Silence.
Eric cursed inwardly.
He seriously considered the idea of opening a shop meant solely to display mythical materials, a place where people could only admire them.
In the end, he had no choice but to resign himself.
—…Fine —he muttered—
Lyra gave him a pat on the shoulder.
The merchants left delighted, promising to return with more caravans, more buyers, and of course, more money.
Eric stared at the empty shop.
Only food rations remained in storage.
—I'll have to go hunting again —he said—
—Tomorrow —Lyra replied cheerfully, gently shaking the pouch overflowing with rupees—.
—Tonight, we celebrate.
….
That night
The table was overflowing.
Roasted meat. Fresh vegetables.
Warm bread.
Fruit.
Improvised desserts made personally by Lyra.
Five children sat as if attending a royal feast.
—It's even better than yesterday! —shouted Lio, one of the younger ones—
—Our big brother is still incredibly strong! —Nair added proudly—
—And tomorrow he'll definitely bring back more! —Tiran finished—
—Quiet and eat —Eric scolded them—
Lyra tapped the table lightly with a spoon.
—You finish everything —she ordered—. And then straight to bed.
Absolute silence.
Eric watched the scene with a smile.
Eira and Sila, the only two girls, quietly passing food between each other.
The younger ones laughing with full mouths. His mother sitting calmly, without the shadow of exhaustion weighing on her shoulders.
Only one presence was missing.
Their father, who had died protecting the village from a massive monster horde.
The twitch in Eric's brow disappeared.
He leaned back in his chair and let out a tired laugh.
—It's fine… —he thought— Let the shop empty.
Because as long as the table was full…
everything was fine.
After everyone had filled themselves with the excessive feast—
A sharp knock at the door drew everyone's attention.
It was urgent.
—Eric! —a rough voice whispered—. Eric, open up, quickly!
Eric stood.
He opened the door and found two guards drenched in sweat, torches trembling in their hands.
—It's big —one said bluntly—.
—Too big.
—A massive horde —the other added—. Coming from the south.
Eric was something of a local legend in Hateno. No one dared underestimate the short-statured Hylian anymore.
Not after seeing him return day after day loaded with elite monster materials, parts, and weapons.
Eric blinked for a moment.
Then… he smiled. His sharp grin left the guards momentarily speechless.
—How long? —he asked—
—Minutes —they answered at the same time—. Maybe less.
Eric nodded once and turned toward his family.
The children stared at him wide-eyed. His mother was already standing, asking no questions.
—To the shed —Eric said firmly—.
—Everyone.
—Eric… —Lyra murmured—
He shook his head.
—Like we practiced. Lock it from the inside.
—Don't come out until I'm back.
There was a second of hesitation.
Then they obeyed.
The children ran. Eira took the hand of shy Sila, her twin, and ran with her.
Lyra was the last to leave, pausing to look back at him.
—Come back safe —she said, kissing her eldest son's forehead—
Eric nodded, feeling his mother's warmth.
—Always do.
Once the shed was secured, Eric turned to the guards.
—Let's go.
The night over Hateno grew tense despite the biting cold.
Torches igniting. Doors closing.
The murmur of a village that already knew what that distant sound meant, and what that pressure in the air signaled.
Eric walked without hurry, his bow resting on his shoulder.
—How many? —he asked as they moved—
—We didn't count —one replied—.
—We stayed alive by running.
Eric let out a low chuckle.
—That can be fixed.
On the hill ahead, shadows began to move.
Red eyes.
Misshapen bodies.
Too many.
Eric stopped and, after a brief moment of thought, said;
—This time, don't defend.
The guards exchanged glances.
—Then what do we do?
—Just let me work.
…..
The night roared in the distance.
The horde was approaching. That much was certain.
Eric felt it in his gut, in the way the wind carried the smell of blood and damp earth.
—Alright… —he murmured, seeing that the two guards had fallen back, honoring his request—
With a thought, a blue screen unfolded before him, glowing steadily.
[CHARACTER PANEL]
Name: Eric Thalren
Age: 15
Title: None
Physical Condition:
– Strength: Low ↓
– Endurance: Low ↓
– Speed: Low ↓
– Recovery: Low ↓
Equipment:
– Bow of Light (Level 1)
– Standard Arrows
– Improvised Explosives
Available Points:
20,000
---
Eric exhaled.
—Everything —he said—. Spend it all.
He decided it was time to improve his physical condition.
[PHYSICAL ENHANCEMENT – CONFIRMED]
–8,000 Points
Applied Effects:
✔️ Strength Increased ↑
✔️ Endurance Increased ↑
✔️ Speed Improved ↑
✔️ Combat Fatigue Reduction ↑
All physical stats increased from Low → Medium.
His body reacted immediately.
His small muscles tightened with greater efficiency.
His breathing became deep and controlled.
The exhaustion lingering after the Centaleon fight receded.
—Much better —he murmured with satisfaction—
His gaze settled on his beloved bow.
---
[EQUIPMENT UPGRADE – BOW OF LIGHT]
–7,000 Points
BOW OF LIGHT (Ancient Deku Tree Wood)
Level 1 → Level 5
Changes:
✔️ Faster Light Arrows ↑
✔️ Increased Penetration ↑
✔️ Extended Range ↑
✔️ Improved Stability for Continuous Fire ↑
The bow vibrated with satisfaction when Eric held it.
The string answered instantly, smooth and obedient.
A light arrow formed on its own.
Denser. Far more dangerous.
Eric smiled, but didn't linger.
He moved on to his tactical supplies.
[PURCHASE – COMBAT CONSUMABLES]
–5,000 Points
Inventory Added:
Improvised Bomb Arrows (x12)
Incendiary Flasks (x16)
Fire Arrows (x24)
---
[REMAINING POINTS]
0
---
The hologram showing the shop interface closed.
Eric opened and closed his fists.
His body responded, far more vigorous than before.
The bow was ready.
His supplies were ready.
And in the distance, the roars were now clear and threatening.