When the beast finally reached him, Alex heard a deafening boom and his vision was wiped away clean.

  He blinked. His vision slowly starting to return just as his brain began to catch back up. For the third time in as many days, Alex was certain he was about to die. Instead, he found himself still standing in the same spot, looking down at the beast which lay on the ground at his feet.

  Its torso was split open with smoke rising from its wounds. It looked like it was struck by lightning, which would have explained the sudden flash and booming noise from just a few seconds earlier. Still, the thing was definitely dead.

  Behind the beast’s corpse was another figure. It was hard to see the details as Alex’s vision was still blurry, but he thought he saw the figure reach into the animal’s smoking torso and pull out some kind of object.

  Alex shook his head in an attempt to clear his mind. He must have been seeing things. He blinked a few more times until his eyes finally came back into focus and allowed him to see the figure in front of him.

  It was a man, from what Alex could guess. He had masculine features such as strong broad shoulders, and calloused hands. However, his face held feminine grace, high cheekbones, slightly slanted eyes, and...

  Holy shit, Alex guffawed at the person in front of him. Pointy ears, he has pointy ears. It's a god damn, true blue, in the flesh, Elf!

  Sure enough, Alex was in no doubt this person was an elf. He didn't know if there were different kinds, and as such which sort this particular elf belonged to, but that was all just superfluous details.

  From his face, Alex’s vision was immediately pulled to the pendant the man wore around his neck. A gem was subtly glowing at its center and Alex could just barely notice sparks of electricity dancing off the gem and into the man’s body. Was he the one who killed this thing then? Just how strong is this guy?

  The elf had his hands raised, palms out in front of him in what must have been the multiversal sign of, "I mean no harm".

  Alex could see a bow and quiver slung along his back, but his hands were indeed empty. Further inspection revealed a weapon hilt at the man's belt. Not to mention the armor he so obviously wore. It was some kind of leather, but embroidered and fashioned to look like leaves and blended with the forest around him. Bracers, greaves, boots, and pants—all were made the same way, making his outline somewhat indistinct. If Alex unfocused his eyes, he was certain the elf would simply merge with the background beyond.

  If he really killed that thing with a god damn lightning spell like I think he did, I don’t think those weapons are even necessary for this guy, Alex realized. If he wanted me dead, that could have been more than easy to accomplish with his spell, along with that Tiger-leopard. He isn't here to fight or steal from me then. So what does he want?

  "Um, hello?" Alex lowered his spear. It had only been a second or two since Alex spun to see the beast and the subsequent action, but he was already feeling a bit rude. Even if he was the one who had been snuck up on by a monster and attacked, this guy saved his life so he shouldn’t be pointing weapons at him. "Sorry about that. I didn't know you were here... obviously."

  The elf lowered his hands and cocked his head slightly to the side. He looked Alex up and down. A gleeful sparkle appeared in the elf's eyes for a moment before he burst into laughter and running a hand through his long, dark hair. The guy was laughing at Alex, but why? He probably looked funny with his uniform and shoddy gear in the middle of this forest, but still.

  "Est I'ulare ni carliurs av' turin?" The elf's laugh died down and he began to speak through a mild chuckling instead.

  Alex frowned and his shoulder dropped. Of course he wouldn't be able to understand this elf's language. This wasn't his world, his home, all the languages were different now. He hadn't thought about that, but he should have realized it a long time ago.

  "Te av' selunairy," The Elf spoke again, its language musical and airy.

  Before Alex could formulate a response, the Elf put a hand into its pocket and pulled out an object. He held it out to Alex with the same mirthful smile.

  Alex could see it was a ring. A simple one, woven of vines of some kind that Alex did not recognize. It appeared unremarkable, yet Alex hesitated. He had read too many fantasy books about Elves and Fae, of magic and rings, to simply take one from this unknown passerby.

  He shook his head, managing a strained smile for the elf.

  The elf rolled his eyes and extended the ring further. "Mirous'te av' selunairy."

  "Uh..." Alex's gaze shifted back and forth between the ring and the elf before he tentatively raised his hand. He paused again, prompting a chuckle from the elf, who pushed his hand closer to Alex.

  Alex accepted the ring. It was light, weightless in his hand, almost ethereal and Alex could feel it was surprisingly soft under his touch. He examined it closely, looking for any unknown inscriptions or unfamiliar writings on its surface and finding nothing.

  The elf mimicked the action of putting on the ring and nodded to him.

  "Put it on?" Alex held it up and the elf nodded again.

  With a shrug, Alex slipped the ring on one of his fingers. Nothing happened.

  "Well, that's anti-climactic," Alex mumbled, looking down at the object on his right index finger.

  "Were you expecting to sprout wings or something?"

  Alex's gaze snapped up in astonishment. The elf had just spoken, and he had understood every word.

  "I- I understood you."

  "Yes, that's the purpose of the ring," The elf said with a smile, gesturing to the grass beside him. "Come, sit down. I gather you're not from around here. Let me assist you as much as I can, alright?"

