Chapter 2: The Village Beyond the Trees

The rising smoke in the distance was the only lead I had. Civilization meant people, and people meant answers—hopefully. My steps were swift yet soundless as I moved through the ancient forest, my senses sharpened. The air was thick with magic, the leaves whispering secrets only I could understand.

I wasn't sure how long I had been walking, but the thick foliage soon began to thin. The towering trees gave way to open land, revealing rolling green hills and a narrow dirt path that snaked toward the source of the smoke. I stepped onto the path, my white dress fluttering as a gentle breeze swept through.

Then I heard it.

Screams.

I tensed, my golden eyes narrowing. My body moved before my mind could catch up, my feet carrying me toward the sound. The scent of burning wood filled the air, and as I crested the hill, the sight before me made my blood boil.

A village was under attack.

Wooden houses were engulfed in flames, thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Villagers ran in all directions, their terrified cries echoing across the open fields. And at the heart of the destruction—bandits.

A group of ragged men, some on horseback, others on foot, wielding crude weapons as they ransacked homes and dragged people from their shelters. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, grabbed a young elf girl by the arm, yanking her forward as she screamed for help.

I clenched my fists.

"Monsters," I muttered.

I stepped forward, my mana surging. Light pulsed beneath my skin, and as I raised my hand, golden energy flickered at my fingertips.

It was time to show them what happened when they preyed on the weak.

Unleashing Divine Judgment

The bandits were too caught up in their pillaging to notice me at first. That changed when I pointed a single finger at them.

"Holy Smite."

A golden beam of light shot from my fingertip, piercing the ground before them. The impact sent a shockwave rippling through the village, throwing several bandits off their feet.

All eyes turned to me.

I descended the hill, my golden eyes glowing as my mana flared. The bandits exchanged uncertain glances, but Scarface—the one holding the elf girl—scoffed and tightened his grip on her.

"Who the hell are you?" he sneered.

I ignored his question. "Let her go."

He smirked. "Or what? You gonna hit me with more light tricks?"

I sighed. "You're not very bright, are you?"

Before he could react, I vanished from my spot.

Reappearing in front of him in a blur, I seized his wrist, applying just enough pressure to make him release the girl. He yelped in pain, staggering back as I pushed her behind me.

"Run," I told her. She hesitated, but I gave her a reassuring nod, and she bolted toward the other villagers.

Scarface growled, rubbing his wrist. "You're dead, elf!" He raised his sword and swung at me.

I caught the blade with two fingers.

His eyes widened in disbelief. I applied a fraction of my strength, and the steel snapped like a twig.

Panic spread through the remaining bandits. "S-She's a monster!" one of them stammered.

I smiled. "Not a monster. Just someone you shouldn't have messed with."

With a flick of my wrist, roots erupted from the ground, ensnaring their legs. Some screamed as the vines tightened, lifting them into the air. The horses neighed in terror, bucking their riders off before galloping away.

Scarface struggled against the vines, his face turning red. "Wait! Please, we surrender!"

I tilted my head. "Now you beg?"

I turned my gaze to the villagers, who were watching with wide eyes. "What do you want done with them?"

An elderly elf stepped forward, his expression grim. "We have no need for their kind."

I nodded. With a final wave of my hand, the vines constricted—then crushed. The bandits' screams were cut short.

Silence followed.

The villagers looked at me with a mixture of awe and fear. I sighed, shaking off the blood from my hands. "I need answers. Who runs this land?"

The elder cleared his throat. "This is the Kingdom of Eldoria. We are a small village on its outskirts."

Eldoria. The name didn't ring a bell. Then again, I wasn't from this world.

I glanced at the ruined houses and the shaken villagers. "Your people need help. I can restore what was lost."

The elder's eyes widened. "Truly?"

I nodded and raised my hands. Light and nature magic intertwined, weaving through the air in golden-green threads. The broken houses repaired themselves, the flames extinguishing as if they had never existed. Wounds healed, and the once-destroyed village was restored.

Gasps of wonder filled the air.

"A miracle..." someone whispered.

I turned back to the elder. "I need more information about Eldoria and its rulers."

He bowed deeply. "Then, please, stay with us for the night. We owe you our lives."

A Temporary Refuge

The village elder, whose name was Orlen, led me to his home—a modest but well-kept wooden house near the village center.

I sat at a wooden table, sipping herbal tea as he spoke.

"Eldoria is ruled by King Alden, an SSS-Rank warrior," Orlen explained. "He is a fair king, but the nobles... not so much. They tax us heavily and provide little protection. Bandits like these are becoming more common."

I frowned. "And the elven kingdom?"

Orlen's face darkened. "The Elven Kingdom of Sylwen lies deep within the Silverwood Forest. Queen Elara rules there. She is the most powerful elf to exist."

Queen Elara. My mother.

I kept my expression neutral. "Has she ever visited these lands?"

Orlen shook his head. "Not in decades."

A strange feeling settled in my chest. My mother was alive, ruling a kingdom of elves, yet she had never sought me out. Why?

I pushed the thought aside.

"Thank you, Orlen. I'll be leaving in the morning."

His face fell. "Must you go so soon?"

I nodded. "I have a long journey ahead of me."

And I had a kingdom to find.

The Journey Continues

The next morning, I stood at the village entrance, my white and gold attire pristine once more. The villagers gathered to bid me farewell, their expressions filled with gratitude.

Orlen approached, pressing a small satchel into my hands. "Dried fruits and herbs for the road."

I gave him a rare smile. "Thank you."

With that, I turned and walked toward the horizon.

I had a world to explore—and a mother to find.

To be continued…