Aelric awoke with a start, the cold, damp ground of the forest pressing against his back. His body ached from the previous day’s exertions, and the Seer’s final moments replayed in his mind, a haunting echo that refused to fade. The morning light filtered through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow that Aelric could sense but not see. He relied on his mana sense to navigate the world, feeling the energy pulses that surrounded him.

Grief gnawed at him, a constant reminder of the mentor he had lost. The Seer had been more than a teacher; he had been a father figure, guiding Aelric through the darkness of his blindness and into the light of mana. Now, that guiding light was gone, and Aelric felt adrift, his emotions a turbulent sea of sorrow, confusion, and anger.

As he stood, the weight of the Seer’s staff in his hand felt heavier than ever. The amulet around his neck pulsed faintly with mana, a comforting yet painful reminder of the man who had given it to him. Aelric knew he couldn't stay here. The knights who had attacked would return, and he needed to find answers.

He began to walk, his steps slow and deliberate. His mana sense guided him through the forest, the energy of the trees and animals creating a map in his mind. The forest was alive with the hum of mana, but beneath it, Aelric could sense a disturbance, a tension that mirrored his own.

Hours passed as he navigated the dense underbrush, his focus unwavering. The sun climbed higher in the sky, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold emptiness he felt inside. He came across a small stream, the sound of water flowing over rocks a soothing presence in the midst of his turmoil. Kneeling down, Aelric cupped his hands to drink, the cool water refreshing his parched throat.

As he drank, his mana sense detected a faint trace of energy nearby. Focusing, he felt the presence of several individuals. They were not close, but they were not far either, their mana signatures were faint but distinct. Aelric's heart quickened. He couldn't tell who or what they were, but he needed to find out.

He moved cautiously, his senses alert. As he got closer, the mana signatures became clearer and more defined. They were human, and there were at least three of them. Aelric’s blood began to boil. Were these the knights who had attacked the Seer? The thought of facing them filled him with a mix of fear and fury.

Aelric crouched behind a thick tree, his mana sense mapping out the camp ahead. He could feel the flicker of a campfire, the warmth and light emanating from it. The knights were talking, their voices low and tense. Aelric strained to hear their words.

“We need to find the boy,” one of the knights said, his voice hard. “The Seer’s death is useless if we don’t get what we came for.”

Aelric’s heart pounded in his chest. They were looking for him. He unsheathed his sword, the blade feeling cold and heavy in his hand. The staff was precious, a symbol of his bond with the Seer, and he couldn't risk breaking it in battle. The sword would be his weapon now.

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He moved closer, his footsteps silent on the forest floor. The knights' camp came into view, three men sitting around a fire, their armor glinting in the light. Aelric felt a surge of anger. These were the men who had destroyed his world, who had taken the Seer from him.

Drawing a deep breath, Aelric stepped into the clearing. “You’re looking for me,” he said, his voice steady despite the rage simmering beneath the surface.

The knights jumped to their feet, hands going to their weapons. “It’s him!” one of them shouted.

Aelric moved quickly, his sword cutting through the air. The first knight barely had time to draw his weapon before Aelric's blade sliced through his armor. He fell to the ground, clutching his wound, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.

The second knight lunged at Aelric, his sword aimed at Aelric’s heart. Aelric sidestepped, using his mana sense to guide his movements. He parried the knight’s attack, their swords clashing with a metallic ring. Aelric pushed forward, his anger fueling his strength. His blade found its mark, and the second knight crumpled to the ground, blood staining the earth.

The third knight hesitated, fear flickering in his eyes. “Please,” he begged, dropping his sword and falling to his knees. “I... I didn’t want to be part of this. I was just following orders.”

Aelric’s sword hovered over the knight’s throat, his breath coming in heavy, angry bursts. “You killed him,” he said, his voice low and trembling with emotion. “You killed the Seer.”

The knight’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I... I didn’t know. Please, spare me.”

Aelric’s grip tightened on his sword. He could see the knight’s fear, his desperation. The man was trembling, his breaths quick and shallow. In that moment, Aelric saw not just an enemy, but a man, a human being who was afraid and pleading for his life.

“Go,” Aelric said finally, lowering his sword. “Leave, and don’t ever let me see you again.”

The knight scrambled to his feet, his relief palpable. “Thank you,” he stammered, backing away. “Thank you.”

Aelric watched him go, a mix of emotions churning inside him—the thrill of battle, the satisfaction of revenge, but also a deep, aching sorrow. The Seer’s words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the path he had to walk.

He looked down at the fallen knights, their lifeless bodies a stark reminder of the cost of his vengeance. He knew he couldn’t stay here. The knights would send more, and he needed to keep moving, to stay ahead of them.

With a heavy heart, Aelric sheathed his sword and turned away from the camp. The forest around him seemed to close in, the shadows growing longer as night fell. He had taken his first step on a path of vengeance, but it was also a path of discovery, of finding out who he was and what he was capable of.

As he walked, the memories of the Seer and the life they had shared filled his mind. The Seer had believed in him, had seen something in him worth protecting. Aelric was determined to live up to that belief, to find his strength in the midst of his sorrow.

The forest was quiet now, the only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Aelric’s steps were sure and steady, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. He would not let the Seer’s death be in vain. He would uncover the truth, find those responsible, and make them pay.

But for now, he needed to rest, to gather his strength for the journey ahead. The path was long and fraught with danger, but Aelric was ready. He had the Seer’s staff, the amulet, and the strength of his own will to guide him.

As he found a secluded spot to rest, Aelric closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the forest wash over him. He was not alone. The Seer’s spirit was with him, a constant reminder of the path he had chosen.

And in the darkness, Aelric found a small measure of peace, knowing that he was not just fighting for himself, but for the memory of the man who had given him a second chance at life.