  The elf strolled toward a tree and settled down on the grass.

  Alex fidgeted with the ring on his finger, eyeing the elf before him with apprehension. He was clueless about the situation and the potential dangers he faced. As a newbie to this world, he was desperate for information. Information that this individual might provide. Yet, to trust in the strange elf, its magical gifts, or its words; he was not sure he could do that.

  He remained standing, gazing at the elf for a long moment, uncertain of his next move. The elf for his part, appeared indifferent. It was leaning casually against the tree as though he hadn’t just lightning fried giant tiger mere seconds ago and simply waited for Alex to decide. His demeanor suggested that Alex's choice mattered little to him at all in the grand scheme of his own existence. It probably didn't.

  Didn't elves live forever? Alex would be badger shit long before this elf ever died.

  "Okay, first, tell me your name," Alex demanded, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

  "I am Sylvaris," the elf responded, gesturing to the grass beside him. "Please sit. I assure you, I mean no harm. You must have many questions, I am certain of that. While I cannot answer all of them, as that is simply not my place, I can provide some clarity."

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  With limited options, Alex sat down. After all, what else could he do? If Sylvaris had wanted him dead, he believed it would have already happened. He knew he couldn't outrun the elf. Legends had always spoken of their superior speed compared to humans in the fantasy worlds of his home. And Alex had no illusions that this was any different. That was not even to mention the stat attributes, which Alex suspected represented a metaphorical chasm of disparity between him and Sylvaris.

  He couldn't retaliate against the elf for the same reason. Alex was aware that any aggression would swiftly lead to his death. That was not a viable option.

  He was fairly certain he could leave, as he doubted Sylvaris would prevent him. After all, Sylvaris didn't require anything from Alex. In fact, it was quite the reverse, and both the elf and Alex were aware of this.

  Alex sighed and made his choice.

  Sitting beside the Elf, Alex crossed his legs and fixed his gaze on him for an extended moment. Neither spoke. Alex's uncertainty kept him silent, while Sylvaris appeared undisturbed by the prolonged quiet that stretched out in front of them.

  "I'm Alex. Alex Pierce. What can you tell me?" Alex eventually broke the silence.

  "Many things, it depends on the questions you have," the elf responded, turning away from his sunbathing. "You seem to be a Worldstrider, given the appalling absence of a speaking charm on your person, which is something even most children possess due to the ubiquity and ease of their making"

  Worldstrider? Speaking Charm? Alex pondered, glancing at the ring on his finger. He surmised the woven band he wore was the speaking charm in question. He had also inferred that "Worldstrider" referred to individuals like himself, originating from another world, realm, or universe, or whatever the hell it may be. Alex wasn't an astrophysicist, he didn't know the right term for it.

  Observing Sylvaris, Alex recognized the elf's unexpected generosity despite his initial claim. The terms and language used by the elf were for Alex’s benefit, tailored for easy understanding through context. Alex was sure of this fact.

  "Correct," Alex acknowledged with a nod. "I am- well, all of this is new to me." He gestured around his head, encompassing his surroundings and the status screens he had been seeing in his vision. Sylvaris raised an eyebrow but remained silent, simply gazing at Alex, expectant.

  "I don't understand this 'System.' It resembles something I know of from my world, yet there's so much I don't know."

  "None of this is a question. So, ask."

  "Where are we? What planet is this? Is this a program, the system? How do I level up? Are there classes? What does the percentage after the attribute stats mean? Why are mine so low? What is with the quest I received? Will the system actually kill people? How do I learn spells and magic?" Questions flooded out of Alex uncontrollably like a fire hydrant that had eaten far too spicy tacos. With a myriad of thoughts swirling in his head, he sought answers, he was acutely aware the more he could learn, the better position he would be in.

  "Slow, slow down, young human," Sylvaris interjected, raising his hand to stop Alex.

  "Sorry," Alex mumbled, sinking back. He flushed with embarrassment.

  "Very well, I understand your predicament. However, I lack the time and have no inclination to play the role of a world-teacher. Thus, I shall answer," he paused, stroking his chin, then lifted a finger, "just one question. Only one."

  "But-"

  "That is my limit. Nevertheless, I will provide some information that will help you find answers to your other questions. Just not from me." He reclined against the tree once more, his smile reappearing as he observed Alex's frustrated expression.

  He needed to be smart here, to formulate the question that would provide the most information. His initial thought was to inquire about the quest again, but he refrained. Such a question would likely yield only a superficial answer, a bare-bones explanation. He had a frustrated feeling that if he asked what this elf considered a bad question, he would give him a monkey-paw's answer.

  So he had to think of the biggest priority he needed information about. Levels or Quests may be important, but it wasn't the one Alex felt he needed. The matter of his attributes was pressing too, crucial to one's power and build in any game (if he knew anything about video games at all, that is) independent of level or class. Of course the idea about magic and spells also beckoned, a topic Alex yearned to explore. Wanted, but not needed, not right now anyway. It wasn't essential at the moment.

