Household chores, exploring one's abilities, conversations with the Domovoy, contemplating the acquired information – a few days flew by unnoticed. Thanks to Atzhas for providing food. At least I didn't have to worry about that.

Surprisingly, I found an axe in the tower. It was quite old and lightweight. I had to craft a new handle for it because the old one fell apart after a couple of dozen strikes. But the tool made my household chores easier. I cautiously wandered around the area, gathering branches, chopping dry trees, and replenishing the firewood supply. Atzhas assured me that he could protect me within the ruins' territory from almost any danger. I tried not to stray too far from the ruins, so that I could quickly return in case of any trouble.

During my usual stroll, I got carried away and ventured deeper into the forest than intended. When I was making my way back, I stumbled upon a strange place. Some of the numerous clusters of hazelnut bushes seemed suspicious to me. I noticed that most of the hovering kvits avoided those thickets. I couldn't see any immediate danger, so I decided to observe. Soon enough, I confirmed my suspicions. Naturally, my curiosity urged me to investigate the anomaly, but I was afraid to venture into the unfamiliar territory. I returned to the ruins and asked the experienced Domovoy what it could possibly be.

"It could be something related to metal. Maybe there's an ore vein near the surface," Atzhas shrugged indifferently. "Or it could just be some random trinket. Silly kvits have a dislike for iron."

"Grandpa," I increasingly called him that, immersing myself in the role of a naive teenager. "But why?"

"Why don't they like iron? Look at how many of them are flying around," he pointed to the nearest flock of small spirits. "Go and ask them yourself.

"Oh, please!" I pleaded. "It's very intriguing. "

"How would I know? I haven't been a kvit for a long time, I don't remember," the old man shrugged. "They just don't like it, that's all. Well, not all of them. There are others who quite enjoy it. They swoop in and devour it. Or rather, they absorb the structure of the iron. They latch onto a sword or a plow, and before you know it, the object crumbles into dust. It's not noticeable at first, but it's unstoppable, like a curse. First, small rust spots appear, and then it's too late to save the object. For humans, it's fortunate that there are few of those harmful spirits left. The shamans cleansed the world long ago."

I returned to the mysterious place and cautiously began to investigate what was there. I scratched my face and collected all the cobwebs, but I discovered the reason behind the spirits' enigmatic behavior. Hidden in the dense bushes, there lay a real sword. I was overjoyed. A genuine weapon! Heavy! It measured about eighty centimeters in length. The worn leather handle hinted that the weapon had been used frequently. The sword didn't look old; it was well-maintained. Surely, it must be an expensive item! How did it end up here?

I quickly came to the conclusion that the weapon was not meant for me. I nearly cut off my own ear a few times with the sharp blade while attempting to mimic a strike. The sword was forged for hands more skilled than mine, and I lacked the necessary expertise. In fact, I had none at all. This was the first time, in my two lifetimes, that I held a real sword. It was a rather disheartening realization, considering where I found myself.

I stood there with the sword in my hand, pretending to be a true warrior.

I sensed the appearance of Leshy. Just like before, he emerged from behind the trees, standing before me and staring with his terrifying eyes. I was almost tempted to run as fast as I could towards the ruins, but then I thought it would be futile.

"Greetings, Grandfather Leshy." I bowed. I was obliged to show respect to such a powerful being. I planted my finding in the ground and lost interest in the weapon. "Forgive me if I offended you during our last encounter. Do not hold ill will against a foolish child. "

"Grandson... " His voice creaked like trees in strong gusts of wind. I could hear mocking undertones.

"My name is Evan. How can I be of service to the mighty master of the forest? "

"Call me Leshy, I am accustomed to it. It's been a long time since I've seen shamans. Has the bag of dust been chattering a lot?! Let it speak. It can be useful now. " The loa fell silent, piercing me with its terrifying eyes. I didn't immediately realize that he was calling Atzhas a dust bag. " We can be useful to each other, but it is too early to talk about it. This is a bad place."

I arched my right eyebrow and tilted my head slightly, studying the loa attentively. My palms were sweaty, I could feel the presence of a mighty ancient force taking on this peculiar form before me.

"I have come to meet you and explain myself. It so happened with the boy, he was brought as a gift by the villagers. He willingly gave away the most precious thing, and I will honor the agreement with the people. His family will be spared from sorrow for ten years and will enjoy the gifts of the forest."

I thought quickly. Wherever Evan may be, I wouldn't be of any help to him. I felt sorry for the boy, but what would change if I were to... What? Get offended? Start a feud with the mighty master of the forest? What could I possibly oppose to him? I would simply vanish in this wilderness, following the child. Who would feel better if my bones were left lying here?

