Lackey's Seducing Survival Odyssey

Chapter 863: Pas(sed)t : Alaric Wood (A Longing boy): Part-1

Alaric Woodʼs POV

Well, my name was Alaric Wood. I was born into a secluded tribe known as the Wood Elf tribe, a community that rarely ventured beyond the safety of its dense forests.

We lived in harmony with nature, away from the affairs of the world, existing quietly within the embrace of ancient trees.

Our people possessed a unique ability to communicate with trees, nurturing them to grow faster and stronger. We helped nature flourish, ensuring that the forests remained abundant and full of life. But that was all we could do… nothing more.

Unlike other tribes, we lacked extraordinary powers. The High Elves could master the air element, bending the wind to their will. The Wolf tribe could cut through the hardest wood with a single strike, their strength unmatched.

Yet, we—Wood Elves—were merely gardeners in the grand scheme of this empire, tending to the forests like humble caretakers.

Because of this, our tribeʼs rank among the others was painfully low. We were looked down upon, considered weak, unremarkable, and of little importance.

Most of our people lacked ambition, content with their simple lives, growing trees and nurturing the land.

I was one of them.

For as long as I could remember, I had no desires beyond the trees. No dreams beyond tending the land. No passions beyond the quiet, peaceful existence I had always known.

That was until everything changed in a single, horrifying moment.

A monstrous roar shattered the tranquillity of our village, the kind of sound that sent a cold, paralyzing fear deep into the bones of everyone who heard it.

”Arrrhh!!”

A high-level monster stormed into our village, its massive form tearing through everything in its path. Screams erupted all around me as panic spread like wildfire, drowning out the usual peaceful hum of nature.

”Someone, please! Help us!” a voice shrieked in terror.

”Call the soldiers! Where are the High Elves?!” another shouted in desperation.

People ran in all directions, but it was useless. No one dared to fight the beast. No one had the strength to stand against it.

My heart pounded painfully in my chest as I clutched onto my motherʼs trembling arm. My entire body felt frozen with fear, my mind refusing to process the horror unfolding before me.

”M-Mom, itʼs so scary…” I whispered, my voice shaking as I watched in horror.

My friends… the people I had known since childhood… were being ripped apart like fragile dolls, their cries of agony piercing the air.

My parents, too, were paralyzed with fear, their hands gripping mine tightly. They had no weapons.

No way to defend themselves... They were just like me—helpless.

This wasnʼt supposed to happen. Our tribe had never been attacked before. Monsters rarely came this far into the forest.

The soldiers of the High Elves were supposed to keep us safe, killing any threats before they could reach us.

But today… no one came.

The monster rampaged through our village, crushing wooden houses beneath its claws like they were made of paper.

And then—

Boom!

With a deafening crash, our home was torn apart, the walls shattering into pieces. I barely had time to react before an enormous, clawed hand forced its way inside, searching… hunting.

Scrraaacchhh.

Stattttannkkk.

Everything around me collapsed into chaos as the creatureʼs monstrous hand swung wildly, knocking over furniture, and breaking everything it touched. My family and I pressed ourselves into the farthest corner of the room, our breaths ragged and desperate, our bodies shaking in terror.

Hoping... Praying!

Wishing that someone—anyone—would come to save us.

”D-Daddy…” I choked out, my voice barely a whisper as I watched the enormous claws inch closer, scraping against the wooden floor.

My father trembled but forced a weak smile, his hand resting on my head with a gentleness that made my heart ache.

”My son… you must be brave,” he whispered, his voice breaking as he kissed my forehead. Then, he turned to my mother, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips before pulling away with a sorrowful look.

Without another word, he crawled away from us, moving carefully toward the destroyed entrance. I didnʼt understand what he was doing. My breath hitched as I watched him step out into the open, standing right in front of the monster.

”Hey! Over here, you ugly beast!” he shouted, waving his arms before taking off in a desperate sprint.

”D-Dad?” My eyes widened in pure horror as I realized what was happening.