Episode 54: William the Voluntary Steward
William, frustrated by his weakness in battle, found himself disappointed. He feared that his abilities offered little value to Elahar's party. Yet he resolved: If I cannot help them in combat, then perhaps I can contribute in another way. Even that, he believed, would give meaning to his presence among them.
One evening, after camp had been set, William took it upon himself to prepare supper. He busied himself gathering ingredients, roasting meat, cutting vegetables, and doing everything he could to prepare a proper meal. At first the others only watched him with puzzled glances. Why is this boy following us? hung silently in the air.
But William carried on unfazed."I'll prepare the meal so you can rest a little easier. Please enjoy!" His cheerful voice slowly softened the atmosphere of the camp.
That night, the meal exceeded all expectations. Elahar, Brakka, and Caron found themselves surprised by how good it was."I didn't think he could cook like this!" Brakka boomed with laughter. In that moment, the first seeds of fondness toward William were planted.
In the days that followed, William did more than cook. He prepared bedding, arranged personal spaces, and ensured the others could sleep comfortably. At first, they felt uneasy—Why does he go so far for us?—but over time, his sincerity became undeniable.
His voluntary actions warmed the group's hearts. They began to find him endearing, remarking, "Thanks to him, camp life is so much easier."
Elahar in particular felt moved. Though William could not yet stand with them in combat, his determination to remain useful in other ways touched him deeply. Everyone fulfilling their own role—that is what truly matters.
Though William contributed no blade to the fight, his small but steady support carried great meaning for the party. Their bond grew stronger, and William shifted from mere follower to valued companion.
From then on, he continued acting as their self-appointed steward, gladly managing the details of camp life. In time, his attitude solidified his place in the group—not as a warrior, but as an indispensable ally.
His earnest devotion laid the groundwork for trust, and raised anticipation for how he would grow in the adventures ahead.
**
Episode 55: A Moment of Inner Growth
Throughout the journey, William wrestled with questions of identity. He admired Elahar, who led with both the strength of his sword and the certainty of his decisions, yet also carved his own unique path. One quiet day in the forest, when Elahar had paused to gaze at a tree, William approached him.
"Elahar…" William began hesitantly. "I've been thinking about following the path of the elves. But… I don't know if it's truly mine."
Elahar turned his head slowly, his eyes sharp yet tinged with warmth."You must walk your own path. The way of the elves may not be for you." His voice was calm and steady.
William's brow furrowed. "But I want to be like them. Their strength, their beauty—I envy it."
"As we are all born different, so too is your identity your own. Even if you are not an elf, there is a path for you as a Cronatian. You must come to understand that." Elahar's tone carried a grave sincerity.
The words sank deep into William's heart. "Then… what can I do as a Cronatian?"
"Use what you already have," Elahar replied simply. "Learn your strengths, hone them. Do not measure yourself against others. First, know who you are."
William felt those words etching themselves into his core. "But… Elahar, I don't think I could ever become as strong as you."
A faint smile touched Elahar's lips."Becoming strong is not about copying me. True strength comes in discovering yourself. As I stand before you now, so too can you grow strong in your own way."
Moved, William nodded. "Thank you, Elahar. I think… I can finally begin to find myself."
Elahar gave a small nod before turning back to the tree. "Then walk your path. It doesn't have to be mine."
In that moment, William felt a new resolve settle inside him. Elahar's guidance had given him the courage to seek his true self. The journey ahead would forge him into someone stronger—not by imitation, but by embracing his identity.
And with that, the two resumed their path through the forest. William carried Elahar's words in his heart, knowing that this growth would shape him into something more than he ever imagined.
**
Episode 56: Searching for Cronatian Identity
As William traveled with Elahar, Brakka, and Caron, he wrestled with his identity as a Cronatian. One day, they reached a grove deep in the forest where strange flowers bloomed in abundance. The place was peaceful and radiant, yet William's heart remained restless.
"This place is beautiful," Brakka said in awe, looking around. "You can feel the power of nature here!"
Elahar sat beneath a tree, watching the blossoms. "Nature holds everything within itself. To surrender to its flow and find oneself within it—that is what matters."