  "Can you explain how experience functions?" Alex decided to ask.

  Sylvaris regarded him with a smile and a nod. Alex thought he detected a fleeting sparkle in the elf's eye for a moment. He did not have time to think over the matter before the elf began to speak and steal away Alex's attention.

  "An astute query, human," Sylvaris responded. The elf sat straight again and leaned towards Alex. With a stick in hand, the elf gestured over the grass. As his hand passed, sparks traveled over the grass causing it to shrivel and die away, leaving only dirt underneath. Alex looked agape at the display of magic, but could not ask more before Sylvaris began speaking again.

  "Experience accrues through slaying creatures. Monsters, beasts, and even people," he explained, meeting Alex's uneasy gaze. "The greater the power disparity between the two parties, the more, or less, experience one gains."

  The elf sketched a humanoid and a creature in the dirt. He marked the creature and drew an arrow to the humanoid. The act of killing and the gaining of experience were clear to Alex.

  "You may also gain experience in other ways. The Heavenly System awards it by its own mechanisms, yet there are consistencies, patterns," he said. He erased his drawing to sketch a new one, a box with ornate and gilded edges. A system screen.

  "What is the Heavenly System? Does it grant the experience, or merely display what's occurring? Or is it both?" Alex inquired.

  Sylvanis ceased his drawing and gazed at him. They remained in that silent moment until Alex realized the elf's message in his silence.

  "Ah, right, one question. My apologies. Please, continue."

  The elf nodded and resumed his illustration. "You might receive quests that offer experience or be rewarded for achievements or creations. Not all quests provide experience though. It's all determined by the Heavens and the will of Aetherios. How much and how often. Do not attempt to cheat the heavens; the system is ever watchful."

  Alex observed as the elf depicted a figure with a malevolent grin, swiftly followed by lightning bolts above.

  Understood, no cheating, he mused wryly.

  "Finally, once you've accrued your experience, by whatever means, you may use it to strengthen yourself." The previous human figure, the one that had slain the beast, was redrawn, now larger.

  "I understand, thank you."

  Alex had more questions to ask, but he refrained, biting his tongue for now. He had a starting point. He needed to utilize his experience to become stronger. This could involve trading points to level up, acquire skills and spells, or something else entirely. Some experimentation was in order.

  At least he now had a direction to focus for his efforts.

  "You're welcome. Now, for the other matter I promised to address." Sylvaris erased all his drawings in the dirt and began afresh. "There exists a village, inhabited by humans like you." He paused in his drawing, considering Alex. "Let me rephrase, not humans such as yourself, but humans indigenous to Aetherios and the heavens."

  Alex noticed that Sylvaris was now sketching a map in the dirt, marking various locations and a river. He saw that they were positioned west of a river on the map, with the alleged human town to the north.

  "The Silenu River, which humans call the Silver River, is a three-hour walk from here. It's large and powerful; you won't be able to cross as you are now, with your current power. Instead, follow its bank with the river on your right, and continue for one cycle of the Ascendancy. That's when you'll find the human town."

  "Cycle of the Ascendancy?" Alex asked, frowning. Did the elf mean days? Or could he mean months? Years? How vast was this forest?

  The elf mirrored his frown and sighed. "Perhaps a different question would have been better for your current level of knowledge. Regardless, you're capable of making the journey. There, you may find someone who can answer your remaining questions."

  The elf then stood and extended his hand to Alex in offer. Taking it, Alex was taken aback by the softness of Sylvaris' skin. Despite the calluses and the underlying muscle strength, the elf's handshake was graceful and precise, beyond what Alex thought possible.

  "Well met, Alex."

  "And well met to you, Sylvaris." Letting go of the elf's hand, Alex looked up, realizing for the first time that Sylvaris was nearly half a foot taller than him.

  "I should be going now, Alex. Good luck on your journey through the heavens." Those were the last words Alex heard before Sylvaris turned and picked up the carcass of the giant tiger-leopard, throwing it over his shoulder. He moved in a blur, disappearing almost instantly a midst a rustle of leaves and a gust of wind that made Alex stagger back a step.

  For what felt like the eighth time, Alex pondered the elf's power. To wield magic and move with such speed and precision; Alex could only speculate, certain his estimates would fall short by leagues. He gazed at the ground, where the map remained skillfully etched in the dirt with so rudimentary a tool. He studied it long enough to commit the essential features and symbols to memory, then turned his attention back to the deer he had slain.

  For now, I'll go back to my camp. I need to figure out what spending experience means. I also still need to eat and then sleep for the night. In the morning, I will go back to everyone else. Tell them what is going on and try to see if they will go to the village with me. Alex thought that his teammates would have calmed by now and were ready to listen to reason.

  With this quest looming over their heads (as Alex was pretty certain they would have received the same quest upon entering this world) they would have even more reason to take Alex seriously.

  With a mental plan in place, he hoisted his quarry and set off towards his personal campsite.

  Tomorrow promised to be quite a long day.