The black panther's claws were just inches from Reynar's throat when a piercing whistle shattered the silence.
Time seemed to freeze.
A figure burst from the trees like a streak of silver lightning.
With a fluid motion, she swung a slender yet deadly blade, slicing through the panther's open maw.
The beast yelped in shock and pain, retreating with a growl that promised revenge.
Reynar blinked, his vision still blurred.
Before him stood a woman — tall, with sharp emerald eyes that burned with fierce intensity. Her raven-black hair flowed like a waterfall, and her lithe frame was clad in sleek, dark leather armor designed for agility and stealth.
"Are you alright?" she asked, voice calm but commanding.
Reynar coughed, struggling to sit up. "I... I think so. Thank you."
She extended a hand, helping him to his feet.
"I'm Liora," she said, her eyes scanning the forest nervously. "You're lucky I was nearby. That beast was no ordinary predator."
Reynar swallowed hard, still clutching the wounds on his side.
"Who… are you? And how did you know I was in danger?"
Liora's lips curled into a faint smile.
"I watch the forest paths for travelers in trouble. You're not from around here, are you?"
"No," Reynar admitted, wincing as he moved.
She nodded, eyes softening. "Come with me. There's a village close by where you can recover and learn more about this world."
As they moved through the forest, Liora's presence was reassuring — a silent promise of safety in the wilderness.
Reynar's System pinged softly:
[New Companion Acquired: Liora — Level 15 Rogue]
Skills: Stealth, Precision Strike, Forest Lore.
Special Ability: Shadow Veil — Temporary invisibility in natural environments.
Reynar felt a strange warmth in his chest.
This world is already changing faster than I imagined.
By the time they reached the village, twilight painted the sky with streaks of violet and gold.
Small cottages clustered together, smoke curling from chimneys.
Villagers glanced curiously at the newcomer and his mysterious savior.
Liora guided Reynar to a modest healer's hut at the village's edge.
Inside, a kindly old woman tended to his wounds with herbs and salves.
"Rest here," Liora said, her emerald eyes locking with Reynar's. "There's much you don't understand yet, but you're not alone anymore."
Reynar nodded, feeling a spark of hope ignite within him.
For the first time since his reincarnation, he wasn't just a weak boy fighting for survival.
He had allies.
He had a future.