**Chapter 4: Into the Outer Woods**

The sky was growing darker as Elias and Aaron wrapped up their conversation. The night air was crisp, and a faint chill had settled in as they bid each other farewell.

"See you tomorrow, Elias," Aaron called over his shoulder as he headed back toward the village.

"Yeah, see you," Elias replied, watching his friend disappear into the shadows. With a deep breath, he turned and made his way back home. As he approached the farmhouse, the soft glow of candlelight flickered through the windows. The familiar warmth of home filled him with comfort, though his mind was already racing ahead to the next day's hunt.

Elias pushed open the door to find his father, Griffin, sitting at the kitchen table, a mug of steaming tea in his hands. His mother was nowhere in sight—she had likely already turned in for the night.

"Finished your training, I see," Griffin said, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet room. "Aaron come by?"

"Yeah," Elias replied, taking a seat across from his father. "We just talked for a bit. He still believes I'll awaken magic one day."

Griffin smiled faintly, though his eyes held a glimmer of something Elias couldn’t quite place—pride, perhaps, or maybe a tinge of sadness. "Aaron’s a good friend. Hold on to people like him. They’re rare."

Elias nodded, running a hand through his hair as the conversation shifted. "So, about tomorrow's hunt. You sure you're up for it?"

Griffin raised an eyebrow. "Up for it? Boy, I’ve been hunting since I was your age. Don’t think I’m slowing down just yet."

Elias chuckled. "Well, I hope you’re ready to be outdone. You know I’m better with the bow than you now."

Griffin laughed heartily at that, leaning back in his chair. "That’s true, I’ll give you that. You’ve got a steady hand, Elias. Better than I ever did at your age. Probably better than me now, too."

It was one of the few things that gave Elias a sense of pride—his skill with the bow. While he lacked the magical abilities that others in the village possessed, he had honed his archery to a fine edge. His accuracy and speed had earned him a reputation, even among the seasoned hunters.

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"Doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you," Griffin added, a teasing grin spreading across his face. "You might be better with a bow, but I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Elias smirked, the friendly rivalry between them always lifting his spirits. "We’ll see, old man."

The two sat in silence for a moment, the comfortable quiet of family settling in around them. Finally, Griffin stood up, his chair creaking as he stretched. "You should get some rest. We’ve got an early start tomorrow."

Elias nodded. "Yeah, I will. Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight, son," Griffin said, his voice softer now. He clapped Elias on the shoulder before heading off to his own room.

Elias stayed at the table for a moment longer, staring into the flickering candlelight. His mind drifted to the forest—the **Ancient Graveyard** and the hidden secrets it held. He wondered, not for the first time, if tomorrow’s hunt might be the day he finally found something—a relic, a sign, anything to awaken the magic inside him. But he pushed the thought away. He couldn’t afford to get lost in dreams, not when the morning would bring a real challenge.

With a sigh, Elias stood and made his way to his small bedroom. The bed was simple, the wooden frame creaking as he sat down and pulled the blanket over himself. His muscles still ached from the day’s training, but exhaustion finally overtook him, and he drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the hunt to come.

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### **The Next Morning**

The soft light of dawn filtered through the window as Elias awoke. The house was quiet, but the smell of fresh bread and the sounds of movement in the kitchen told him his mother was already up. He dressed quickly, pulling on his hunting gear—sturdy boots, a leather vest, and his well-worn quiver. He checked his bow, making sure the string was taut and ready.

When he stepped out of his room, Griffin was already at the table, eating a quick breakfast while Mira bustled around, preparing food for the day. She smiled warmly at Elias as he entered.

"Morning," she said, handing him a loaf of bread wrapped in cloth. "For the journey."

"Thanks, Mom," Elias said, tucking the bread into his pack.

Griffin stood up, slinging his own pack over his shoulder. "Ready?"

"As I’ll ever be," Elias replied, grabbing his bow and quiver.

Mira walked over, giving them both a kiss on the cheek. "Stay safe, both of you. And bring back something good for dinner."

Griffin smiled. "We’ll do our best."

Elias and his father stepped out into the early morning light, the cool air filling their lungs as they began their trek toward the **Ancient Graveyard**. The forest loomed ahead, its towering trees casting long shadows across the path. It was a place of mystery, but also danger, and Elias could feel a thrill of excitement creeping into his veins.

As they walked, Griffin spoke, his tone serious now. "You already know this, but it’s worth saying again. The forest is divided into three zones—outer, middle, and inner. The **outer zone** is where we’ll be today. It’s safer, with smaller game and fewer threats. You’ve hunted there before, so it’s nothing you can’t handle."

Elias nodded, familiar with the layout of the forest. "The middle zone’s where the bigger game is, right?"

"Right," Griffin confirmed. "But it’s not something you’re ready for yet. The creatures in the middle zone can be dangerous. Some are as large as horses, and others have been known to use rudimentary magic. We’ll stick to the outer zone for now."

"And the inner zone?" Elias asked, though he already knew the answer.

Griffin’s face darkened slightly. "No one goes to the inner zone. Not anymore. It’s too dangerous. The stories you hear about it—the ancient creatures, the restless spirits—they’re more than just tales. Stay away from it, Elias. Promise me."

"I promise," Elias said, though the curiosity still gnawed at him. The inner zone was a place of legend, but also a place of untold dangers. He had no intention of venturing there today, but he couldn’t help but wonder what secrets it held.

As they reached the edge of the forest, Elias felt the weight of his bow on his back, a familiar comfort. The hunt was about to begin.

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