The morning sun cast a soft glow on the cave entrance as Elyan finished his light meal. Zenith hovered nearby, his usual ethereal presence comforting in the quiet of the early day. Suddenly, Zenith spun himself around, a blur of motion. When he stopped, Elyan blinked in surprise. Zenith's long hair was now tied in a ponytail, and his outfit had transformed into something completely unfamiliar.

"Um, Zenith, what are you wearing?" Elyan asked, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion.

Zenith grinned proudly. "Ah, this on my head is a cap, and the outfit is called a tracksuit. The jacket and pants are designed for ease of movement and comfort during training."

Before Elyan could voice another question, Zenith cut him off. "Alright, let's get started. First, we'll build your basic strength. You'll do muscle training here in the cave and stamina training outside."

Elyan raised his hand, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Teacher, why do we separate strength and stamina training? Why can't I do both outside?"

Zenith's eyes twinkled with patience. "You see, Elyan, this cave is enchanted with powerful recovery magic. It's why your body healed so quickly and why everything inside the cave remains so well-preserved. When you train your muscles here, your recovery rate is ten times faster than normal. Over the next six months, I'll help you build your body and hone your bow and knife skills. During this time, I'll provide you with fruits and vegetables in the morning. For meat, you'll have to hunt it yourself. Don't worry, I'll keep the dangerous animals and monsters at bay so you can hunt safely. Any questions?"

Elyan shook his head, excitement gleaming in his eyes. "No, sir!"

And so, Elyan's training began. Each day, he followed Zenith's rigorous schedule. Inside the cave, Elyan pushed his muscles to their limits, feeling the enchantment's magic working as he trained. He performed push-ups, sit-ups, and lifted makeshift weights Zenith had fashioned from stones and wood.

Outside, under Zenith's watchful eye, Elyan ran laps around the clearing, his stamina gradually increasing. Zenith's instructions were precise, his encouragement unwavering. Elyan's determination grew with each passing day.

One morning, after an especially intense session inside the cave, Elyan stood panting, his muscles burning but recovering swiftly thanks to the cave's magic. Zenith floated nearby, a proud yet stern expression on his face.

"You're doing well, Elyan. Remember, consistency is key. The cave's magic can only aid your physical growth if you put in the effort."

"Yes, teacher," Elyan replied, wiping sweat from his brow. He had grown accustomed to the routine, the discipline bringing a sense of purpose and clarity.

During his hunts, Elyan's skills with the bow and knife improved dramatically. He learned to track animals, move silently, and strike with precision. Zenith often watched from a distance, intervening only when necessary.

As weeks turned into months, Elyan's body transformed. He became leaner, stronger, and more agile. His muscles, once small and undeveloped, now rippled with strength. His stamina was boundless, allowing him to train longer and harder each day.

Elyan only rested on the seventh day of each week, but even then, his mind was focused on his training. Despite Zenith's advice to rest during the rain, Elyan often chose to push through, performing his strength exercises inside the cave.

One particularly stormy day, as rain pounded the earth outside, Zenith found Elyan lifting stones in the dim light of the cave. "Elyan, you should rest. Overtraining can lead to injury, even with the cave's magic."

Elyan paused; determination etched on his face. "I need to keep pushing, Zenith. I can't afford to waste a single day."

Zenith sighed but smiled, admiring Elyan's spirit. "Very well, but remember, balance is important. Your body needs time to recover fully."

As the six months drew to a close, Elyan stood at the cave entrance, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He felt a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing he had given his all. Zenith floated beside him, a look of pride in his eyes.

Elyan remembered the system that had been his mysterious guide. Without wasting time, he summoned the system and checked his current stats.

SYSTEM

SYSTEM Name: Elyan #### Level: 13 Race: Human

Status: "Forsaken" (Fortune's favor eludes you)

Blessing: 813$5i^& 0f @!! Health: 100Mana: 50

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Strength: 16

Agility: 20

Intelligence: 24

Endurance: 35

Skills:

• [Keen Senses] (D)

• [Enhanced Reflexes] (C-)

• [Indomitable Spirit] (C-)

• [Knife Mastery] (C)

• [Bow Mastery] (C-)

Elyan's eyes widened in astonishment. "Woah, all of my stats have almost doubled, and my skills have improved by a rank! And I got a new skill too!" He applauded himself loudly, the echo of his voice bouncing off the cave walls.

Zenith, who had been observing the status screen carefully, hummed thoughtfully. "Hmmmm. I think you are ready to learn some magic, Elyan. Do you want to learn magic?" Zenith asked playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Elyan's heart leaped with excitement. "YES, TEACHER, PLEASE TEACH ME MAGIC!" he replied enthusiastically, his voice brimming with eagerness.