"That's certainly good, but... " I carefully, choosing my words, expressed my doubts. "Since Evan happens to be the one who got hurt the most. It's only fair that you compensate this body for the trouble it's caused."

"What do you want? " Leshy smiled ironically; he was well aware of my desires.

"Information and assistance. " I said quickly, hoping that my modesty would be rewarded. Could I ask for more? I wasn't sure, but it was better to get something than nothing.

"Deal." Leshy readily agreed. " Listen. Firstly, a shaman's personal power cannot activate the spells of wizards. You already know that. But a shaman can improve his own body. Fill your muscles with energy and you will see the results. Practice with caution. Second, Rangers will be coming to the ruins tomorrow, so be prepared. Thirdly, a loa will be here soon. Talk to him and make a pact. "

"Thank you, Grandfather," I bowed once again to the forest loa. "I'm glad to be friends with you and collaborate."

"It's good that a strong shaman has come into this world. We will see each other soon; there is an important matter we need to discuss," the Leshy stepped behind a tree trunk and disappeared. I could no longer sense him.

"Goodbye, Master of the Forest," I murmured pensively.

The Leshy left a strong impression, as if I had touched something ancient and immeasurably wise. I felt like a speck of dust - an unpleasant sensation. Underestimating the Forest Spirit is deadly dangerous. Can I even appreciate it? Can I understand this creature?

As I walked back to the ruins, I searched the archive in my mind. I remembered everything I knew about the Leshy. All the legends, tales, epics, all the folklore, even the cheesy horror films. I found myself agreeing with the folkloric depiction. The description of the Leshy in my world matches what I have seen and the characterisation I am willing to give it. The Leshy is neither good nor bad. Crafty? Neutral? He is consistent and wise. Honest? Can I say that about him?

"But he deceived me. The Leshy could have given me all that information without my asking. That's why he came." I murmured to myself. " A human never... How long have I lived? And how long has he existed?"

I stood frozen, struck by the contrast between my thoughts about the Leshy and the sensations I experienced from it. How is this possible? How can it be explained? After some contemplation, I found it fitting to compare it to a beast. I imagined a cute panda. What could be dangerous about it? Yet, behind the adorable appearance and lazy demeanor lies a true bear. Is it necessary to mention how dangerous these animals can be? My comparison may be somewhat foggy, but it holds true.

"Alright..." I waved my hand, dismissing the unsettling obsession. "On the other hand, that's exactly what I asked for. Just remember who i'm dealing with."

I entered the tower and leaned my sword against the wall by the fireplace before leaving the ancient ruins once again. I headed towards the familiar meadow by the river. Upon reaching the spot, I selected a few stones. The largest one was firmly rooted in the ground, impossible for me to lift. I could barely lift the slightly smaller stone. The third stone I could only raise up to my chest, lifting it above my head was beyond my strength.

I ran back and forth across the meadow several times, mentally counting the seconds. It turned out that I could cross the meadow in three or four seconds. I couldn't come up with a more precise way to measure time.

I sat in the middle of the meadow and closed my eyes. How to fuel the muscles with energy? I had never done anything like this before. I touched the energy in my solar plexus and it responded easily. A warm stream habitually flowed into my palms. It was sensed somewhere within, as if running through some peculiar veins. That may be the case. The energy was flowing in another body, a non-physical body. I focused and tried to imagine the energy spreading throughout, filling my muscles. It didn't happen immediately, but I felt that I was doing everything right. I felt lightness. Confidence and strength overflowed within my body. A wave of euphoria washed over me. I struggled to resist the urge to jump up and run. I needed to acclimate to this state. I regained my breath and slowly stood up. I began to make fluid movements with my arms and legs, gradually adapting to the peculiar sensations. I slowly increased the pace. I reveled in the lightness and precision of my movements.

I started the tests. I lifted the small stone above my head. I felt that I could do more. I managed to lift the second stone up to my chest. The largest stone, I raised to my knees. I was very satisfied with the result. Not long ago, I couldn't even lift it off the ground. I had undoubtedly become stronger. To what extent? It's hard for me to answer that question. I would cautiously estimate around thirty or forty percent. These are just sensations; precise measurements cannot be taken under these conditions. To say that I became extraordinary would be a lie, but to complain would be criminal. If I think about it, a significant increase in strength could have caused me harm. How ready is my body for a sudden big leap? I don't think my joints and ligaments would appreciate it if they were injured. I need to develop my body. Perhaps when I am ready, the results will show. But even now, I am satisfied. My speed has also increased; I crossed the meadow faster. I felt it, but measuring it precisely was difficult.

