A new friend

As they made their way back, Alexander couldn't help but feel surprised that they hadn't been attacked by any other monsters. Upon reaching the castle walls, he carefully set the dragonling down and, in a gentle tone like one would use with a puppy, said, "Run through there buddy, I can't make it through with you on my shoulder." The dragonling obediently flexed its wings and flew over the wall, deftly avoiding the crack. "That's convenient for you, huh?" Alexander grumbled as he struggled to squeeze through the opening. Finally emerging into the courtyard, he scanned the area for the small creature until he saw it hunched over on the ground, devouring a small, mouse-like creature. "You can hunt on your own already?" he asked with a smile, but the creature paid him no mind, focused solely on its meal.

Finally having some time to collect his thoughts, Alexander stood there watching the dragonling explore the opening. His mind wandered back to everything that had happened since he arrived in this world. Meeting Zarathorn and learning about being on a giant island floating in the sky had been a lot to take in, but seeing the dragonling hunt on its own made him realize how much he had already adapted. "Who would have thought that a day ago, I'd be standing here, watching a dragonling hunt and feeling like this is all normal?" he mused to himself. "I still have so much to learn about this world, but I'm starting to feel like I might just be able to survive here."

Going up to the small dragon, he once again marveled at his beautiful golden scales. "Let's see what examine will give me," he said as he prepared to use the skill.

Examine

Name:

Level: 2

Description: This small dragon has brilliant, shimmering scales that are the color of gold. Its wings are small and its body is slender, with a long tail that ends in a sharp point. Despite its small size, it is strong and agile, with sharp claws and teeth. Its eyes are a bright, piercing green that seem to glow in the light. The hatchling appears to be healthy and well-fed, with no signs of injury or illness.

Elemental affinity: Light

After dismissing the prompt, Alexander still tried to wrap his head around the importance of elemental affinity. "Now," he said, looking at the small gold-scaled dragon, "what are we going to name you?"

Studying the dragonling's slender body, Alexander began to brainstorm names. "Shimmer?" he suggested halfheartedly, before quickly rejecting the idea. "No, that's not good. How about Goldie? No, that's even worse." Pausing to think, he whispered, "what about Aurum? Latin for gold and it has a nice ring to it."

Deciding on the final name, he got the dragonling's attention and looked into its eyes. "Your name is going to be Aurum, okay?" he asked the small creature. Its eyes lit up, almost as if it understood Alexander. Suddenly, Alexander heard a childlike voice in his head, similar to the way he heard Zarathorn's, but with a much less reverberating tone. "Aurum," the small voice said.

Smiling to himself, Alexander felt a deep sense of connection with the dragonling. "I think we're going to make a great team, Aurum," he said, patting the small dragon's head. "Now let's keep exploring and see what other wonders this world has in store for us."

Alexander looked at Aurum and asked, "How are we going to keep you hidden though, buddy?"

Aurum responded in his childlike manner, "Change?"

Alexander was confused and asked, "What do you mean change?"

Before he could get a response, a bright flash of light surrounded Aurum, nearly blinding Alexander as he covered his eyes. When the light faded, Aurum had disappeared, replaced by a replica of the mouse-like creature.

"You can shapeshift?!" exclaimed Alexander in amazement.

The mouse scurried towards Alexander and climbed up his body, perching on his shoulder. Alexander asked Aurum, "Is that a skill or ability?"

Aurum replied, "Skill? Ability? Do not know. Always able to."

With a smile, Alexander said, "Either way, this will make keeping you safe a lot easier."

Surprised that he could have a conversation with a month-old creature, Alexander moved his thoughts to their current situation.

"Now," he said to no one in particular, "we should probably find some type of civilization. We can't live in a ruined castle for the rest of our lives.

As soon as he finished his sentence, he heard a frightened yell coming from near the opposite side of the wall. "Did you hear that or am I just hallucinating?" he asked the mouse on his shoulder.

"I hear," Aurum's voice sounded in his head.

"We should probably take a closer look," Alexander said quietly.

Once again leaving the courtyard through the crack in the wall, Alexander and Aurum made their way toward the direction of the scream. As they neared, they heard what sounded like arguing and steel hitting steel. "I wonder what's going on," Alexander whispered to Aurum. When he did not receive a response, he made his way forward. The sounds of fighting got louder and louder until they saw the group. Crouching behind a large bush, Alexander took in the scene.

Two burly men were confronting a thin, elderly man sitting atop a colorful carriage. The animal pulling the carriage was a large, majestic creature with iridescent feathers and a long, curved beak. It was unlike any animal Alexander had ever seen before.

The two men were shouting and waving their fists at the older man, demanding that he hand over his belongings. Alexander could hear the panic in the man's voice as he pleaded with the robbers to spare his goods. "Please, sirs, these goods are for my business. Without them, I'll be ruined!"