William sat down beside him, troubled. "But… I want to be graceful like the elves. Finding my identity as a Cronatian feels so hard."
Elahar met his gaze. "You are already on your path. Elven traits do not define you. You must find your own strength as a Cronatian."
William frowned. "But what strengths do I have as a Cronatian? Being born between elves and trolls just feels… confusing."
"They are merely parts of you," Elahar said firmly. "You have the potential to wield both strength and wisdom. You are one who can bridge two worlds."
Brakka joined in with a grin. "That's right! If you embrace being Cronatian, you'll find not just strength, but a unique identity. Imagine it—the beauty of the elves and the might of the trolls, both within you!"
William felt a spark of clarity. "So… I can accept my traits and turn them into strengths?"
"Exactly." Elahar nodded in encouragement. "Love who you are. Respect your identity. Walk your own road."
With renewed resolve, William said, "Then I'll explore the path of the Cronatian. I'll discover my strengths and find the true me."
Elahar placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Your journey has only just begun. The road will be long, but we'll walk it together."
For the first time, William felt real confidence. He was no longer chasing after elves or trolls—he was ready to embrace himself as a Cronatian.
**
Through countless battles, William tried to mimic Elahar's swordplay. Yet his stance faltered, his movements lacked precision. One day, when they faced a pack of monsters in the forest, his imitation collapsed entirely.
"Your stance is broken, William," Elahar warned sharply as he deflected a blow. "Like this, you cannot bring out your strength."
Brakka added, "You're stronger than you realize! Don't copy Elahar—fight in your own way. Use your strength!"
William hesitated. "But all I have is raw power. I can't match Elahar's grace."
Elahar's eyes burned with quiet intensity. "Cronatians carry both lineages. You don't need to mirror either. You need to be yourself."
Brakka grinned. "Exactly! Use your power as your foundation, and weave agility into it only when you need it. That's what makes you unique!"
Their words ignited William's determination. "Then I'll fight with my own strength—my own way!"
In the battle that followed, William committed fully. He struck with raw power, his blows shaking the ground, while slowly finding a rhythm of his own. Though unrefined, his attacks carried a force that made him indispensable to the fight.
Elahar gave a faint smile. "Good. You're beginning to see how you can contribute."
Brakka roared in encouragement. "Push harder! Show them your strength!"
By the end, William felt confidence stirring within him. Teamwork and mutual respect had revealed what he could bring to the group. He was no longer simply following—he was part of the team.
***
Episode 57: The Attack of the Fenrius
The search for Aranuk led them through a dark forest, its silence heavy as if the wind itself had stopped. A distant howl pierced the air. Elahar's eyes narrowed.
"Fenrius." His voice carried no fear, only warning. The savage werewolf pack was drawing near.
William tensed at the rear, unsure if he could hold his own. He had trained with Elahar and Brakka, but never truly tested his strength.
The wolves struck. Elahar's blade cut with precision, every motion clean and efficient. Brakka's axe cleaved through the pack with brute force. Caron cast spells from a distance, shrouding enemies in darkness and confusion.
But one Fenrius broke through and lunged at William. He stumbled back, barely raising his guard. His thoughts raced: Elahar said to use my strengths… Brakka told me not to copy… Yet his body trembled under the weight of real danger.
Elahar glanced once, then looked away. "Stand your ground, William!" His tone was cold, but beneath it was trust—this was a trial William had to face alone.
The beast's claws slashed at him. Just as William faltered, Caron's spell froze the creature in place for a heartbeat. "Now," Caron said flatly. "Reclaim yourself."
William drew a deep breath. Instead of forcing himself to be swift like an elf, he blended his agility with raw Cronatian strength. He sidestepped the claws, then swung with crushing force. His blade struck true, staggering the wolf. Seizing the moment, he delivered another decisive blow, felling the Fenrius.
Elahar's voice cut through the aftermath. "You've found yourself, William." The words were brief, but heavy with recognition.
Brakka laughed, his voice booming through the forest. "You did it, boy! You finally fought as yourself!"
Panting, William realized he was no longer trying to be anyone else. He wasn't an elf, nor a troll. He was Cronatian. And for the first time, he believed that was enough.