The limitations of spiritual amplification quickly became apparent. The process was quite lengthy. I managed to handle it within a few minutes, but I felt that I could further develop the ability. It was also impossible to constantly carry spiritual amplification. I would quickly begin to feel discomfort, followed by pain. For a while, I could endure it, but the pain gradually intensified. I was afraid to test the limits of my body. I gave up after three minutes. I hope that training will help increase the duration of using this skill.

Exploration is a fascinating pursuit. I became so engrossed that I didn't notice the appearance of an outsider. Only a polite cough made me turn around. I looked in the direction of the sound and saw the face of a rabbit peering out from a thicket. It beckoned me with a playful wave of its paw and vanished into the dense greenery. I obediently followed the strange animal.

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Beyond the thicket, he awaited me. What can I say? He was incredibly peculiar. I immediately realized that the loa Leshy had spoken of had come to me. It could be no one else. The Interesting creature waited as I approached. The rabbit leaned against the tree trunk, crossing its paws over its chest. It had a straw in its mouth, which it chewed on. I had never heard of such spirits before. The upper part of the loa's torso belonged to the rabbit, while the lower part resembled a goat. Was this a satyr of the rabbit folk? Meter-high antennas towered over his head. If the ears, which stood upright, were lowered, their tips would reach the creature's waist. The loa stood taller than me, and that's not even considering the ears. As I approached the loa, my gaze rose higher and higher. I found myself looking at the gray tips of its enormous ears.

"It's indecent to scrutinize someone's body parts so intently, even if they stand out," the rabbit spat out the straw at my feet. His smile was incredibly peculiar. I felt a sense of unease as I imagined what those teeth could do. "My name is Uzay."

"Yes, yes... I'm sorry." I nervously scratched the back of my head. "I'm Evan."

"Shaman... You're very young." he remarked.

"I..."

"I don't care." the loa interrupted me. "Do you know about contracts?"

"Yes." I could nod in response.

"Alright. I can offer you an improvement in your physical condition... How can I explain this? You will become more skilled in utilizing your physical body. Your body will instinctively know how to move in different situations in the most optimal way. Don't be afraid," the rabbit raised its paw, halting my numerous questions. "You won't lose control over your body. It's like the acquired skills of an experienced warrior. A warrior doesn't think, 'I will engage these muscles now, and these ones later, then I'll jump and deliver a kick while rolling to the right.' The warrior's body knows when and how to apply the skill; it all happens naturally. But behind that lies years of training. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of surviving in an inhospitable forest environment."

"If I get that kind of boost instantly, will my body be able to withstand it? Won't ligaments tear and bones break?" I voiced my concerns.

"That's a good question, shaman. Don't worry, the enhancement won't be that significant. I will grant you a fraction of strength that will allow you to be slightly better than others. Your body will acquire the ability to utilize its resources more efficiently. The development of your physical and combat skills will be accelerated. If you don't halt your progress, you may eventually surpass the commonly accepted limits of the human body's capabilities. In other words, I will bestow upon you the talent for the art of warfare. But does talent alone make someone exceptional? No! Talent merely eases the path slightly. It is the combination of ambition and perseverance that makes people extraordinary. If a person is lazy, nothing will help them. "

"I like the offer, but what is the price? "

"Sacrifice. Once a month, you will dedicate a sentient being to me. "

"If I refuse to do so and skip it, will the skills disappear? "

"You will lose the spark. Everything you have acquired will remain with you, but there may be a slight regression in your abilities. "

"I accept your offer. What do I need to do? " I pushed away thoughts of the people I had just condemned to a terrible fate. First, I will find my way out of the forest, and then I will figure things out. In any case, I can choose not to kill the sacrifice, and the contract will be severed. That's how it works, right?

"Kill someone and inscribe my runic name on their fresh body. Have you ever killed before? " The rabbit narrowed its eyes, studying me intently. Just as I was about to answer, the loa waved its paw. " It doesn't matter, human. It will happen regardless. The laws of life are harsh. "

"How? "

"It's simple. " The loa didn't need any clarifications; it read me like an open book. A complex runic glyph flashed before my face. Curves, dots, and lines intertwined, forming a beautiful pattern. Another glyph appeared next to it, but smaller. " If you need me, add this symbol, and I will come. If I can. There are loas that possess their own territories and can move within them instantly or very quickly, like the Forest Spirit. I don't have such abilities. I will receive your call and make my way to you. Shaman, do not summon me unless absolutely necessary. "

"Understood. " I nodded. " Can I receive the power in advance? I need to find my way out of the forest, and it's not beneficial for either of us if I perish. "

Uzay pretended to contemplate. I was almost certain that he had long prepared his decision and was merely playing a role.