Alexander knew he couldn't stand by and watch this happen. As he approached, he put on his most friendly demeanor and greeted everyone as if they were long-lost friends. "Hey there!" he said, waving his hand in a friendly manner. "What's going on here?"

The two robbers turned their attention to Alexander, eyeing him up and down. "None of your business, stranger," one of them grunted. "We're just helping this old man part ways with his valuables."

Arcane Interface Prompt

You have learned a new language!

Common

Alexander laughed nervously, trying to defuse the situation. "Oh, I see. Well, I'm just passing through, but if you guys need any help, I'd be happy to lend a hand!"

The old man's eyes widened in fear as he looked at Alexander. But then, with a flicker of understanding, he seemed to relax. "Do I know you, son?" he asked, squinting at Alexander.

"I don't think so," Alexander replied with a smile. "But I'm happy to make your acquaintance!"

The two robbers looked at each other, confused by Alexander's sudden change in attitude. They hesitated for a moment before the more aggressive of the two stepped forward. "How about you step away before things get very ugly for you, stranger."

Alexander nodded, playing along with the robbers' plan for the moment. "Sure thing, friend. I'll just be on my way then." As he turned to walk away, he caught the old man's eye and winked, hoping to signal that he had a plan to help him out.

"He looked odd," the smaller of the two men whispered to the other, "do we really want him telling someone we're out here?"

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Good point," the aggressive one said. "Hey, you! On second thought, I think we'll just kill you and take your things too. It would only make sense."

"Now, gentlemen," Alexander said with a nervous smile and raised hands, "let's not do anything we'd all regret."

"I actually think this'll be enjoyable," the big man said with a hungry smile. "Kill him, Thork. Make it slow."

The smaller man began to make his way toward Alexander, going to pull out his sword from his scabbard, then begin his sprint. With a wide-eyed glance, Alexander pulled out his makeshift spear from his satchel just in time and jabbed at Thork. The clumsy muscular man did not have enough time to react as his speed was arrested by a 7-inch tooth entering his throat. Everything stood still as Alexander held Thork at a distance, blood spewing from the ugly-looking puncture. Dropping to the floor, Thork could only make gurgling sounds as he held his throat to stop the bleeding. His efforts were futile, though, only leaving him enough time to reach out a hand to his friend and died staring at him.

Arcane Interface Prompt

You have learned a new Skill!

Spears

Arcane Interface Prompt

You have killed: Human

Level: 4

+400 experience

"THORK!" the big man yelled with a pained cry. "You'll pay for that! He was my brother!"

"Uh, your brother tried to kill me" Alexander went to reply, but the big man already made his move. Pulling out his sword, he ran at Alexander with a speed that shouldn't be possible for his size. Giving himself only enough time to dodge, Alexander clumsily rolled to the side and gave himself some distance. The big man's attacks seemed unyielding as he followed up, Alexander only able to dodge or block with his spear. Unable to overtake the burly man with strength or fighting ability, Alexander made use of his environment. Whenever possible, he went through the rough overgrowth and used anything in his way to block the man from gaining on him. Nearing a low branch covered in leaves, Alexander passed it and grabbed a hold of it. Pulling back using his momentum to help, he let the branch go and it hit the big man in the face. With a yell and groan, the thief stopped and held his face. Before he could regain his focus and continue his chase, he looked up to see Alexander pointing a hand to his face, a victorious grin plastered on his face.

"Resonant Pebble," Alexander let out, the thief almost unable to hear. Not giving him any time to react, Alexander released the golf ball-sized rock and it struck the man in the eye. A boom followed the strike, then everything was silent, except for Alexander's ragged and panicked breath.

Arcane Interface Prompt

You have killed: Human

Level: 6

+850 experience

After a moment, he looked at his hands, almost as if in shock. "I just killed two people..." he said in a whisper. "I killed them with my own hands."

Before he could go into an existential crisis, the mouse hidden in his clothing poked its head out. "They want kill you," Aurum's small voice sounded in his head. "They bad humans."

Silently contemplating the events, Alexander also marveled at the small creature's intellect, being able to comprehend an event like this at only a month old. "You're right, buddy," Alexander said with a sad smile, "I'm glad I was able to protect you from the bad guys."

Alexander took the burly man's sword, clutched in his lifeless hand with the strength of the dead. He couldn't get himself to look at his ruined face, though. Examining the sword, a prompt appeared.

You have found:

Simple Iron Short Sword!

After collecting his thoughts, he placed the sword into his satchel and made his way back to the old man's colorful carriage.

"Oh thank the Gods and all the elements!" the man said with a cheerful expression. "I would have been a goner if it wasn't for you!"

"I'm glad I could help," Alexander replied, "but I am not happy to have killed two people."

"I understand, young man," the merchant said with a sad smile, "the flame of life is precious. However, one's deeds make that flame tainted and wrong. Those men have done worse and would have continued to, if you weren't here that is. I owe you my life, good sir. What could I call you?"