Zenith floated higher, the cave's ambient light casting a soft glow on his ethereal form. "Very well, but magic requires a calm mind and a focused spirit. We will begin with the basics and work our way up. First, let's find a suitable place outside where you can practice without any distractions."

Elyan nodded eagerly, following Zenith out of the cave and into the forest clearing where they often trained. The morning light filtered through the canopy, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground. Zenith hovered in the center of the clearing, motioning for Elyan to stand before him.

"Magic is the manipulation of the natural energies around us," Zenith began, his voice steady and calm. "It requires concentration, intention, and a deep connection with the world. Close your eyes, Elyan, and take a deep breath. Feel the energy around you."

Elyan closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to sense the energy Zenith spoke of. At first, all he felt was the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun on his skin. But as he focused more intently, he began to feel a faint, pulsing sensation, like a heartbeat, resonating through the air and earth.

"Good," Zenith said softly, noting Elyan's deepening concentration. "Now, imagine that energy flowing into you, filling you with its power. Let it become a part of you."

Elyan visualized the pulsing energy entering his body, filling him with a warm, vibrant light. It was a strange sensation, both exhilarating and calming. He felt a surge of power, unlike anything he had experienced before.

"Now, we will start with a simple spell," Zenith continued. "Focus on the energy within you and direct it to your hand. Picture a small flame forming in your palm. Feel the heat, the light, and the power of the flame."

Elyan concentrated, channeling the energy to his hand. Slowly, he began to feel a warmth in his palm, growing hotter with each passing moment. He opened his eyes just in time to see a tiny flame flicker to life in his hand. It danced and shimmered, casting a soft glow on his face.

"Excellent!" Zenith exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with pride. "You have a natural affinity for magic, Elyan. With practice, you will be able to control and amplify this power. For now, let's focus on maintaining and extinguishing the flame."

Elyan practiced diligently, creating and extinguishing the flame over and over. Each time, he felt more confident and in control. Zenith guided him patiently, offering tips and encouragement. As the days passed, Elyan's mastery over the flame grew, and Zenith introduced new, more intermediate flame spells.

Weeks turned into months, and Elyan's magical abilities flourished. He learned to create and manipulate flames better now. Each new spell added to his growing arsenal, making him more formidable and versatile. His skills had progressed quickly under Zenith's tutelage.

One evening, after an especially rigorous training session, Elyan sat by the campfire, his mind buzzing with excitement and possibilities. Zenith floated beside him, a contented look on his face.

"You've come so far, Elyan," Zenith said, his voice filled with pride. "Your hard work and dedication have paid off. Remember, magic is a tool to be used wisely."

Elyan nodded, the weight of Zenith's words settling in his mind. He thought back to the days spent honing his skills, the sweat and determination that had brought him to this moment. "I understand, Zenith. Thank you for teaching me, for believing in me. I promise to use this power for good, to make things right."

Zenith smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "I have no doubt you will, Elyan. The journey ahead will be challenging, but I know you are ready to face it. Trust in yourself and the strength you've gained."

As the fire crackled softly beside them, Zenith realised that Elyan was no longer the same boy who had stumbled into this cave months ago. He had grown stronger and wiser, his abilities now a testament to his unwavering resolve.

Zenith continued, his voice thoughtful. "Magic can shape the world around you, Elyan, but it can also shape you. Let it guide you, but never let it control you. Remember the values you've held onto, the reasons you started this journey."

Elyan's eyes met Zenith's, gratitude and determination shining in their depths. "I'll remember, Zenith. I won't lose sight of who I am or why I fight."

Elyan watched the flames dance and flicker, their light casting shifting shadows on the cave walls. The warmth of the fire seeped into his bones, a comforting contrast to the cool night air. He absently traced the edge of his knife, a tool that had become an extension of himself through months of rigorous training.

His thoughts wandered to the countless hours spent under Zenith's guidance, each lesson a step towards a stronger, more capable version of himself. He remembered the grueling muscle exercises, the precise knife drills, the patience required to perfect his bow skills. Every ache and bruise had been a testament to his dedication.

Zenith's voice echoed in his mind, a reminder of the power and responsibility that came with his newfound abilities. Elyan's hand moved to the pouch at his side, where the remnants of his last hunt lay. The smell of cooked meat and herbs still lingered in the air, a small but potent symbol of his progress.

The future stretched out before him, a vast expanse of unknowns. Yet, the fear that had once gnawed at him was now replaced by a steady resolve. He had faced hardship and emerged stronger. Whatever lay ahead, he felt prepared to confront it with determination and courage.

As the fire danced in his eyes, Elyan was reminded of the experiences he had with the adventurers. Something ignited within him, a need to make things right between him and them. With Zenith's teachings as his foundation and his own will as his guide, Elyan was ready to carve out his path forward.