Windfall had a straightforward but very confusing layout for new visitors, there were multiple street signs at each intersection to indicate which street they were on, but the main problem that annoyed me was each street was filled with intersections going in 4 directions.

*"Let's just find the nearest sign for now"*

After passing through multiple parts of the village, I found a signage that helped me find my destination.

*"Finally! Let's see.... Continue straight ahead to find the southern exit gate....."*

The path going to the southern exit was only a few blocks away, somehow the street was covered with different kinds of stores and businesses but there were not many people walking by.

As I passed by the stores, the products seen on the window were in perfect condition, with shining swords and potions on the front.

*"This looks like the slums, but the quality of the items in the store is alright?"*

I became more skeptical of the street, walking carefully to reduce the chances of being seen, a cold shiver was running throughout my body as I passed through the signs of the stores.

It didn't take long before I reached the large wooden gate, with two armed guards standing just beside the exit.

*"This might be it"*

"Ah, hello there, may I ask where the elves forest is?", I said while walking towards the guards holding their spears.

"Elves forest? Why do you want to go to such a strict place?" The first guard said while taking a glance at me.

"Well... I have a commission that needs me to go there.... So where is it?"

Suddenly the two guards looked at each other, their expressions making it look like I was a crazy person.

Because of the two guard's reaction, I was starting to believe the commission I took was seriously bait, but there was a faint intuition inside me that made me think this was just a regular task.

Both of the guards sighed and pointed in the same direction, "Just go straight ahead in that forest until you see a warning sign", their voices sounding like they pitied me.

"Alright, thank you! I'll be going now"

I waved at them, taking long steps after exiting the village, their voices fading away as I grew near the large forest.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Finally stepping inside the forest, I was not focusing for a moment because of the shiver from earlier until I noticed there was no sunlight going through anywhere, the forest was covered in large trees, every corner filled with darkness, only a faint light that shined straight ahead.

*"I am now starting to regret not bringing any equipment!"*

The forest was eerie, it was pure silence, and the only thing I could hear was my footsteps. The deeper I stepped into the forest, the more fog showed up, until a thick white fog was covering the whole forest.

I was scared, the only thing that kept me moving was my resolve, my pride was forcing me to continue deeper, the only thing that guided me was the faint green light in front of me.

Suddenly a rustling sound came from behind me, and my heart was beating fast as each moment the sound became louder, I slowly turned around, and the bush behind me was moving violently until a sharp claw reached out to me and tried to slash me.

*"What the!—"* The sharp claw was right in front of my eyes, the first thing that came to mind was to step backward, before stepping back, I felt an object on my heel, it was a huge pebble that made me trip.

"Woah—" I braced my back as I fell backward, before I could retaliate against the creature in front of me, the first thing I did as I got back up was to run away as far as I could.

The grizzly creature suddenly retracted its claw, bringing its arm back to the bush, before it could reveal itself, I sprinted as fast as I could towards the green light.

*"If it wasn't for the pebble, I could have gone blind the first day"*

My body was shaking, and all I could do was sprint the fastest I could, I knew deep inside I was not fit to fight any large creatures, the only logical action was to retreat.

The adrenaline was rushing inside me, I could not feel my legs yet I kept running, my lungs were at maximum capacity yet I felt like I had infinite air.

The green light grew larger as I sprinted until I reached a clearing, I felt the fatigue and exhaustion of my legs again, and I was out of breath, I crouched for a moment until I saw an eye-catching scenery.

Before my eyes was something I could not believe I would see in reality, the scenery only existed in games and drawings, but I was in front of it.

The air felt refreshing, lighter, and easier to breathe, the silence of the dark forest was gone, replaced by the chirping of small creatures around the area. The area was filled with life. Herbs and plants were growing everywhere, and a small lake was in the middle covered with critters.

The place felt like a sanctuary, with no dangerous creatures lurking around, only an ambiance that felt like it was a safe zone.

"Maybe... this isn't such a bad place after all." I walked towards the lake, kneeling and staring at the reflection on the water, before cupping my hands to take a small amount of water to drink.

I sat down by the lake, allowing myself a moment to breathe and take in the beauty around me. The sunlight scattered throughout the place, creating a view that made all my fatigue disappear. It was almost hard to believe that just moments ago, I had been running for my life.

For the first time since entering this world, I felt a sense of peace, a place where I could gather my thoughts without anything trying to kill or mock me.

"I needed this." Closing my eyes and listening to the soothing sounds of nature around me.

After a small nap, laying down on a soft patch of plants, my exhaustion was gone, and my body felt light and ready to do any physical tasks again.

*"Alright let's get back to the quest!"*

I scouted around the area, there were multiple plants and herbs near the lake, I only needed to harvest 10 plants before getting a new skill.