"Alexander Reyes," he replied shortly.

"A very interesting name indeed," he said stroking his long white beard. "Nevertheless, you saved my life and for that I am grateful. Galen Wainwright, at your service."

"Nice to meet you, Galen," Alexander replied, the man's cheerful attitude slightly pulling him out of his melancholy mood. "What are you doing out here by yourself?"

"Ah," Galen said, clasping his hands together. "I own a shop in a town not far from here and I often have to make trips to resupply. I take these backroads because it is usually safer, but I guess I misjudged it this time," he said with a chuckle while rubbing the back of his head. "How about you Alexander? You do not look like you are from around here, judging by your clothing."

"Yeah, you could say I'm very foreign," he replied, not trying to give too much information away.

"Where are you headed, if you don't mind me asking?" Galen said inquisitively.

"That is a great question!" Alexander said with a smile, "I have no idea. I'm actually lost and would greatly appreciate a ride into town."

"Of course sir!" Galen replied cheerily. "That is the least I can do."

Climbing onto the carriage, Alexander again marveled at the four-legged bird creature that was pulling it. Using examine, he saw a prompt appear.

Examine:

Name: Luminisaur.

Level: 4

Description: A majestic creature with iridescent feathers that provide a natural camouflage. Luminisaur are used primarily for transportation due to their strength and endurance. Their beaks are capable of crushing even the toughest of nuts and their talons are razor-sharp. Luminisaur are native to floating islands and can only survive in high-altitude environments."

Elemental Affinity: Air

"That is a beautiful creature," Alexander said, still staring at the bird.

"Thank you, sir," Galen replied, "found her alone in the woods one day. Her mother must not have made it, but tragedy turned to luck and she became my friend ever since that day."

As the two talked, Galen ushered the creature to keep moving.

"I've never seen anything like her," Alexander said. "What's her name?"

"Then you really must not be from here," Galen said, "Lumins are used as work animals throughout Nivaria. Her name is Alma, by the way."

"Nivaria?" Alexander asked, looking confused. "Is that the island we are on?"

"That is the country we are in," Galen replied looking surprised.

"Just assume I know nothing about where we are," Alexander chuckled. "I only arrived today and the circumstances are far from normal."

"Understood sir," Galen said with a smile, "I know when to ask questions and this doesn't seem like a time for too many."

"That's probably a good way to live," Alexander said, laughing.

"That was very impressive fighting, though," the merchant said, changing the subject. "I've never seen a spear like that."

"Thanks," Alexander said, "But that was me mostly running and trying to not get stabbed."

"But you have sharp instincts nonetheless," he replied. "In my prime, I could have done much the same, but that was long, long ago."

As the carriage made its way down the road, the two men continued to discuss their situation. According to Galen, Alexander was on a floating island named Morey in the country of Nivaria. They were nearing a small city known for the wood they ship all over the world and, on occasion, the few elemental stones they could find and sell.

"How rare are these elemental stones?" Alexander asked.

"Very rare," Galen exclaimed, "and very valuable! Each small stone could sell for several gold each, and they hold power!"

"Very interesting," Alexander replied, "explain the concept of these elemental stones. I am not familiar. What do they do?"

"I am surprised you do not know," he said, surprised, "but I'll oblige. Elemental stones hold elemental magic. They allow the holder to use this magic by supplying mana and a spell form for that magic to take shape. Do you know about elemental affinity?"

Alexander shook his head and gestured for Galen to continue.

"Every creature in Avendor has an elemental affinity. The vast majority have an affinity for one of the elements, and in some rare cases, even two." Alexander thought back to the two elemental affinities Zarathorn had, as well as the affinity for all elements that he wielded.

"If even two elements are rare," Alexander thought, "I should keep quiet about my ability."

"Usually the spells you can use," Galen continued, "are directly linked with the element that you have an affinity for. You seemed to have used a spell against that brute, correct? It was hard to see through the overgrowth."

"I did," Alexander said, "it's an earth spell. Resonant Pebble."

"Well, then you are very fortunate indeed to hold an earth stone, Alexander!" Galen said cheerfully. "Do you have experience fighting? You seemed to handle those two pretty well."

"That was pure luck," Alexander replied smiling and scratching the back of his head, "The only fight I've been in is punching a bully back in school."

Laughing, Galen said, "Either way, you have sharp instincts. With some training and good gear, you could definitely be a good adventurer!"

"Adventurer?" Alexander said with a confused expression, "Are those the people that fight monsters and bad guys?"

"Precisely!" Galen replied cheerfully, "You've heard of them?"

"Only in stories," Alexander said, thinking back to the shows and games that had that concept.

"I guess I could check it out," he thought holding his chin, "those guys always seem to have a lot of fun. I guess I could try and embrace another world."

"Just a few more moments," Galen interrupted his musings, "and we'll be at my shop. Perhaps I could help you with some gear!