"It is possible, but for an additional fee. And it must be paid in any case! " the rabbit said, staring intensely into my eyes.

Do I have a choice? I'm not sure.

"Well. " I nodded again, realizing that I was diving into a deep hole.

"Two sacrifices by the next full moon. " Uzay said it as if driving a nail into the lid of my coffin. He waited.

"I agree." I finally squeezed out.

The loa continued to silently pierce me with its strange eyes. Then it nodded to its own thoughts and smoothly moved its paw between us. A symbol ignited in the air. I didn't have time to examine it as the symbol immediately dissipated.

"Live long, Evan. Don't disappoint us. I don't want to come after you."

The hare turned around and disappeared into the thickets, as if it had never been at all.

I stood there, desperately trying to fend off thoughts of the near future, but they kept returning, unsettling me. On what had I so easily put my signature to? Now there was no turning back. It was so simple! A movement of the limb and... What? I'll have to spill blood. Now I will be obliged to take the lives of others. No! I will have to take their souls!

What if shamans had several such contracts with loa in the past? What if there were many shamans in the world? What kind of bloody harvest did the shamans reap every moon? Are we monsters in human form? Perhaps this was the final straw that broke the patience of the mages. Shamans weren't a threat to the mages; they were a threat to all people.

From the whirlwind of unpleasant thoughts, a common insect forced me to emerge. A little beetle flew about its business past my face. In the past, I wouldn't have noticed the fleeting black dot passing by my face. Everything has changed now. I saw the beetle, its fluttering wings, its tucked legs, its antennae and eyes. It flew past, and I saw all of it clearly. I'm confident that I could easily catch this insect. The world around me became slow. The world became calm, serene. The forest around me became comprehensible.

Soon, I began to get used to it, to adapt. I enjoyed it. Everything was living its ordinary life, but I could react faster. Now, audacious little bugs hardly collided with my face anymore. I stopped getting caught in spiderwebs every five minutes. I could see everything. Walking through the forest became comfortable, and I stopped making unnecessary sounds. I saw every pebble, twig, and pinecone ready to crack, break, and give me away. Knowledge about the forest opened up to me. Now, I simply knew where I could step without leaving a trace, and where stepping on that moss would preserve my tracks for a long time. I gained knowledge on how to navigate any forested terrain in a way that no tracker would find a hint of my presence.

I started feeling which direction the wind was blowing from. Now I know how to use it to my advantage. I will be able to sneak up and grab the rabbit by its ears. The animal sits behind the bush, unaware of my presence. The rabbit attentively watches its surroundings, but it won't help him. I know how to blend into the forest, I can become a part of it. Incredible sensations!

Suddenly, I discovered numerous tracks around me. Animals had been living in these areas, walking, hunting, easily eluding me in the past. I was blind, unaware of how many of them inhabited this place. There, in the grass, was an animal trail. Next to it, a fox paw print preserved in green moss. Ten meters ahead, a tuft of fur was stuck in a tree bark. A bear had squeezed through the closely growing pines not long ago. A bit further, a large footprint next to a broken branch. A dangerous predator roamed the vicinity, and I had no idea of its presence. It was as if I regained my sight anew. In an instant, a new world opened up to me, and I became a part of the forest.

I roamed the vicinity until late evening, uncovering new facets of knowledge. I solidified the skills bestowed upon me by the loa. I felt a sense of happiness when I sneaked up to the rabbit and touched its tail. How did the animal not have a heart attack? I reveled in these new sensations. Yet, my thoughts always returned to the terrible price I must pay for these abilities. It's just knowledge of the forest. There's still a spark of talent. I just can't measure it! It all just appeared, without any labor. A moment and you can. How much does it cost? What is a person willing to give for such skills and knowledge? What is someone willing to sacrifice for instant power? In reality, the answer is obvious to the vast majority of people. And everyone knows it. Two strangers' souls, so what? I don't sacrifice anything important to myself. I sacrifice others. I sacrifice strangers! A person is willing to kill an immeasurable number of their own kind for an ephemeral idea. There are plenty of examples in the history of my world, and I'm sure there are here as well. But what about such skills and abilities? What is the cost of such incredible magic? One stranger's soul once a month? Many would simply dismiss it as a ridiculous price. It's practically free! That's what ninety-nine percent of people would decide. In reality, the price is terrifying. Shamans... Is that why they destroyed us? They even tried to erase the memory of us!

