hills.

* [NEW] Enhanced sense of direction, reducing the chances of getting lost and enabling basic map-making skills.

As I read through my new ability a sudden stream of information started pouring into my mind. I quickly came to a stop and gritted my teeth. It was nowhere near the levels of pain I had felt when I first selected my Phytomancer class, but I still felt a mild discomfort in my mind.

Thank the heavens that my Mind attribute is so high.

After a long minute the flow of information abruptly stopped, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

As I concentrated on my journey once again, I discovered a newfound confidence in my bearings. It was like the unknown forest around me had transformed into a more comprehensible landscape. I could also instinctively tell which way was north, south, east, and west.

But it wasn't just the cardinal directions that had become clear to me. As I focused, a map began to take shape in my mind's eye. It wasn't a traditional map, with lines and labels detailing the terrain. Instead, it was more abstract, a constellation of light dots against a canvas of darkness. Each dot pulsed with its own light, and somehow, I understood what they represented. They were landmarks, water sources, potential dangers, and paths I had taken or could take. There, in the middle of my mental map, I saw a large white dot, which I instantly recognized as my cave.

This is truly useful… I wonder if all my abilities become this strong at level three.

With a light step and a smile on my snout, I resumed my journey, the mental map guiding me as I ventured deeper into the unknown.

As the forest around me transitioned further into the traditional woods, I was surprised at how seamlessly I navigated the terrain, avoiding obstacles and choosing the best routes almost instinctively. I was thankful that past-Juniper had chosen the Explorer class. Its abilities had truly changed the way I interacted with the world, and I dreaded the thought of having to survive in an uncharted land without it.

I kept running, and the transition was gradual but unmistakable. Moss-covered stones and ancient sequoias of the deep forest were replaced by younger trees and clearings that opened up to the sky. The sounds, too, were different. As I swiftly trudged the underbrush, it resonated with the chirping of birds and the rustle of smaller animals moving out of the way.

Just as I was marvelling at the wonders within these woods, a majestic creature suddenly crossed my path, halting me in my tracks. Standing before me was a great stag. Its horns were not like those of any deer I remembered. They branched out like the limbs of an ancient tree, adorned with leaves that rustled softly in the breeze. For a fleeting moment, we locked eyes, and I was left in awe of this creature.

Please imagine it without the moonlit night background! Image was too perfect to not use :)

https://i.imgur.com/bU5LQ8I.png [https://i.imgur.com/bU5LQ8I.png]

However, my moment of admiration was brief. The stag, startled by my presence, turned and darted away with graceful agility. I watched the creature disappear into the underbrush. After so many days spent surviving in this unforgiving forest, I was reminded of its beauty and the delicate balance that existed within it.

With the stag now gone, I turned my attention back to the path ahead. The sun was beginning to set. I decided to find a spot to rest, to gather my strength for the adventures that awaited with the new dawn.

As I ventured further south, my eyes caught sight of a large oak-like tree that stood out amidst the canopy. Intrigued, I approached it, sensing an opportunity to put my Phytomancer abilities to good use.

With a gentle touch on the bark, I reached out with my mind, connecting to the life strands of the tree. It was the first time I used my Phytomancer abilities in this part of the forest. The web of tendrils that connected each plant to the earth was there, but it was more sparse and less thick than the deeper parts where my cave was.

I focused my will, guiding the oak's roots and bark to warp and shift, creating a makeshift nook large enough for me to sleep in. The oak responded willingly, its bark curling and roots weaving to form a cozy, sheltered space that seemed made just for me.

I was surprised at how effortlessly I could communicate and manipulate the oak, compared to the more resistant branches and roots of the large sequoias at the forest's heart. It was as if this part of the forest, less wild and untamed, was more receptive to my presence, more willing to bend to my will.

With the nook now ready, I removed my vine satchel and nestled inside, the oak's bark and roots cradling me like a natural hammock. The air around me was filled with the earthy scent of the forest floor and the fresh aroma of oak. I peered above the canopy, where the last light from the sun tinged the leaves of soft oranges and yellows.

I stared at the beautiful colors of the sky as I settled in for the night. I felt a deep, contented sigh escape my lips. Here, in this simple nook shaped by my own hands and the willingness of the forest, I found a sense of peace and belonging.

Opening my satchel, I retrieved a couple of the fruits I had packed before leaving. I was hungry after almost an entire day of traveling, and the sweet aroma of the fruits felt extremely enticing. As I bit into the first fruit, savoring its juicy burst of flavor, the tranquility of the moment was suddenly pierced by rustling and the distinct sound of footsteps from the edge of the clearing. My senses, honed by days of solitude and survival in the forest, snapped to attention, and I found myself instinctively reaching for a nearby branch, ready to defend myself if necessary.

The noises grew louder, more frantic, as if whatever was approaching was doing so in a hurry, possibly chased. I stepped out of my nook, my grip on the branch tightened. And then, breaking through the underbrush with a burst of leaves and twigs, a figure emerged.

It wasn't a fearsome beast or a lurking predator, but a small girl with purple skin and bright, luminous eyes, reminiscent of the night sky. Her momentum carried her forward, and she stumbled out of the underbrush, falling to the ground in front of me with a thud that betrayed her exhaustion.

For a moment, we both lay there in silence, the girl catching her breath and I, still grasping my makeshift weapon, trying to process the unexpected encounter. The sight of her sparked a myriad of questions.

As the initial shock of her sudden appearance faded, I lowered the branch and took a better look at the girl. One of her legs was wounded, a deep blue liquid that I assumed to be her blood softly trickling from above her knee.

Suddenly, she picked herself up from the fall, her head scanning the clearing. Her bright eyes met mine, a mix of surprise and fear flashing through them as she stumbled backwards.

Just as I was about to reassure her, the girl’s voice came out with trembling hesitation.

“... Gemtail…”

As she muttered those words, I felt the look of desperation coming from her eyes as she stood up and bolted through the forest once again.

Did she just call me a Gemtail? Only I am allowed to call myself a lizard!

I quickly realized the gravity of her mistake.

How dare she not recognize me as a mighty dragon!

I snapped myself back to reality and with a burst of energy, I set off in pursuit, determined to clarify the misunderstanding.

https://i.imgur.com/5Znfex3.png [https://i.imgur.com/5Znfex3.png]