Chapter 12: The Mysterious Visitor

In the Walker household, Elma was diligently caring for Lily, who had just turned one year old. Gently, she checked Lily's temperature and offered her warm milk, ensuring that the baby was comfortable and sleeping soundly.

After Lily had fallen asleep, Elma continued with the chores, washing dishes before sitting down in front of the television. Exhausted, she eventually drifted off to sleep.

In her dreams, Elma saw a young girl with blonde hair, looking radiant yet distressed. The child appeared to be crying in the middle of a dark forest. Elma tried to reach the girl, but she moved further away with every step. As the girl vanished, Elma was abruptly awakened by Lily's cries.

Rushing to Lily’s room, Elma asked softly, “What’s wrong, sweetie?” She picked Lily up and held her close, guessing that the baby might be missing her parents who were still in the hospital.

It was late into the night by the time Elma had managed to soothe Lily back to sleep. As Elma prepared to return to bed herself, she heard a faint knocking at the back door.

Frowning, Elma murmured, “It might just be the wind,” but given the recent attack on Evan, she decided to check it out. Upon approaching the back door, she noticed a few strands of hair peeking through the crack.

Her curiosity piqued, Elma opened the door, and to her surprise, she found a young girl with blonde hair, wearing a dirty nightgown and clutching something—a bow.

The sight was both striking and peculiar: a disheveled child with a precious relic. Elma's heart went out to the girl. Although uncertain about the child’s identity, she decided to help her. Surely, a child like this posed no threat. After making her decision, Elma carefully picked up the girl and carried her inside.

***

The next morning, Evan felt significantly better, likely due to his recent level up. The doctor, astonished by his quick recovery, finally allowed him to go home. Evan, along with his family, returned to their house.

Upon arriving, Elma asked Daniel and Maria to speak with her privately, while Evan headed to his room.

It wasn't long before Evan came out of his room, looking perplexed. “Who’s in my room?”

Daniel and Maria exchanged glances before turning to Elma.

“Did Aunt Elma bring someone home?” Evan inquired.

Elma nodded, her smile tinged with guilt. “I’m sorry, Maria. I found a girl sleeping outside the house. She looked so exhausted that I brought her in to rest in Evan’s room.”

Evan was initially indifferent to the situation, but he was taken aback by the sight of the bow beside the girl.

Curious, Daniel and Maria hurried to Evan’s room. Like Evan, they were astonished by the sight of the beautiful child and the bow.

“I tried waking her up, but she seems to have a fever, so I let her sleep,” Elma explained.

Maria felt the girl’s forehead. “She has a fever.”

Daniel turned to Elma. “Did she say anything about her parents or where she’s from?”

Elma shook her head. “When she woke up briefly, she cried out for her parents.”

Maria and Daniel exchanged worried looks. Maria’s maternal instincts told her that the girl might be going through a very difficult time.

“Let her rest for now. We’ll talk to her when she’s strong enough,” Daniel decided.

Evan was about to ask where he would sleep if the girl was in his room, but a familiar notification sound echoed in his ears, signaling a new quest.

New Quest: (0/4)

- Protect Aria Sterling

- Safeguard Arrow of Eternal Light

- Investigate Aria Sterling’s Background

- Make Aria Sterling an Ally

Quest Description:

Aria Sterling, the daughter of the Sterling family, is now under your protection. Safeguard her from any threats and ensure that the Arrow of Eternal Light remains secure from those who would misuse it. Her presence and the relic will have a significant impact on Arcadia’s fate. Investigate Aria’s background to gain a deeper understanding of her destiny.

Evan read the quest notification carefully. The names "Aria Sterling" and "Arrow of Eternal Light" immediately reminded him of the quest to save Michael Chang and the Blade of Eternity.

“Blade of Eternity and Arrow of Eternal Light?” Evan pondered. “Why do these people want these relics so badly?”

***