In the evening, I sat by the fire with a mug of hot infusion. The Domovoy appeared next to me, looking uncertain. Then, he sat on the floor and reached out towards the fire. He let out a deep sigh and began to speak.

"I served Archmage Novus against my will. The ritual made me his slave, but that's beside the point. So, in this tower, experiments were conducted with some artifact. Don't ask, I don't know. Novus spent a lot of time here. I took care of the household and security. One day, a powerful source awakened in the laboratory. I'm sure it was the Archmage's doing. It shone like a golden coin. On that same day, Novus gathered his things and left. He said he would return soon, but he never did. I never saw him again or heard anything about him. The source is strange. The mages can't sense it, but it's very attractive to the loa. My war began. I defended this place, I defended the source. I couldn't do otherwise. For many years, battles raged here. I was on my territory and strong enough to prevail. Gradually, the attempts ceased. Perhaps the loa realized they couldn't defeat me. But the forest filth didn't forget. From time to time, it reminds me of its presence. The Leshy devises cunning ways, trying to overcome me. And your presence is his latest attempt. "

"Where is the laboratory? "

"It is still here. "

"Why don't I feel anything? "

"It's not important, Evan. You don't need to know unnecessary details." Atzhas sighed heavily. "The Leshy tried to use you, but he failed. He won't stop. The Leshy will come up with something; he won't let you go so easily. Your presence has changed everything, Evan. You can't trust him! If the Leshy absorbs the source, he will have enough power to transformations. The stakes are too high! I beg you, don't let that happen."

"Hm... And what about me... "

"You don't understand." the Domovoy said wearily. "The transcendence of the loa to another horizon is terrifying. It is a frenzy of energies of the highest order! This world will be distorted! Turned inside out. It is truly horrible. We cannot allow this."

I remained silent, attentively observing the Domovoy.

"I'm not asking for much." Atzhas continued. "You need to reach the capital of the empire. Deliver this information to the head of the council. The mages will figure out what to do. I understand that you're just a child. I understand that I'm placing the responsibility for the future of the entire world on a young boy, but I have no other choice. Understand! The Leshy will disfigure this beautiful world. Our only hope is in you! Evan, only you can save us all!"

"Us? "

"The loa are also part of the world, just like humans. And we, and you... Everyone will suffer. Everything will be distorted if it happens!" I saw a storm of emotions in the Domovoy.

Atzhas said and disappeared, without giving me a chance to ask anything. The story keeps getting more and more intriguing, and I haven't even started to leave this wilderness. How much truth is there in this story? The Domovoy showed a lot of emotions. Is Loa so concerned about this world? Why not? If it affects them too, then it's only natural.

"Think, Evan. The Archmage disappears in the forest." I murmured and took a sip from the cup. "Let's suppose..."

I shuted my mouth. I need to burn away old habits with tempered iron. There are too many ears around to think out loud safely. The Archmage disappeared in the forest, and only the loa know about the source – that makes sense. The loa gradually lost interest in him too. It's strange, but plausible. Only the Leshy remains, relentless in his attempts. Do I believe the Domovoy? No. What is the truth in this story? I don't know. Where is the end to pull on and unravel the tangle of secrets? I don't see it yet. The Leshy will appear and try to persuade me into something. The loa hinted at it during our last encounter. So I will listen to the other side of the conflict. Perhaps new information will emerge, and I can draw some conclusions, however small they may be.

What is this source? Could it be useful to me? I know nothing about it. The Domovoy said that he is a slave. He is obligated to protect the tower. He has been doing it for a long time. The Domovoy is obligated to protect everything that is here. So, if I show too much interest, the Domovoy will protect the source with all his might. That's understandable.

Atzhas definitely takes me for a fool. I must go to the mages and declare that I know many of their secrets. From where?Who are you? What can you do? What if I looked at you more closely? What an interesting boy! No! I'm not going to the magicians. They'll solve the problem just like the last one. It doesn't take much thought and it's reliably. No shaman, no problem.

People are coming here tomorrow. Tomorrow promises to be very interesting.

"As if other days were boring. " I smirked.

I need to carefully consider my meeting with the rangers tomorrow. Who am I? I'm a peasant child who has spent my entire short life near the forest. Strong and resilient for my age - that's normal. The main thing is not to overdo it. What can I do? I know the forest. I might have some tracking skills. I can demonstrate them if needed. Otherwise, just a typical village boy, nothing complicated.

How should I behave? I'll portray myself as a sturdy peasant teenager, reasonably clever. I can't pretend to be a foolish oaf. I should try to speak in short, simple sentences. Listen more, talk less! Avoid taking initiative myself. It seems simple, but it's challenging not to make any mistakes.